The Ministry of Health and Welfare will inspect the status of installing accessibility facilities for people with disabilities at major sports stadiums nationwide on the 22nd. The inspection period runs through the 31st of next month.

On the 23rd of last month at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark, the professional baseball game of the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League between Hanwha Eagles and SSG Landers is taking place. /Courtesy of News1

The inspection follows controversy after one stadium arbitrarily changed and operated seating for people with disabilities. Earlier in Apr., at Hanwha Life Ballpark, the home stadium of the Hanwha Eagles in professional baseball, it was found that some seats for people with disabilities had been converted and used as general seating, prompting Daejeon City to issue a corrective order.

The ministry plans to inspect about 230 stadiums, including 45 home venues of the four major professional sports teams. The targets include main-entrance approaches, parking spaces designated for people with disabilities, elevators, restrooms, and seating.

The ministry said, "Facilities found lacking in the inspection will be subject to corrective orders or enforcement fines through local governments," adding, "We also plan to review turning 'recommended' items among required accessibility facilities into mandatory items."

Types and installation standards of convenience facilities by target facility as specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Guaranteeing the Promotion of Convenience for the Disabled, the Elderly, Pregnant Women, and Others. /Courtesy of the Ministry of Health and Welfare

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