During an earthquake

Running out while it is shaking is more dangerous. Leave after it stops.

While it shakes (indoors)

1. Get under a desk and protect your head. Without one, cover your head with a cushion or bag and get low.
2. Move away from windows, glass and large furniture.
3. Wait until the shaking stops.

Once it stops

1. Shut off gas and electricity.
2. Open a door to secure an exit. Warped frames trap people.
3. Go outside by the stairs. Never the lift.
4. Evacuate to open ground such as a sports field or park.
5. Expect aftershocks. They can be stronger than the first.

By location

• Outdoors — move away from buildings, signage, glass and walls, and protect your head with a bag.
• In a car — put on hazard lights, pull over to the right and wait inside. If you must evacuate, leave the key in and go on foot.
• On the subway or inside a building — follow announcements and don't run. Falls cause more injuries.
• At the coast — move to high ground immediately after the quake. There is a tsunami risk.

Preparing in advance

• Fix furniture to the wall, especially bookcases beside beds.
• Keep emergency supplies (water, torch, medication, power bank) in one place.
• Know your evacuation site. See evacuation-shelters.
• Agree a meeting place and contact method with your family.

Where to go

• 119 rescue and emergency · 112 danger
• National Disaster Safety Portal www.safekorea.go.kr (shelters)
• Korea Meteorological Administration for earthquake information
• Your local community service centre
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation

Questions people ask

Does Korea have earthquakes? They occur, though not large ones. When an earthquake alert arrives, follow the steps above.

My building is old — is it safe? If you are worried, ask the management office or landlord, and take what precautions you can, such as fixing furniture.

How long do aftershocks last? There is no way to know. For a while, don't stay beside large furniture indoors.

The power and water are off. Ask 123 (electricity) and your local waterworks. Storing emergency water in advance helps.

Take care

Being struck by falling objects while running outside mid-quake causes the most injuries. While it shakes, protect your head and stay low; leave calmly once it stops. Never take the lift under any circumstances.

Related

evacuation-shelters · disaster-alert-understanding · building-collapse · first-aid-basics

Source

Ministry of the Interior and Safety, National Disaster Safety Portal www.safekorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08