Seoul Court Holds Sauna Liable in Elderly Customer’s Slip-and-Fall Accident (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Korea Bizwire) — A Seoul court has ruled that a sauna operator must compensate an elderly customer who fractured his hip after slipping on a wet towel placed under a leaking air conditioner in the facility’s locker room.
The Seoul Southern District Court on September 5 ordered the operator to pay 13 million won ($9,500) to the 79-year-old plaintiff, identified only as A, equivalent to about 60 percent of the damages claimed.
The accident occurred in July 2022, when water from a ceiling-mounted air conditioner dripped onto the locker room floor. Staff had laid a towel and set a basin underneath but failed to restrict access to the area or post a warning sign. A slipped on the towel, fracturing his left thigh and pelvis, and required more than 20 days of hospitalization.
Presiding Judge Park Hee-geun found that the sauna operator had neglected its duty to maintain safe facilities, making it liable for damages. However, the court also noted that A might have avoided the fall had he exercised more caution, reducing the operator’s share of liability to 60 percent.
The ruling underscores the courts’ stance that businesses are responsible for ensuring customer safety in shared facilities, while also recognizing contributory negligence by individuals.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
