Chae Na-yeon

By Chae Na-yeon

In spite of the occupation by Japan and the tragic division of Korea into North and South, we have made rapid progress during the last 50 years.

However, it is too early to conclude that Korea is a developed country. We can say that we are advanced in national income and well-equipped facilities, but not for a national system.

During my research, I discovered a few differences between Korea and developed countries, one being the handicapped and disabled.

When compared to developed countries, the concept of recognizing handicapped people in Korea is different. In Korea, anyone with a flaw is treated as disabled, but developed countries focus on how difficult it is to blend into society.

For example, cancer patients, AIDS patients or even people who have just a few difficulties in daily life in developed countries are regarded as handicapped.

Accordingly, their definition of being handicapped is more extensive, which makes it possible for people to be guaranteed their rights as handicapped.

There are considerable differences in welfare facilities and life-support technology that can help the handicapped to adapt into society as well. As of now in Korea, the number of facilities for the handicapped is insufficient.

What is more, these facilities aren’t diverse. In contrast, developed countries value each individual above everything else. Therefore, developed countries try to build various residential facilities specifically for the handicapped.

How do we improve this situation? If we take a deep look, we may realize that the origin of these problems is the policy that secures income for handicapped people. The aforementioned problems are all related to income. Most nations that have a well-developed welfare system provide a pension to the handicapped so that it is possible for them to maintain their livelihood.

In contrast to Korea, developed countries provide not only pension, which helps the handicapped to continue their lives, but also rights that are equal to the average person. Thus, the handicapped in developed countries are regarded as capable consumers.

I have written about some differences between developed countries and Korea regarding the protection of handicapped people. Although Korea has modernized in many ways, there are many things to be done in order to become an advanced country.

Of course, a well-equipped system for the handicapped is very important. However, this is nothing more than just the country’s obligation. Still, a lot of handicapped people think that they encounter deep-seated prejudice in this society. It requires a lot of encouragement to make a step forward in the world. Remember, our concern will give them the strength to advance their lives.

The improvement of our attitude is doubly important because the national system for the handicapped cannot be developed without the understanding of all citizens. If we keep these things in mind, we may definitely form an ideal world that is integrated together without social level.

cny443@naver.com



Che Na-yeon is a senior student attending Seongnam Foreign Language High School in Gyeonggi Province.