South Korea

I slipped and got hurt in a restaurant. Can I get?

3 years
Statute of limitations
Article 750
Civil Act liability
Article 25
Consumer Protection Act
100% fault
Shared liability possible
The Short Answer

Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if the restaurant failed to maintain a safe environment and their negligence caused your injury.

What the Law Says

South Korean law holds businesses responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their premises. Two main statutes apply: the Civil Act (for general negligence) and the Consumer Protection Act (for services like dining).

Under the Civil Act, a person who causes harm to another through intentional act or negligence must compensate for damages (Article 750). This applies to restaurant owners who fail to clean spills, fix broken flooring, or warn customers of hazards.

The Consumer Protection Act also protects patrons: Article 25 requires businesses providing services to ensure consumer safety and hold liability for damages caused by defective services — including unsafe premises.

You generally have 3 years from the date you knew (or should have known) about the injury and the responsible party to file a claim (Civil Act, Article 766).

Statutory Text

A person who causes loss or damage to another person by an intentional act or negligence shall be liable to compensate for such loss or damage.

— Civil Act, Art. 750 — Liability for Tort
Statutory Text

A business operator shall take necessary measures to ensure the safety of consumers in providing goods or services.

— Consumer Protection Act, Art. 25 — Safety Obligation
Statutory Text

The right to claim damages for loss or damage caused by an unlawful act shall be extinguished by prescription after three years from the time when the injured party or his/her legal representative becomes aware of the loss or damage and the identity of the perpetrator.

— Civil Act, Art. 766 — Prescription Period

What to Do

1

Seek medical attention immediately and keep all records (diagnosis, treatment, receipts).

2

Report the incident to the restaurant manager and request a written incident report.

3

Take photos of the hazard (e.g., wet floor, loose tile) and your injury, if possible.

4

Gather witness contact information and statements.

5

Consult a Korean-licensed attorney within 3 years to assess your claim and file suit if needed.

Sources

statuteCivil Act, Art. 750 — Liability for TortstatuteCivil Act, Art. 766 — Prescription PeriodstatuteConsumer Protection Act, Art. 25 — Safety Obligation

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Not 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.