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Busan Metropolitan City to Launch Regular Operations of Accessible City Tour “Narae Bus,” Expanding Barrier-Free Cultural and Leisure Opportunities for All

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will begin a pilot project for the regular operation of the accessible city tour “Narae Bus” starting this month in order to expand tourism mobility rights for persons with disabilities.

Previously, the service operated twice a week in 2025 through group reservations only, but beginning in 2026, the operating system has been improved to allow individual applications as well, enhancing user convenience.

This regular operation is intended to go beyond simply providing transportation support and enable persons with disabilities to more easily enjoy Busan’s diverse tourism resources. It is part of a policy initiative to guarantee universal access to tourism while enhancing the popularity and accessibility of the service.

Regular operations will be conducted twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will follow two routes circulating Busan’s major tourist attractions.

<Narae Bus Regular Operation Pilot Routes>

Eastern Busan Area (Route A): Busan Station → United Nations Memorial Cemetery → Haeundae Beach → Yongdusan Park

Western Busan Area (Route B): Busan Station → Provisional Capital Memorial Hall → Taejongdae → Nakdong Estuary Eco Center

Busan Metropolitan City plans to comprehensively review route suitability, operational systems, and user satisfaction following the pilot regular operation of the accessible city tour “Narae Bus” during the first half of this year. Based on the findings, improvements will be incorporated to establish a stable foundation for regular operations.

In addition, the service will expand from its previous group-centered operation to include individual users, lowering the barrier to bus use and developing it into a cultural and leisure service for persons with disabilities in which anyone can participate.

Persons with disabilities residing in Busan may apply on a first-come, first-served basis together with up to two accompanying guardians. Applications are accepted year-round through the official Narae Bus website (naraebus.com).

For inquiries regarding use of the service, contact the official Narae Bus website (naraebus.com) or the Busan Federation of Organizations of the Disabled at 051-791-2023.

Meanwhile, the accessible city tour “Narae Bus” is a dedicated city tour bus designed to enable wheelchair boarding through specially equipped vehicles, allowing persons with disabilities to enjoy cultural activities and tourism. Busan Metropolitan City introduced the service in 2023 as the first of its kind in the nation.

Since the introduction of the first vehicle in 2023, approximately 1,300 people have used the service. With the addition of a second vehicle in 2025, cumulative users have reached approximately 7,100, reflecting the continued expansion of services to guarantee tourism mobility rights for persons with disabilities.

The project was initially operated as a subsidy program. However, to improve operational efficiency and strengthen public–private cooperation, it was converted to a private consignment model in 2025 and is currently operated by the Busan Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (President Cho Chang-yong).

Jeong Tae-gi, Director General of the Social Welfare Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “Persons with disabilities also have the right to enjoy culture, leisure, and tourism in everyday life without restrictions on mobility.” He added, “Through the regular operation of the ‘Narae Bus,’ we will expand mobility rights for persons with disabilities and broaden opportunities for social participation, building Busan into an inclusive city where everyone can thrive together.”