1 week Ago By Korea Bizwire
The findings highlight mounting demands for tighter regulation, as the recreational use of motorized carts continues to rise amid the rapid growth of South Korea’s domestic tourism industry. (Image created by AI/ChatGPT) SEOUL, April 9 (Korea Bizwire) — Electric carts commonly used at tourist attractions, theme parks, and campgrounds across South Korea are operating in a regulatory gray zone with poor safety oversight, according to a new investigation by the Korea Consumer Agency. In a report released Tuesday, the agency reviewed 15 electric cart rental businesses nationwide and found widespread safety shortcomings—including failure to verify driver licenses, inadequate protective gear, and dangerous operating routes.
Under current law, electric carts are classified as motorized bicycles, requiring drivers to hold a valid license—such as a Class 1 general or Class 2 small motorcycle license. Yet 11 out of the 15 businesses (73.3%) did not verify whether customers had the required license, raising concerns over unlicensed operation.
Further compounding the issue, 12 businesses (80%) failed to provide helmets, while 8 of those operated carts that lacked seat belts altogether. Many vehicles were also missing or had malfunctioning essential lighting equipment such as headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. The investigation also found multiple high-risk routes , with 3 of 8 surveyed paths running adjacent to steep drop-offs or sloped terrain.
One route had only partially installed or damaged guardrails, increasing the risk of vehicles veering off course. Of particular concern was night-time operation: 4 businesses rented out carts after dark, yet 1 of those routes lacked any lighting infrastructure, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. The Korea Consumer Agency has since issued recommendations to the businesses involved, urging them to inspect and upgrade safety equipment.
It also shared its findings with relevant local governments and recommended the enactment of local ordinances to improve regulation and ensure safer conditions for electric cart users. The findings underscore growing calls for stricter oversight as recreational use of motorized carts becomes increasingly popular in Korea’s booming domestic tourism industry. M.
H. Lee ([email protected]).
