Title : An Introduction of Student Support Centers for University Students with Disabilities in South Korea

This paper provides a comprehensive examination of South Korea’s legal framework for university-level Student Support Centers established under the Act on Special Education for Persons with Disabilities, etc. It begins by outlining the key statutory requirements for such Centers, including the obligation to offer individualized education support plans and ensure accessible learning environments. In doing so, it highlights how the Act differentiates between larger universities and smaller institutions, allowing the latter to substitute a dedicated support department when the number of students with disabilities falls below a specific threshold. Recent amendments, made more salient by the COVID-19 pandemic, offer valuable insights into how postsecondary institutions can accommodate students with disabilities through remote learning tools, captioning, and other assistive measures. These updates also underscore a broader shift toward proactive inclusion, requiring universities to embed relevant provisions into institutional regulations and admissions processes. Both national and local governments share responsibility for financing these accommodations, reflecting a collective commitment to upholding students’ rights. Moreover, new Presidential Decrees detail essential procedures for individualized needs assessments, establishing qualifications for Student Support Center directors, and ensuring audiovisual accessibility. By examining these regulations, the paper illustrates how legislative reforms adapt to dynamic educational demands, thereby offering a blueprint for inclusive higher education. These findings carry implications for policy-making and institutional practice both within Korea and beyond, signaling the necessity of continuous legal and administrative evolution in response to emerging technologies and societal changes.