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A Special Day of Happiness, Everyday Life, and Hope — Busan Hosts 45th Disability Day Commemorative Event

◈ Commemorative event held on April 18 at 10:30 AM at Gangseo Sports Park, marking Disability Day (April 20) — with over 5,000 attendees, including Mayor Park Heong-joon, persons with disabilities, families, and citizens

◈ Event features include an art exhibition by young artists with developmental disabilities and a child-friendly play zone for special school students

◈ Mayor Park to reaffirm his commitment to creating a barrier-free city where all citizens are respected, included, and can live happily

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The Busan Metropolitan City hosted the 45th Disability Day Commemorative Event on Friday, April 18 at 10:30 AM at Gangseo Sports Park, celebrating a day of inclusion, unity, and joy for persons with and without disabilities alike.

Sponsored by the city and organized by the Busan Federation of Organizations of the Disabled, the event was attended by Mayor Park Heong-joon, Vice Chair of the City Council Lee Jong-hwan, Superintendent of Education Kim Seok-jun, along with over 5,000 participants, including persons with disabilities, their families, and students from special education schools.

Event Theme:

“Looking at Happiness, Embracing Everyday Life, Continuing Hope”

Key Programs:

• ●Reading of the Charter of Human Rights for Persons with Disabilities

• ●Awards for outstanding contributors

• ●Art exhibition featuring 18 works by 9 young artists with developmental disabilities (Blue Art) and 20 winning pieces from the 2024 Busan Developmental Disabilities Drawing Contest

• ●A “Children’s Zone” play space with inflatable slides and sensory-friendly experiences for 159 special school students

• ●Performances including a musical opening act by Arte Performing Arts Troupe, and interactive booths and exhibitions across the venue

• ●City tour bus promotion for accessible tourism (Narae Bus)

The event also included family-friendly activities such as face painting, bubble shows, photo zones, and more, offering a vibrant and inclusive experience for all.

The opening performance featured the Arte Performing Arts Troupe, composed of four visually impaired and one non-disabled artist, delivering a touching musical performance including “You Raise Me Up” — symbolizing encouragement and solidarity.

Additional Disability Week Events in Busan:

• ●April 19: 12th Ivy Walking Festival at Dadaepo Beach, promoting awareness and inclusion through a joint walk

• ●April 20–27: Various events at welfare centers citywide, including healthcare days, cultural programs, and educational workshops

• ●April 20 (Evening): Purple light-up event at Gwangandaegyo Bridge as part of a global disability awareness campaign

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated:

“Disability Day is not just for persons with disabilities — it is a moment for all of us to reflect on the society we live in together.
I am committed to creating a barrier-free city where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy their daily lives with dignity and happiness.”