2 weeks Ago By Korea Bizwire
On May 20, 2020, Kim Ye-ji, then a visually impaired lawmaker-elect from the United Future Party, walks with her guide dog Joy after touring the main chamber of the National Assembly. Until then, guide dogs had not been permitted inside the chamber. (Yonhap) SEOUL, April 22 (Korea Bizwire) — Starting April 23, 2025, individuals with disabilities in South Korea will be allowed to enter nearly all public and private spaces with assistance dogs, following a newly revised enforcement ordinance and rule under the Disability Welfare Act (ACT ON WELFARE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES) .
Announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on April 22, the amendment clearly defines the limited circumstances under which access with an assistance dog may be lawfully denied. These exceptions include sterile areas such as hospital operating rooms and cleanrooms, as well as food preparation and storage facilities in cafeterias and restaurants. While South Korea’s existing law already prohibits unjustified denial of entry to assistance dog users in public transport, accommodations, and restaurants—with violators facing fines of up to 3 million won—it lacked a clear legal definition of “just cause,” leading to repeated incidents of refusal.
The revised rules aim to close that loophole by stipulating that only essential hygiene and infection control reasons constitute valid grounds for exclusion. Retired “National Assembly Dog” Joy Out for a Walk (Image provided by Samsung Fire & Marine Guide Dog School) To ensure the law evolves with best practices, the revised regulations mandate that the Health and Welfare Minister review the legitimacy of these exceptions every three years, beginning January 1, 2025. In addition, public education campaigns will now be required to explicitly address the rights of assistance dog users, including the importance of such animals and the prohibition on denying their entry.
The ministry plans to collaborate with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as local governments, to prevent further cases of discrimination and improve awareness across institutions. The reforms mark a significant step toward a more inclusive society for people with disabilities, strengthening both legal protections and public understanding of assistance animal access rights. Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.
com).
