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Hello

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Interview Date: September 17th, 2024 18:30

Gender: Female, Age: 56, Family Relationship: Aunt

Time taken: 15 minutes

Interview Location: Buan, Jeollabuk-do

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Q1 : What is the name of this item and what is it used for?

Q2 : Since when has this item been used?

Q3 : Do you have any special memories of this item?

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This is a traditional hand fan used in Korea. It's called "Buche(부채)” in Korean.

This hand fan is used when it is hot. When the fan is folded, it is shaped like a stick, but when unfolded, it becomes a wide fan shape. The main ingredients of the fan are bamboo and Korean paper. They draw many traditional Korean ink-and-wash paintings on Korean paper and can draw and use the paintings they want.

It is also useful for hot weather but has many uses. Traditional fans are also used as ornaments and in the traditional culture of fan dance. Korean fan dances use feathers instead of Korean paper.

It has been used for more than 10 years. Bamboo is strong and can be used for a long time. Bamboo is strong, but it is light, so it has the advantage of being good to carry around.

These fans were useful before electronics such as hand fans and air conditioners came out these days. In particular, this traditional fan is foldable, so it's portable. Her special memory is that she put the fan in her bag and used it on a really hot day.

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The Asia Culture Center (ACC) consists of various buildings, including numerous exhibition halls, museums, and cultural centers, allowing local residents to enjoy cultural experiences.

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ACC has dedicated entrances for people with disabilities in all buildings, making access easier for users. Tactile paving is installed along the paths, and Braille guide signs are located throughout, providing convenience for visually impaired individuals to navigate. ACC also includes elevators for seniors with limited mobility and wheelchair users. The paths are designed to be smooth without protruding obstacles, like curbs, to minimize difficulty for wheelchair users and visually impaired individuals while moving around.

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Facilities of the Cultural Information Center

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Facilities of the Cultural Information Center

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Among these facilities, the Culture Information Center provides a space where visitors can access a library as well as enjoy exhibitions.

It also features a computer area for information searches, designed specifically for the digitally marginalized, including those from low-income households, who may find it challenging to use computers and digital devices.

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This place offers a wide variety of books and even print newspapers, making it accessible for people of all ages. There are spaces for studying and sofas for relaxation, as well as adjustable-height electric desks designed for wheelchair users. Additionally, convenience is provided through the availability of assistive devices such as reading magnifiers, magnifying glasses, wheelchairs, electric wheelchair chargers, and public-use hearing aids.

Braille books and large writing books have helped the visually impaired and the elderly to read comfortably.

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I frequently visited the ACC to view exhibitions. This time, I explored the Cultural Information Center, examining the library, exhibition spaces, and relaxation areas. What stood out to me was the accessibility improvement in all ACC buildings, with dedicated entrances and elevators for people with disabilities. I felt a thoughtful consideration in the library's assistive device rental services, including wheelchair rentals, adjustable-height desks for users, and magnifying glasses and reading magnifiers for the elderly, all provided for free. Most libraries don’t usually have a large selection of braille books or large-print books. However, this library had a wide range of braille and large-print books, all organized in an easily accessible way. These services help enhance the cultural life quality for vulnerable groups. I was also impressed by the free newspaper rental service for those who may have difficulty with a regular subscription.

The library service is a space created for all residents to enjoy cultural experiences. Recently, many students use paid study facilities, such as study cafes and reading rooms. The library provides a comfortable study environment for low-income students who might feel an economic burden in creating a study environment. The well-developed services and infrastructure for vulnerable groups ensure that cultural opportunities are accessible to all. Through assistive device rentals, accessible restrooms, various programs, information search areas, and exhibitions, tailored services are provided for a diverse range of users, ensuring that both local residents and vulnerable groups can enjoy convenient services.

One area for improvement is the size of the National Asia Culture Center, which can make it challenging to navigate. Additionally, wheelchair users can only move through elevators, limiting spatial accessibility. Adding ramps for wheelchair users and more wheelchair-accessible facilities would be beneficial to improve access for vulnerable groups.

One drawback was that the library entrance had a revolving door. This type of door can be inconvenient for elderly visitors with limited strength and wheelchair users, and it also poses potential safety risks for children. To improve accessibility, it would be ideal if the entrance were equipped with a more open and convenient automatic door.

Establishing local community activation programs could also help prevent social isolation among the elderly. Building collaborative networks with community organizations, social welfare agencies, and local schools is essential to encourage greater participation of vulnerable groups in programs. Developing age-specific programs, such as health management, dementia prevention, and emotional support programs, could further enhance services.

Lastly, while the ACC is accessible via public transportation, providing transportation subsidies or a shuttle bus service for vulnerable groups would be beneficial. Although there are already many exhibition programs, it would be ideal to expand braille services and auditory facilities for visually impaired visitors.

I thought it would be beneficial to create workshops and community programs to help local residents build a stronger sense of community. Additionally, collaborating with local organizations to establish mentoring programs for low-income students could provide valuable educational support.

While welfare services for local residents often focus on health and financial support, these types of cultural and social welfare programs could also contribute to mental well-being and help foster social connections.

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It took about 30 minutes to walk from Chosun University to the ACC. Since many public buses pass by the ACC, it is also accessible by bus.