"Slippery Sauna"... Bathhouse Slip-and-Fall Accidents Rise by an Average of 56.1% Annually

Korea Consumer Agency Received 1,790 Hazard Reports Over the Past Four Years
Recommends Installing Anti-Slip Mats and Providing Safety Guidelines

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of slip-and-fall accidents involving users at public bathhouses has increased by more than 50% each year over the past four years, highlighting the need for consumer caution.

A public bathhouse in Jongno-gu, Seoul (This photo is unrelated to the article content). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to the Korea Consumer Agency on December 19, a total of 1,790 cases related to public bathhouse hazards were reported to the Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) from 2021 to June 2025. By year, there were 151 cases in 2021, 248 in 2022, 447 in 2023, 574 in 2024, and 370 cases in the first half of 2025, representing an average annual increase of 56.1%.

By age group, users aged 60 and above accounted for 62.9% (1,107 cases) of all incidents. Among them, those in their 60s made up the largest proportion at 23.0% (404 cases), followed by those in their 70s at 22.6% (397 cases), and those in their 80s at 15.3% (270 cases).

Specifically, "slipping and falling" accidents accounted for the overwhelming majority of cases at 89.3% (1,599 cases). Slip accidents most frequently occurred inside the sweating room (sauna) and around the bathtub in the bathing area.

The Korea Consumer Agency explained, "In public bathhouse changing rooms, users often move around without thoroughly drying off, making the floors slippery. In particular, areas around scales, sinks, and water dispensers are frequently used, so it is important to manage fall prevention by installing mats and other measures."

In fact, a joint survey by the Korea Consumer Agency and the Seoul Metropolitan Government of 16 public bathhouses (32 bathing areas) in Seoul found that none had installed anti-slip mats around scales, sinks, or water dispensers in the changing rooms. In addition, warnings such as "Caution: Slippery" were not posted in 75.0% (24) of changing rooms, 29.0% (9) of bathing areas, and 70.6% (24) of sweating rooms.

The Korea Consumer Agency stated that it will recommend the installation of anti-slip mats and other safety measures at the surveyed public bathhouses in cooperation with Seoul's local governments, and will also provide users with guidelines to prevent fall accidents. Based on the findings of this survey, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to establish more detailed safety guidelines for public bathhouse users.