South Korea experiences moderate earthquakes, most notably along faults in its southeastern Gyeongsang region. This page pulls real records for South Korea: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for South Korea.
Check South Korea hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near South Korea - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in South Korea - FAQ
Is South Korea at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 1 quake every 2 years nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.
What was the biggest earthquake in South Korea?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to South Korea in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does South Korea get tsunamis?
Yes - 14 tsunamis since 123 (most recently 1926) within 300 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 1,000 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in South Korea?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.