The Necessity of Inclusive Design for Improving Access in Catholic Museums

In the 200-year history of Korean Catholicism, which began in 1784, the faith endured numerous rounds of persecution during the late Joseon Dynasty, leading to the martyrdom of many believers. Their sacrifices remain a vital legacy for the Korean Catholic Church today. The preservation of records and relics from this period forms the foundation of Catholicism in Korea, and the Catholic Museum plays a crucial role in safeguarding, collecting, and displaying these materials. Many Catholic museums are located in historically significant buildings chosen for their cultural importance.BR/However, older buildings often pose accessibility challenges, which can hinder the museum’s inclusive mission. Based on that background, this study aims to assess the current status of Catholic museums by focusing on “accessibility” within the framework of inclusive design and to emphasize the need for such design to enhance museum experiences. To achieve this, church documents were analyzed to understand the distinctive characteristics of Catholic museums, and the concepts of inclusive design and accessibility were explored. These insights were then compared with accessibility practices currently implemented in museums around the world. Based on this analysis, a framework was developed to evaluate the accessibility of museums. Using various types of Catholic museums in Seoul as case studies, this research examined how these institutions are addressing accessibility issues through inclusive design. The results reveal areas where accessibility improvements are needed and provide recommendations for future enhancements.