Senior Helpers

[Anchor Lead]

It can be quite challenging for the visually impaired to use public transportation on their own. Some 16-hundred senior helpers will be on standby at Seoul subway stations starting Wednesday to provide some much needed support.

[Pkg]

Visually challenged Lee Gwang-hyeong gets off at the "Jongno-3 ga" subway station to meet his friends. He looks for exit 8. But he wanders around at a different exit and is blocked by a clothes rack standing outside a store.

[Soundbite] "Which way is exit 8?"

He asks passers-by for directions. It took him nearly 20 minutes to make it out of the right exit after getting off the train.

[Soundbite] Lee Gwang-hyeong(Visually Challenged Person) : "I feel most hurt when people don't reply or just ignore me when I ask for directions."

However, Senior citizens 65 and older have come to the rescue. They will serve as helpers to assist safe traveling for the physically disabled. They will be on standby at subway stations to spot disabled people and help guide their path. And if people telephone in advance, the helpers can pick them up when they arrive at the station. The seniors serve for 30 hours a month and receive a stipend of about 190 dollars.

[Soundbite] Choi Geun-cheol(66/Subway Guide) : "I have a new job. Also, people thank me a lot. It's very rewarding."

Some 16-hundred seniors will be placed at 77 subway stations in Seoul from Wednesday to kick off their heartwarming activities.