SEOUL, KOREA – Best Buddies Korea is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2026 Best Buddies Korea Friendship Walk, held on Saturday, April 25, at the scenic Seoul Forest Park. This event brought together a dedicated group of students and ambassadors to champion the message of inclusion and lifelong friendship for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The walk featured enthusiastic participants, including “Buddies” (individuals with IDD) and “Peer Buddies” from various prestigious international and local schools, such as Seoul Academy, Saint Paul, Yukyoung School, Gyeonggi Suwon International School (GSIS), and Chadwick International.
Participants engaged in a meaningful 1.5-hour walk along the Seoul Forest outer trail, starting from the Visitor Center to the Pedestrian Overpass. The event was designed as a platform for emotional bonding, transcending physical activity. Through group photo sessions at designated photo zones and ice-breaking activities to learn each other’s names, participants formed genuine connections that overcome societal barriers.
Building Lasting Connections Beyond the Walk
“This Friendship Walk symbolizes that Seoul is a place for everyone, where access to opportunity and social inclusion are paramount,” echoing the global sentiment that every person deserves to feel included in daily life. The Peer Buddies who participated will continue their journey with Best Buddies through a systematic volunteer management program, ensuring the impact of this walk extends far beyond a single day.
Following the successful event in Seoul, Best Buddies Korea plans to continue the Friendship Walk movement throughout the year, expanding to various cities across the nation. This initiative aims to foster a culture of inclusion and friendship in every corner of South Korea, serving as a vital local chapter of this life-changing global movement.
The event concluded safely with a group lunch, where participants celebrated their new friendships and shared their vision for a more inclusive South Korea. As Best Buddies Korea continues to expand its reach, events like the Seoul Forest walk remain the “heartbeat” of the organization, bringing the mission to life through action and friendship.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply passionate about inclusion, there’s a place for you at Best Buddies Korea.
Follow @bestbuddieskorea or email bestbuddies@aicorea.org to learn how you can volunteer, donate, or support our programs.
Together, we’re building more than smiles—we’re building a more inclusive world.
