Proposed rule change would ban sports activities that endanger children at playgrounds from February 2027
Practicing your golf swing at a children’s playground could soon draw more than parental complaints, as defying an order to stop could bring a fine of up to 3 million won ($2,240).
Korea is proposing to ban sports activities that could endanger children at playgrounds, including golf and baseball, under a rule change planned to take effect in February 2027.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety on Friday issued a preliminary notice of the proposed amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Safety Control of Children’s Play Facilities. Public comments will be accepted through Dec. 8.
The amendment would explicitly prohibit sports equipment-related activities that could threaten children’s safety or cause harm.
The proposal would add dangerous sports activities to existing restrictions at children’s play facilities. Smoking, drinking alcohol, cars or motorcycles, and failing to pick up pet waste are already prohibited.
The amendment also addresses safety oversight at children’s play facilities, including the reporting of serious accidents.
Operators would be required to notify the relevant supervisory authority within three days of learning of a serious accident. The existing rules do not set a specific reporting deadline.
Safety management requirements would also extend to children’s play spaces without installed playground equipment, including unstaffed children’s pools and kids’ cafes, which fall within the law's expanded scope.
Operators of newly covered facilities would have to register them with the authorities, appoint safety managers and obtain liability insurance. They would also be required to assess safety risks at least once a month.
The changes intend to introduce new types of children’s play spaces under the safety management system, which has centered on facilities with installed playground equipment.
The ministry plans to implement the revised decree on Feb. 28, when related amendments to the act expanding its coverage are due to take effect.
shwang9@heraldcorp.com
