Suwon Designated City Selected for Ministry of Culture's 'Barrier-Free Tourism Environment Project'... Secures 4.25 Billion Won in Government Funding

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Designated City has been selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's '2026 Barrier-Free Tourism Environment Creation Competition Project' and has secured 4.25 billion won in government funding.

The barrier-free tourism environment competition project aims to create a travel environment free from constraints in travel between tourist destinations, use of key tourism facilities, and access to information for all tourists, including people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and those accompanying infants and young children.

The selection process designates one local government in the 'Strengthening Barrier-Free Tourism Connectivity' category (4 billion won in government funding) and 13 local governments in the 'Accessible Tourism Destination' category (250 million won). Suwon City was selected in both categories and will receive 4.25 billion won in support.

Haenggung Palace is designated as the project site for the accessible tourism destination project. The city plans to implement projects including drainage improvement at Haenggung Palace, operation of the Taepyeongseongdae program, and enhanced QR code-based information services next year.

The barrier-free tourism connectivity enhancement project will be conducted at Hwaseong Fortress and the Haenggung-dong area from next year through 2028. Major projects include: △Introduction of new cable cars △Replacement of Hwaseong carriages that have reached the end of their service life △Introduction of city buses △Development of tourism course products △Development and establishment of signage design system within Hwaseong Fortress △Improvement of accessibility in private facilities.

The city signed the 'MOU for Creating 2026 Accessible Tourism Destinations and Activating Barrier-Free Tourism' with the Korea Tourism Organization on December 16 at the 'Barrier-Free Tourism Governance General Assembly' held at the Westin Chosun Seoul, and committed to cooperation. First Vice Mayor Kim Hyun-soo of Suwon City attended the signing ceremony.