When a typhoon approaches
Typhoons are forecast, so you have time to prepare. Preparing in advance is everything.
Before it arrives
- Check the windows. Wedging paper into the frame to stop rattling helps; securing the frame and closing curtains does more than taping an X on the glass.
- Bring in everything from balconies and rooftops. Plant pots, drying racks and bicycles become missiles.
- Clear the drains.
- Prepare emergency supplies — water, torch, power bank, medication, food.
- Enable the disaster alert app — Safety Diddimdol.
While it passes
- Don't go outside. The coast, rivers and mountains are absolutely off limits.
- Stay away from windows. Glass can break.
- Don't walk under signage, street trees or power lines.
- Avoid driving, especially on bridges and in low-lying areas.
- Charge your phone in advance in case of a power cut.
Danger signs
- Water entering the property — move high immediately. See flood-emergency.
- The building shaking or cracking — evacuate immediately. 119.
- Landslide signs — water turning muddy or trees leaning means evacuate at once. See landslide.
Afterwards
- Never approach downed power lines. Report to 123 (KEPCO).
- If you smell gas, open windows and report from outside. See gas-leak.
- Photograph the damage and report it to your community centre.
Where to go
- 119 rescue and emergency · 112 danger
- 123 KEPCO (outages, power lines)
- National Disaster Safety Portal www.safekorea.go.kr
- Your local community service centre (damage reports)
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
My company says to come in. During a typhoon warning, safety comes first. If travel is unsafe, tell the company and record the situation. If you are penalised, consult 1350.
The power went out. Report to 123. Keep the fridge closed, and use a torch rather than candles.
Where should I park? Avoid low-lying ground, riversides and underground car parks; park on high ground.
I can't read the disaster alerts. The Safety Diddimdol app supports several languages. See disaster-alert-understanding.
Take care
Going outside during a typhoon to take photos or "see what's happening" is the most common cause of death. A single wind-borne object kills. Wait indoors until it has passed.
Related
flood-emergency · heavy-snow · landslide · disaster-alert-understanding · evacuation-shelters
Source
Ministry of the Interior and Safety, National Disaster Safety Portal www.safekorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08