The Korea Baduk Association is joining forces with Severance Hospital and the Korea Baduk Federation to promote a Go program designed for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
The three organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on clinical validation research for "Areum Baduk" at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 10th.
The signing ceremony was attended by Yang Jae-ho, Secretary General of the Korea Baduk Association; Chun Keun-ah, Director of the Developmental Disability Hub Hospital and Behavioral Development Promotion Center at Severance Hospital; and Ha Geun-yul, President of the Korea Baduk Federation. Professional Go players including Park Ji-eun (9-dan) and Lee Da-hye (5-dan) also participated.
Under the agreement, Severance Hospital's Developmental Disability Hub Hospital and Behavioral Development Promotion Center will oversee overall research responsibilities including study design and data analysis, as well as clinical evaluation. The Korea Baduk Association will provide the Areum Baduk program, teaching materials, and specialized instructors. The Korea Baduk Federation will support research funding, external promotion, and policy coordination to help expand the program.
Areum Baduk was designed to preserve Go's fundamental principles while eliminating complex rules, making the game intuitive and accessible for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Unlike standard Go boards, the program features numbered stones and numbered boards. The board and stones are magnetized to prevent them from being put in mouths or thrown.
"Go is an excellent tool for improving cognitive function and emotional regulation, but systematic clinical data for patients with autism spectrum disorder has been lacking," said Professor Chun Keun-ah. "Through this tripartite collaboration, we will do our best to scientifically validate the therapeutic effects of the Areum Baduk program, opening new pathways for individuals with developmental disabilities to connect with society and improving their quality of life."