Stay Safe! Your Guide to Natural Disaster Preparedness in Korea
안전 제일! 한국 여행 중 자연재해로부터 나를 지키는 방법
Table of Contents
- 1. Common Natural Disasters in Korea
- 2. What to Know Before a Disaster Strikes
- 3. What to Do During an Earthquake
- 4. What to Do During a Typhoon or Heavy Rainfall
- 5. What to Do During a Landslide
- 6. Useful Information & Apps During a Disaster
- 7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- 8. Conclusion: For a Safe and Enjoyable Trip to Korea!
1. Common Natural Disasters in Korea
Korea is a stunning country known for its vibrant culture and beautiful four distinct seasons. While it offers incredible experiences year-round, it's also prone to certain natural disasters. Understanding these and knowing how to react can make your trip much safer and more enjoyable. Primarily, you should be aware of **typhoons** and **heavy rainfall** during the summer and early autumn, and increasingly, **earthquakes**.
Major Natural Disasters:
- Typhoon: These powerful storms typically pass over the Korean Peninsula between summer and autumn, bringing strong winds and intense rainfall.
- Heavy Rainfall (Ho-u): During the monsoon season or due to typhoons, sudden and excessive rain can fall, leading to floods or landslides.
- Earthquake: While historically less common, Korea has experienced a rise in earthquake frequency and intensity in recent years, raising awareness about preparedness.
- Heavy Snowfall (Daeseol): In winter, coastal areas (especially on the east coast) and mountainous regions can receive significant snowfall, potentially causing traffic disruptions and infrastructure damage.
- Landslide (Sansatae): Triggered by concentrated heavy rainfall, landslides involve soil and rocks tumbling down hillsides, posing risks to life and property.
2. What to Know Before a Disaster Strikes
Being prepared before you even step foot in Korea is key to a safe and stress-free trip. A little planning goes a long way!
2.1. Check Disaster Information Channels
- TV and Radio: Major Korean broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS) provide real-time news updates during disasters.
- Smartphone Apps:
- Safety e-Guide (안전디딤돌): This is the official disaster safety app provided by the Ministry of Interior and Safety. It offers real-time emergency alerts, public action guidelines, and shelter information. Crucially, it supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese. It's a free download and highly recommended!
- Korea Meteorological Administration (날씨누리): This app from the Korea Meteorological Administration provides real-time weather, typhoon, and heavy rain warnings.
- Emergency Alert SMS: In the event of a major disaster, emergency text messages are automatically sent to all mobile phones via telecommunication providers. These alerts come with a loud warning sound and vibration. It's vital to read and understand these messages as they contain critical information for your safety.
2.2. Locate Evacuation Shelters
- It's a good idea to identify the nearest evacuation shelters around your accommodation beforehand. You can search for shelter locations using the Safety e-Guide app. Common shelters include parks, schoolyards, and open public spaces.
- Generally, earthquake shelters are open outdoor areas like school playgrounds or parks, while flood/typhoon shelters might be designated school buildings or community centers.
2.3. Prepare an Emergency Kit
While it might be challenging to prepare a full kit for a short trip, having a small emergency bag can be incredibly useful.
- Essential Medications: If you take any regular medications, make sure you have enough for your trip.
- Phone Charger & Power Bank: Keeping your communication devices charged is crucial.
- Emergency Food & Water: A simple energy bar or a bottle of water can make a difference.
- Flashlight: Useful in case of power outages.
- Personal ID & Passport Copy: Keep important documents safe, preferably in a waterproof pouch.
- Small Amount of Cash: In case card payments are not possible.
2.4. Establish an Emergency Contact Plan
- Share your travel itinerary and accommodation details in Korea with family or friends back home, and pre-arrange how you'll contact them in an emergency.
- Keep contact information for your accommodation staff or a local friend in Korea in case you can't reach your family abroad.
3. What to Do During an Earthquake
If you feel shaking in Korea, the most important thing is to **stay calm** and follow these safety guidelines.
3.1. When You Feel Shaking
- Indoors:
- "Drop, Cover, and Hold On": Get under a sturdy table or desk, crouch down, and hold onto the legs. Protecting your head and body from falling objects is paramount.
- Prepare to Shut Off Utilities: Once the shaking stops, be ready to turn off gas and electricity to prevent fires.
- Secure an Exit: Open a door or window to ensure an escape route. Buildings can shift, potentially jamming doors.
- Outdoors:
- Watch for Falling Objects: Be aware of signs, glass, bricks, and other falling debris. Protect your head with your bag or hands and move to an open area.
- Stay Away from Buildings, Walls, and Utility Poles: Move away from structures that could collapse.
- While Driving:
- Slow Down and Pull Over Gradually: Turn on your hazard lights, reduce speed, and pull over to the right side of the road.
- Leave Your Car if Evacuating: If you need to evacuate, leave your car keys in the ignition and don't lock the doors, making it easier for emergency services to move the vehicle.
3.2. After the Shaking Stops
- Shut Off Utilities: Calmly turn off the main circuit breaker for electricity and the main gas valve.
- Wear Shoes: Put on sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass or debris.
- Use Stairs: Do not use elevators as they may stop or malfunction. Always use the stairs to evacuate the building.
- Move to Designated Shelters: Head to a safe, open space (like a park or schoolyard) and follow the instructions from the government or public institutions to designated shelters.
3.3. Aftershock Preparedness
Aftershocks can occur at any time. Continuously monitor disaster broadcasts or safety alerts for updates and follow instructions.
