South KoreaWhat is the owner's liability when bitten by their animal?
In South Korea, an animal owner is strictly liable for damages caused by their animal’s bite, unless they prove they took all necessary precautions to prevent the harm.
What the Law Says
South Korean law imposes strict liability on animal owners for injuries caused by their animals, including bites. The owner must compensate the victim unless they can prove they fulfilled all required preventive measures.
Under the South Korean Civil Act, an owner is held liable for damage caused by their animal regardless of fault or negligence. This is called 'strict liability' — meaning intent or carelessness does not need to be proven by the injured person.
The only legal defense available to the owner is showing they took 'all necessary precautions' to prevent the harm. This includes proper confinement, training, warning signs, or supervision — depending on the animal’s nature and risk level.
Liability covers all resulting damages: medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other reasonably foreseeable losses.
Statutory TextA person who keeps an animal shall be liable for damages caused by the animal, unless he proves that he has taken all necessary precautions to prevent such damage.
— Civil Act, s. 758 — Liability for Damage Caused by Animals
What to Do
Seek immediate medical attention and document injuries (photos, records, witness statements).
Report the incident to local authorities (e.g., district office or police) if serious injury or public safety concern exists.
Request the owner’s contact and insurance information, if applicable.
File a civil claim for damages under Civil Act s. 758 — no need to prove the owner was negligent.
Consult a Korean-licensed attorney to assess compensation amount and file suit within the 3-year limitation period for tort claims.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Ireland
US-California
US-New York
JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.