Korea Expanding 'Barrier Free' Culture in Publishing and Performing Arts
Creatrip Team
a year ago
In Korea, there is a growing movement to make culture accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, children, and the elderly. National Theater of Korea is leading this trend by casting disabled actors and integrating their stories into performances. Examples include plays that feature actors with cerebral palsy and deaf actors, as well as productions combining sign language with traditional Korean music (pansori). Additionally, Andong Culture and Arts Center is creating barrier-free opera experiences, offering tactile models of sets for visually impaired attendees and providing stage movement narrations via headphones. The publishing industry is also moving toward inclusivity. Actor Park Jung-min's publishing house, 'Muje,' has introduced a listening-focused format before releasing paper books, designed initially for visually impaired readers. Furthermore, Busan Museum of Contemporary Art hosts exhibitions with interactive displays suited for all visitors, enabling them to touch and feel miniature models of artworks.
