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Busan City Holds Commemorative Event for World Autism Awareness Day

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Busan Metropolitan City announced that it held a commemorative event in collaboration with the Busan Branch of the Autism Society Korea to mark World Autism Awareness Day.

Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) aims to raise public awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention.

On April 2 at 10:00 AM, Busan City hosted a commemorative ceremony at the Busan City Hall International Conference Hall, attended by approximately 250 people, including individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and local citizens. The event featured commendations for outstanding contributors, congratulatory performances, and various activities to promote autism awareness.

In the evening, the city launched the Blue Light Campaign to symbolize understanding and support for individuals with autism. From April 1 to April 7, iconic landmarks across Busan, including the exterior of buildings and landscape lighting, were illuminated in blue — a color known to bring sensory comfort to those on the autism spectrum.

Event Highlights

The ceremony included the presentation of awards and plaques of appreciation, the Blue Event (a series of activities related to autism awareness), and a performance by individuals with developmental disabilities.

Accompanying events included:

• ●A congratulatory video created by students from the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Silla University

• ●An exhibition of artwork by students with developmental disabilities

• ●A display of products made by individuals with developmental disabilities

• ●A battery donation event where used batteries were exchanged for 1,042 new ones, collected through a participation reward system

• ●A “Blue Dress Code” photo zone encouraging attendees to wear blue clothing or accessories

In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, various institutions and organizations donated rice wreaths, which were delivered to the Nasaham Welfare Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Nam-gu.

From April 1 to April 7, the Blue Light Campaign will continue across Busan to raise public awareness. Participating landmarks include:

• ●Nurimaru APEC House (April 1–7)

• ●Gwangandaegyo (Gwangan Bridge) (April 2)

• ●Busan Harbor Bridge (April 1–2)

• ●Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower (April 1–7)

Overview of the Blue Light Campaign

• ●Period: April 1 (Tue) – April 7 (Mon), 2025

• ●How to Participate: Illuminate building exteriors in blue using landscape lighting

• ●Inquiries: Autism Society Korea, Busan Branch (Tel: 051-710-9888)

Quotes

Kwon Min-jeong, Director of the Autism Society Korea Busan Branch, stated,
"Individuals with autism spectrum disorders face greater challenges in daily life due to sensory differences and communication difficulties. I hope society can recognize these differences and accept them as part of the community."

She added,
"Even if someone exhibits unusual behavior, please understand that they are simply adapting to the world in their own way. Responding with friendly indifference can empower them."

Jung Tae-ki, Director of Busan’s Social Welfare Bureau, remarked,
"We hope this commemorative event becomes a meaningful opportunity to reflect on love and understanding for individuals with autism. Busan City will continue to promote education and awareness while working closely with the local community to support those with developmental disabilities."

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[Appendix 1] Event Overview

18th World Autism Awareness Day Commemorative Ceremony and Side Events

• ●Date & Venue: Busan City Hall, International Conference Hall

• ●Participants: City officials, association members, award recipients, individuals with developmental disabilities, etc.

• ●Program:

• ○Opening declaration (by a participant with developmental disability)

• ○Awards and appreciation plaques

• ○Blue-themed performances by individuals with developmental disabilities

• ○Exhibitions of art and products

• ○Blue-themed dress code and photo zone

• ○Battery recycling and donation activity (1,042 new batteries distributed)

• ○Donation of rice wreaths by various organizations

[Appendix 2] Related Photos

• ●18th World Autism Awareness Day Commemorative Ceremony (April 2)

• ●Blue Light Campaign at Nurimaru APEC House (April 1)