| The T-Express in Everland. / Korea Times file |
By Jung Min-ho
A court has ruled that visually impaired people should be allowed to ride roller-coasters.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled Thursday that Everland, a major theme park in Yongin, has to compensate each of three visually challenged customers 2 million won ($1,750) after blocking them from riding its T-Express roller-coaster three years ago.
The court also ordered the company to revise its guideline that restricts such people from enjoying some of its rides.
“There is little evidence to support the argument that the roller-coaster would be more risky for the plaintiffs than others,” the court said. “Thus, it should be considered an act of discrimination against disabled people.”
The three filed a damage suit against the company after they were denied access to the ride in May 2015.
Among Everland's 46 rides, disabled people do not have access to three, including the Bumper Car and the T-Express, and they need “guardians” to get access to four others, according to the guideline.