Who is responsible when I'm injured due to a building?

What the Law Says

South Korean law imposes strict liability on multiple parties involved in building design, construction, and ownership when defects cause personal injury.

Under the Civil Act, anyone who causes harm through unlawful conduct is liable for damages. Article 710 specifically holds builders and designers responsible for defects that result in injury or death.

The Building Act reinforces this by requiring contractors and designers to ensure structural safety and compliance with standards. Article 62 mandates that if a building defect causes injury, the owner, contractor, and designer bear joint liability — meaning an injured person may seek full compensation from any one of them.

The statute of limitations for filing a claim is 3 years from when the injury and responsible party are known, or 10 years from the date of the harmful act — but for building defect claims arising from construction, courts typically apply the 3-year rule under Civil Act Article 766.

Statutory Text

A person who causes injury to another person’s body or health by an unlawful act shall compensate for the loss thereby incurred.

— Civil Act, s. 710 — Liability for Injury

Statutory Text

Where a building defect causes injury or damage, the building owner, contractor, and designer shall bear joint liability.

— Building Act, s. 62 — Joint Liability for Defects

What to Do

Sources