Earthquakes in History

[Anchor Lead]

Last night's earthquake was the strongest one recorded since earthquake observation began in Korea in 1978. Here's a look at some of the biggest quakes to have shaken the nation over the years and where Korea stands on earthquake safety.

[Pkg]

Monday night's 5.8-magnitude earthquake shook not only the southwestern part of Korea close to the epicenter, but also Seoul and other parts of the country. The Korea Meteorological Administration said that this quake's actual waveform was very extensive, so much so that it spread throughout the nation. The strongest earthquake prior to the one on Monday night was a 5.3-magnitude quake that occurred in Euiju, Pyonganbuk-do Province in North Korea in 1980. Next down the list were 5.2-magnitude earthquakes that occurred in Uljin in southwestern Korea and the inland area near Soknisan Mountain in central Korea. Anxiety is mounting as this year's earthquake occurrences in Korea rose about 30% compared to previous years and the nation experienced the strongest-ever tremors yesterday. Also, some 60 quakes were detected in the Gyeongbuk region over the past 10 years, with Gyeongju cited as an earthquake-prone area. According to Samguksagi and other historical records, the worst earthquake in history is said to have hit the Gyeongju area in 779 and killed more than 100 people. The Korean Peninsula has been relatively safe from earthquakes, since it is located away from the edge of a tectonic plate. Nonetheless, experts predict that the country could be hit by an earthquake as strong as 6.5-magnitude.