Labor ministry agency to join Autism Race with 80 staff volunteering

The labor ministry's employment agency for people with disabilities said Friday it will send its chairman and about 80 employee volunteers to the 2026 Autism Race, a running campaign aimed at improving understanding of autism.

The Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities, chaired by Lee Jong-sung, will field its "KEAD Didimdori" volunteer corps at the event, which starts from the Peace Plaza at the Sangam World Cup Stadium in Seoul. The race, organised by the Korea Autism Love Association, will be held Saturday at Peace Plaza in Sangam Peace Park and offers three courses of a half marathon, 10 kilometres and 4.2 kilometres. Organisers describe it as a campaign in which autistic people and non-disabled participants run together, and say all entry fees go toward the health and independence of autistic people and their families. Entry cost 40,000 won, with registration open from July 8 to Sept. 30 and free for people with developmental disabilities who present a welfare card.

The agency will cover its employees' entry fees using a social contribution fund raised through voluntary salary donations by staff. At the event it will also run a promotional booth introducing its main programmes and hosting activities for visitors, part of an effort to raise interest in the employment of disabled people.

Lee said he hopes the race will serve as an occasion to deepen understanding of autism and widen a culture of mutual respect. "Our agency will also join this event and add its strength to building an inclusive society where disabled people are respected," he said.