Korea national Sesmography Network(KNSN)

Although only a few damaging earthquakes occurred in Korea, about 24 minor and intermediate earthquakes occur annually, nine of which record over 3.0 in Richter scale. Five earthquakes having a magnitude of over 5.0 have occurred in Korea since 1978. In particular, the earthquake which occurred in Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do in 1978, with a magnitude of 5.0, is regarded as a recent example of a typical damaging earthquake in Korea. Two tsunamis, generated by earthquakes in the sea near the western coast of Japan, caused damage to the eastern coast of Korea in both 1983 and 1993.

The Korea National Seismographic Network(KNSN), with 35 observations, including 12 broadband (one overlapped with very broadband) and 23 short-period seismographs and 75 accelerograph stations, was set up to monitor earthquakes occurring in the Korean Peninsula and its vicinity. More seismograph stations will continue to be installed in the near future.