Seoyun Park
US International School
Abstract
Seoul’s public transportation is often praised as one of the best in the world, yet for many disabled residents it remains out of reach. This paper looks at how that gap persists, from broken elevators and unsafe station access to a paratransit system split between dozens of local jurisdictions. These problems are not just inconveniences. They shape whether people can get to work, attend school, visit family, or take part in public life. The result is a system that treats mobility as a privilege rather than a right. Drawing on first-hand accounts, policy review, and examples from cities like London, Singapore, and New York, the paper explores how coordinated governance, universal design, and stronger enforcement could replace the current patchwork. At its heart, it argues that accessibility is about equal citizenship. Without it, the promise of freedom, dignity, and participation will remain out of reach for many.
