An Autumn Amusement Park Outing with Visually Impaired Children and Youth 2024-11-05

On September 28, Smilegate employees visited the Seongbuk Welfare Center for the Visually Impaired in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, to participate in a cultural experience volunteer activity with visually impaired children. They accompanied the children on an amusement park outing. 

The purpose of the event was to provide diverse cultural experiences for children in marginalized communities with disabilities. After meeting the children at the welfare center, the employees and children traveled together to Seoul Land amusement park. Smilegate Newsroom accompanied the volunteers to capture the cheerful atmosphere and the employees’ efforts to create lasting memories for the children.  

9:30 a.m. – Learning to Understand Visually Impaired Children

The first part of the program was a session to help employees understand the characteristics and needs of visually impaired children, including how to walk with them and what to keep in mind. 

Eun-jung Cheon, a social worker at the Seongbuk Welfare Center, explained, “When walking with visually impaired children, you need to describe the surroundings in as much detail as possible. For example, say, ‘There’s a crosswalk about ten steps ahead’ or ‘To the left, cosmos flowers are in full bloom.’”

Guidelines were also given on how to respond to sudden behaviors. Cheon added, “Visually impaired children often confirm what something is by touching it. If they reach out to touch someone’s face or body out of curiosity, calmly respond with something like, ‘I’d prefer if we didn’t touch,’ in a kind and respectful tone.” 

10:00 a.m. – Meeting the Children and Forming Teams

 “Nice to meet you! I’m Ku Young-kwon, and I’ll be with you at the amusement park today.” With a mix of excitement and nerves, Smilegate employees and children met for the first time. Each team consisted of two Smilegate executives, one Smilegate Foundation staff member, and two visually impaired children. As teams were announced, the room buzzed with excitement. The children introduced themselves cheerfully, and the employees asked questions like “What do you want to try today?” or “What food do you want to eat?” to build a connection.

As the conversations grew lively, the teams ended up departing for Seoul Land a bit later than scheduled. The employees, now acting as the children's guardians for the day, held their hands and boarded the bus together. 

※ Tips for Walking with Visually Impaired Children

Walk half a step ahead of the child.

Explain the current situation clearly and wait for the child to process it before moving.

12:00 p.m. – First, a Delicious Meal to Get Ready for the Fun

Before starting the amusement park adventure, the group stopped by a nearby Chinese restaurant for lunch. The employees gently guided the children’s hands to identify the location of utensils, cups, and dishes on the table. They also described the space to help the children feel at ease: “The lights are a warm yellow, and the wallpaper is ivory.” “On the window side, there’s a painting with a red background and a golden crown.” As they enjoyed their meal together, conversations flowed and bonds grew stronger.

※ Tips for Mealtime

Let the child feel the table and chair to grasp the space.

Guide their hand holding the chopsticks to the side dishes.

(Once identified, do not move the dishes.) 

1:00 p.m. – Taking the Elephant Train into Seoul Land 

Finally, the group arrived at Seoul Land. Volunteers and children boarded the park’s iconic Elephant Train to head inside. The park was bustling with people enjoying the clear autumn sky. Some employees even interlocked fingers with the children to ensure they wouldn’t get separated.

The children’s expressions revealed both excitement and a bit of nervousness. For some, it was their first time riding the Elephant Train. One child enjoyed the breeze, while another clung tightly to a guardian, startled by the engine’s noise and the rumbling movement. 

※ Tips for New Environments

Describe surroundings in detail to reduce unfamiliarity.

Explain upcoming terrain or transitions in advance.

(e.g., “There’s a staircase four steps ahead, and we’ll walk about 30 steps and wait.”)

1:30 p.m. – Challenge Level 1: Riding the Carousel 

The outing officially began with a group photo—an essential part of any field trip. This cultural experience was designed like a game with three quests: “Take a photo with your child,” “Find out their interests,” and “Give a souvenir.” Before starting their missions, all participants enjoyed a ride on the carousel. With help from the employees, the children felt the shape of the horses before climbing onto the saddles. Some looked a little nervous, but as the executives mounted horses beside them and held their hands, their tension began to ease. By the second turn of the carousel, bright smiles lit up their faces, and some even waved or made heart signs with their hands. 

Then came the highlight of the day—the quest challenge. Each team explored the amusement park together, snapping photos in beautiful spots and sharing ice cream while chatting in cozy corners.  

Today’s Quests

As the quests unfolded, the children and their guides grew noticeably closer. It was as if the amusement park cast a spell—children clung tightly to their guides’ hands and arms while riding attractions and laughed freely as they chatted along the way. 

Throughout the quest, the children asked nonstop questions like, “What ride is in front of me now?”, “What color is it?”, and “What’s the most popular souvenir?” Their excitement showed just how much the amusement park experience was stimulating their curiosity in the best way. 

4:00 p.m. – Until Next Time: A Farewell Full of Memories

At 4 p.m., it was time to wrap up the day’s activities. The children’s faces, after spending such a joyful day with their guides, were filled with reluctance to leave.

Back at the welfare center, parents who had been apart from their children for the day were waiting to greet them. The employees enthusiastically shared stories about the fun experiences they’d had with the children. 

One parent said, “My child was so excited, they couldn’t sleep the night before. Judging by the smile on their face afterward, they clearly had a great time. I’m truly grateful to Smilegate Foundation and the volunteers for giving our children such a happy day.” The children, having spent a dreamlike day at the amusement park, also expressed their thanks to the employees and promised to meet again. 

A few days after the event, a survey was conducted with the children. They left overwhelmingly positive responses such as, “It was the best day ever,” and “Please come again.” It is our hope that this cultural volunteer experience will remain a cherished and joyful memory for the visually impaired children who face challenges in everyday activities.