SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — On October 31, 2026, Best Buddies South Korea successfully hosted its Friendship Walk at Children's Grand Park in Seoul, bringing together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to celebrate friendship and inclusion.
This year's walk was particularly meaningful as Best Buddies South Korea collaborated with the Korea Heart Foundation's public "One More Step Walk" campaign. By joining a larger community event, Best Buddies participants had the opportunity to connect with local citizens, raise awareness of the organization's mission, and demonstrate the importance of building inclusive communities.
Walking Together for Friendship and Inclusion
The event welcomed 21 participants from five schools and chapters, including four buddies, six peer buddies, seven student ambassadors, and four parents.
Participating schools and chapters included Korea Christian Academy, Deoksoo High School, Cornerstone Collegiate Academy, Seoul Academy, and Gyeonggi Suwon International School (GSIS).
The morning began at 9:00 AM with registration, refreshments, and a group orientation, followed by warm-up exercises.
From 10:30 AM to noon, participants walked together along the scenic trails of Children's Grand Park, sharing conversations, laughter, and meaningful moments of friendship.
Along the route, buddy pairs took part in interactive photo missions, encouraging communication, teamwork, and opportunities to get to know one another better.
Student Leadership in Action
Student ambassadors played an important role throughout the event, helping guide participants along the walking route and supporting a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
With the active involvement of ambassadors and parents, all participants completed the walk safely.
Following the walk, the group gathered for lunch, sharing their experiences and reflecting on the friendships and connections formed throughout the day.
The event highlighted how student leadership and peer-to-peer friendships can help create meaningful opportunities for inclusion beyond the classroom.
Bringing the Best Buddies Mission into the Community
By collaborating with the Korea Heart Foundation, Best Buddies South Korea was able to extend its mission beyond participating schools and chapters.
Walking alongside hundreds of local citizens provided an opportunity to increase public awareness of intellectual and developmental disabilities and demonstrate the value of friendship, belonging, and mutual respect.
"Collaborating with the Korea Heart Foundation's community walk gave our buddies and ambassadors a wonderful opportunity not only to strengthen their friendships but also to share the Best Buddies mission with the wider community," said Taeyoung Kim, Country Director of Best Buddies South Korea.
"Seeing students from different schools walking together reminded us that inclusion is not simply a concept discussed in classrooms. It is something we create through everyday experiences, shared activities, and genuine human connections."
Looking Ahead to 2027
The 2026 Friendship Walk marked another meaningful step in the continued growth of Best Buddies South Korea.
With two new chapters established in 2026, the organization is building momentum to expand its programs and strengthen connections among participating schools.
Looking ahead to 2027, Best Buddies South Korea plans to explore new opportunities for collaboration, including a nationwide relay walk connecting chapters across different regions.
Through these initiatives, Best Buddies South Korea remains committed to creating a more inclusive society where individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities can develop meaningful friendships, demonstrate leadership, and participate fully in their communities.
Together, we walk toward a more inclusive future.
