09/26/2025
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This unique law originated during Japan’s rule over Korea in 1913, when authorities designated massage therapy as a protected profession for the visually impaired. At the time, blind individuals had few employment options, and this policy was intended to provide them with a reliable means of income and social inclusion.
After Korea gained independence, the law remained in place and evolved into a form of social protection. The South Korean Constitutional Court has repeatedly upheld the regulation, in 2008 and again in 2018, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding the rights and welfare of blind citizens, despite challenges from sighted masseurs seeking legal recognition.
Today, licensed blind masseurs are widely respected for their heightened tactile sensitivity and skill. Though illegal massage businesses operated by sighted individuals exist, the official licensing system continues to prioritize the visually impaired, preserving a century-old tradition rooted in both necessity and dignity.
