Gyeongju World Closes Temporarily After Consecutive Ride Incidents

Gyeongju World, a popular amusement park located in Gyeongju, South Korea, has announced a temporary closure effective immediately until July 16. This decision comes in response to a series of safety concerns following two separate incidents involving its rides.

The park experienced a significant incident on July 9 when a cabin on the 'Time Rider' attraction fell. Just two days later, on July 11, the 'Draken' roller coaster stopped mid-ride with approximately 20 passengers on board. Although no injuries were reported in either case, the repeated malfunctions have prompted the park's management to initiate comprehensive safety inspections across all its facilities.

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We were planning to visit Gyeongju World, but honestly, I'm scared to ride the attractions right now. This is an opportunity to clarify whether thorough checks were conducted beforehand.

In addition to the mechanical checks, Gyeongju World will also conduct mandatory safety training for all its employees. This measure aims to reinforce safety protocols and ensure that staff are fully prepared to handle any potential issues. The park's decision to close underscores the seriousness with which these incidents are being treated.

The temporary closure has caused concern for families who had planned visits. One family expressed apprehension about riding the attractions, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to confirm the adequacy of previous safety checks. Local authorities have stated that while they had previously advised the park to conduct rigorous safety checks after the Time Rider incident, legal action might be difficult if no injuries occurred and the stoppage duration was within regulatory limits.

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After the Time Rider accident, we recommended thorough pre-safety checks. If rides stop for more than 30 minutes or people are injured, administrative action can be taken according to the Tourism Promotion Act, but it's difficult to punish under related laws if no one was hurt and the stoppage was shorter than the legal limit.