When One Jump Too Many, Costs Millions: South Korea’s Trampoline Liability Ruling

By Juwon Kang, April 20, 2026

A South Korean court has ordered a resort and a child’s family to pay approximately ₩30 million (roughly $22,000 USD) in damages after a trampoline accident at a children’s play facility. Here are the key takeaways:

<The Incident>
– In October 2021, a 10-year-old child (Child A) was using a trampoline alone at a Hanwha Resort bounce park in Geoje City when another child (Child B) suddenly jumped in, causing Child A to land awkwardly and suffer a serious ankle injury.
– The facility had posted safety rules clearly stating ‘one person per trampoline section’ and prohibiting running or cross-jumping — rules that were ignored.

<What the Court Decided>
– The Changwon District Court (Tongyeong Branch), Judge Cho Hyeon-rak presiding, found three parties jointly liable: Child B, Child B’s parents, and the resort operator (Company C).
– Child A was awarded ₩26.28 million in total damages.
– Child A’s parents each received ₩2 million for their own emotional distress from the prolonged caregiving burden.
– Child A alone received ₩15 million in non-economic (pain and suffering) damages.

<Why the Facility Was Held Liable>
– The court found that simply posting safety rules on a sign is not enough.
– Facilities must actively deploy safety personnel and thoroughly brief children on the rules before they participate.
– The judge specifically noted that trampolines carry high injury risk on landing, and children have lower body control and awareness — making active supervision essential, not optional.

<Why the Other Child’s Parents Were Also Liable>
– Parents of minors have an ongoing duty to guide and instruct their children to avoid harming others.
– Failing to fulfill that duty made them jointly responsible for the accident.



<Bottom Line for Legal Practitioners & Business Operators>
This ruling reinforces that posted warnings alone do not satisfy a facility operator’s duty of care — particularly where children are involved. Active supervision, staff presence, and pre-activity safety briefings are the legal standard. Operators who rely solely on signage do so at their financial peril.

Article: https://www.lawtimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=218260