Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o attended the 2026 Good Local Government Policy Competition held Friday at the courtyard of Sarangjae at the National Assembly, where he presented the district's initiative to build a disability-friendly city.
The event brought together 19 local governments selected nationwide to share and promote outstanding regional policies through on-site presentations. It was organized by the Good Local Government Council and sponsored by the prime minister's office, the Ministry of Interior and Safety, and the Korean Association of Mayors and County Governors.
Seo presented under the theme "Barrier-free daily life, discrimination-free enjoyment — Nowon's disability-friendly city," drawing attention with a range of initiatives tailored to the district's population of roughly 25,000 residents with disabilities. These included the country's first barrier-free hair salon for people with disabilities, a permanent electric mobility aid driving practice facility — the first of its kind among Seoul's autonomous districts — subsidized insurance for electric mobility aids, and an expansion of disability-friendly hospitals to 17 facilities.
"A disability-friendly city goes beyond special consideration — it means creating a place where everyone can enjoy daily life without inconvenience or discrimination," Seo said. "We will continue to pursue thoughtful and dignified welfare policies so that residents can feel the difference in their everyday lives."
Nowon-gu took home the top prize at the policy competition Friday.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
