Blind Association of Korea

On October 15, an unusual scene was witnessed in Moranbong District, Pyongyang.

Some blindfolded persons went round a certain area with a cane in their hands.

They looked like blinds. Some of them untied the blindfolds halfway, saying that it was very difficult for them to walk as they could not see an inch beyond their nose.

The event was organized by the Blind Association of Korea on the occasion of World Day of White Cane (October 15) in a bid to raise social awareness about the blinds.

The association was founded in March Juche 103 (2014). Its mission is to represent the interests of all blinds with the DPRK citizenship and ensure their social status and rights.

It has under its control branch organizations in all provinces, through which it learns about their demands and makes efforts to realize them and ensures their education and vocational activities. It also pays attention to the production, dissemination and publicity of braille publications.

Besides, it encourages the use of braille at public places and is promoting a plan to form a braille information network at schools for the blind.

In recent years, the country has regularly conducted a nationwide survey of the living conditions of the blind to ensure that the State’s policy for the protection of the disabled is implemented to the letter.

Kim Chol Ung took the first place in the 5 000-m running event of the 4th China Open Athletics—2016 IPC Athletics Grand Prix held in Beijing, China in March 2016.

The DPRK became a full member of the World Blind Union in March this year.