People with disabilities prefer ordering in person rather than using automated kiosks, citing a lack of accessibility features, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said Friday. The statement highlighted persistent gaps, despite regulations mandating improved accessibility in kiosk design and operation. The finding comes as revised anti-discrimination laws protecting people with disabilities are set to take full effect in January. Ahead of this, the ministry surveyed accessibility barriers in information services, with a special focus on self-service kiosks. The use of kiosk ordering terminals in South Korean restaurants has surged, fueled by efforts to cut labor costs and a consumer shift toward contactless service. A 2024 survey by the Korea Rural Economic Institute found that the share of food service businesses using automatic ordering systems, including kiosks, has jumped more than tenfold — from 1.5 percent in 2019 to 12.9 percent in 2024. Since its enactment in 2007, Korea’s disability discrimination law has been revised several times. A 2021 amendment required reasonable accomm
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