4. What to Do During a Typhoon or Heavy Rainfall
During Korea's summer, typhoons and concentrated heavy rainfall can lead to floods and landslides. Staying informed and prepared is vital.
4.1. During Forecasts & Warnings
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on real-time weather forecasts and special warnings via TV, radio, and smartphone apps (Korea Meteorological Administration, Safety e-Guide).
- Limit Outdoor Activities: If strong winds and heavy rain are expected, avoid going outside as much as possible and stay indoors.
- Avoid Dangerous Areas: Absolutely do not approach low-lying areas prone to flooding, riverbanks, coastal areas, mountain valleys, or construction sites, as these are highly dangerous.
- Secure Loose Objects: Secure or bring indoors any items that could be blown away by strong winds, such as signs or potted plants. (If you're a traveler, ask your accommodation staff for assistance.)
4.2. During the Disaster
- Prepare to Evacuate: If you are staying in a low-lying or flood-prone area, prepare to evacuate. Inform your neighbors (especially the elderly, children, and those with disabilities) and help them evacuate together if possible.
- Move to Safe Ground: Do not attempt to travel through flooded roads, underpasses, or bridges.
- Avoid Driving in Floods: Do not drive in flooded areas. If the water level is above your knees, do not attempt to walk through it either.
- Shut Off Utilities: If flooding is anticipated, preemptively turn off the main circuit breaker for electricity and the main gas valve to prevent secondary damage.
- Watch for Landslide Signs: If you are in a landslide-prone area, watch for signs like rumbling sounds, muddy water, or shaking trees, and evacuate immediately.
4.3. After the Disaster
- Return After Safety Check: Only re-enter a flooded building after it has been safety inspected, and check electrical and gas appliances before use.
- Beware of Contaminated Tap Water: Tap water may be contaminated. Boil it thoroughly before drinking or use bottled water.
5. What to Do During a Landslide
The Korea Forest Service's 'Smart Forest Disaster' app allows you to check information on landslide risk areas and real-time landslide warnings. This is particularly useful if you plan to visit mountainous regions.
5.1. Signs of a Landslide
If you notice any of the following signs, evacuate immediately and inform others:
- Water gushing out of a hillside or sudden muddy water flowing.
- Trees shaking or falling even without wind.
- More muddy water than usual rushing down a valley.
- Soil collapsing or rocks rolling down a hillside.
5.2. During a Landslide
- Evacuate Immediately: If you see signs of a landslide or a warning is issued, immediately evacuate to a safe place far from the mountainside (e.g., village hall, school, designated shelter).
- Evacuate Perpendicularly: Landslides flow downhill. It's safest to move to the nearest high ground perpendicular to the direction of the flow.
- Prevent Secondary Damage: When evacuating, turn off gas and electricity to prevent fires.
- Call 119: If there are concerns about casualties, call 119 for rescue services.
6. Useful Information & Apps During a Disaster
Here are some essential resources to keep you safe in Korea:
- National Disaster and Safety Portal: www.safekorea.go.kr (Primarily in Korean, but use your browser's translation feature).
- This portal provides detailed guidelines for various disaster types, shelter information, and real-time disaster status.
- Safety e-Guide App (안전디딤돌):
- Download by searching "안전디딤돌" on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Supports multiple languages including Korean, English, and Chinese.
- Key Features: Emergency alerts, disaster news, action guidelines, shelter finder, and emergency medical facility information.
- 119 (Emergency Number): In case of an emergency, call 119 for fire, ambulance, and rescue services. English communication is available for foreigners. (Free call)
- 1330 (Korea Travel Hotline): For any inconveniences or emergencies during your trip, you can get interpretation services by calling 1330. (Free call)
- Travel Insurance: It's highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before your trip to Korea to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Find Travel Insurance Here! (Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through this link. This helps support our blog and allows us to continue providing valuable content.)
7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I get help in English if a disaster occurs during my trip to Korea?
A1: Yes, Korea offers various services for foreign tourists. 119 (emergency services) provides English interpretation, and the Safety e-Guide app also supports multiple languages. Additionally, you can get interpretation assistance through the Korea Travel Hotline (1330).
Q2: The emergency alert text messages are so loud. Can I turn them off?
A2: No, you should never turn off emergency alert messages. These messages contain critical, life-saving information. While the alert sound can be jarring, its purpose is to raise immediate awareness of a disaster and prompt quick evacuation.
Q3: Can I use elevators during an earthquake?
A3: Absolutely not. Elevators can suddenly stop or plummet during an earthquake. Always use the stairs to evacuate.
Q4: How do I find disaster shelters in Korea?
A4: You can easily find the nearest shelter from your current location using the 'Safety e-Guide' smartphone app. Alternatively, you can ask your accommodation staff. For earthquakes, open spaces like parks or schoolyards are common safe zones.
Q5: Should I change my travel plans if a typhoon or heavy rain is forecast?
A5: It's strongly recommended to monitor the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecasts. If strong winds or heavy rain are expected, actively consider changing or canceling outdoor activities and travel plans. Your safety is always the top priority.
8. Conclusion: For a Safe and Enjoyable Trip to Korea!
Korea is an incredibly captivating travel destination, boasting a beautiful blend of rich culture, stunning nature, and vibrant cities. However, just like any travel spot, unpredictable situations can arise. By familiarizing yourself with the natural disaster preparedness tips we've shared today, and always prioritizing your safety, we sincerely hope you make many wonderful and cherished memories during your time in Korea! TripGoGo supports your safe travels.
