Korea Designates New Barrier-Free Certification Bodies

Ministry of Health and Welfare Boosts Accessibility Initiatives

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has officially announced the designation of new Barrier-Free (BF) Living Environment Certification Institutions. This pivotal announcement, made on March 31, 2026, signifies a concerted effort by South Korea to enhance accessibility and promote inclusivity across its public and private environments.

The BF certification system is a national initiative in South Korea designed to ensure that various spaces, including buildings, public facilities, and transportation infrastructure, are accessible to everyone. Its primary goal is to remove physical barriers and create a more convenient and safer environment for vulnerable populations, such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.

The designation of these specialized certification bodies is firmly rooted in several key pieces of legislation. These include Article 10-2 of the “Act on Guarantee of Convenience Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly, Pregnant Women, etc.,” Article 17-2 of the “Act on Promotion of Mobility Convenience for the Transportation Vulnerable,” and Article 11 of the “Regulations on Barrier-Free Living Environment Certification.” The newly authorized institutions will be responsible for conducting thorough assessments and issuing BF certifications, thereby playing a crucial role in the practical implementation of these laws.

The Ministry’s official announcement includes detailed attachments that list these newly designated institutions. For businesses, developers, or public entities in South Korea seeking to obtain Barrier-Free certification for their facilities, these authorized bodies will now serve as the primary contact points for assessment and certification processes. This move aims to streamline the certification process and ensure a consistent standard of accessibility nationwide.

Source: 보건복지부 — Original Article (Korean)