▲ The scene of an amusement ride accident in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, in 2025
As accidents involving amusement rides continue to occur at parks and theme parks across the country, there is a growing need to strengthen safety management ahead of the summer vacation season.
Experts point out that even minor defects or poor maintenance in high-altitude or high-speed rides can lead to major casualties, necessitating a re-examination of inspection systems and the deployment of specialized personnel.
The accident at Gyeongju World, where a carriage fell, avoided a major tragedy only because the carriage was empty. However, it has heightened awareness of the need to re-inspect safety management practices at amusement facilities nationwide to prevent similar incidents as the number of visitors is expected to increase during the vacation season.
According to fire authorities and the police on July 10, accidents involving amusement rides, both large and small, are recurring every year at amusement parks and theme parks across the country.
On July 9, an accident occurred at Gyeongju World in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, when a carriage from the large Ferris wheel ride Time Rider fell.
During the fall, the carriage collided with two other carriages carrying a total of five passengers.
It is reported that the five passengers received medical treatment at a hospital and have since returned home.
Because there were no passengers inside the fallen carriage, a major catastrophe was avoided.
In October of last year, the Comet Express roller coaster at Lotte World in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, stopped during operation due to a malfunction.
As a result of the accident, about 20 passengers were rescued after waiting inside a dark tunnel.
It was reported that the same ride had experienced a similar accident in November 2023.
In August 2025, at the Uirimji Amusement Park in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, four elementary school students riding a 360-degree rotating ride were thrown onto their seats after their safety restraints came undone.
Two of them sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital, while the other two were handed over to their guardians and also received medical treatment.
In May of the same year, the Giant Swing at Lotte World Adventure Busan in Gijang-gun, Busan, made loud noises and vibrated while carrying passengers.
The Giant Swing operates at a speed of 110 km/h and reaches a maximum height of 45 meters, leaving the passengers at the time in extreme fear.
Citizens are unable to hide their anxiety over the news of recurring accidents.
On social media, people are sharing news about accidents and information about ride manufacturers, expressing concern for each other's safety.
Regarding the Gyeongju World accident on July 9, citizens commented, "It is fortunate that no one was inside," "I suspect there might be a defect in the product," and "I was planning to go during the vacation, but now I am worried."
Experts identified a sense of complacency regarding safety among on-site safety managers as one of the reasons for the recurring accidents.
They also pointed out the need to examine whether specialized personnel for facility maintenance and post-accident inspections are being thoroughly deployed.
Baek Chan-soo, a professor of Fire and Safety Management at Daegu Health University, noted, "Amusement ride accidents often occur because signs of trouble are not properly identified in advance. The fact that these accidents keep happening despite daily test runs and the maintenance of inspection logs suggests a general sense of complacency regarding safety."
Baek emphasized, "Ultimately, to prevent accidents, it is necessary to strengthen inspections starting from the test run stage and for responsible management at operating companies to enhance oversight to ensure that specialized personnel responsible for checking mechanical equipment are doing their jobs properly."
Kim Joong-jin, former co-representative of the Daegu Citizens' Coalition for Safety, said, "Accidents can be reduced if specialized personnel, rather than facility staff, are tasked with inspecting facilities before operation. Local governments with supervisory authority need to verify how many specialized personnel are deployed at amusement parks and theme parks and manage them accordingly."
He added, "There are standards for managing and inspecting amusement rides, and specialized agencies commissioned by local governments conduct regular inspections. However, local governments must carefully examine whether the inspection results are being properly implemented and ensure that they are not just being done as a formality."
(Photo: Provided by reader, Yonhap News)
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