Disaster Response Guidelines

Our Preparedness for Emergencies

Various types of disasters—such as earthquakes, floods, and heavy snowfall—continue to occur around the world.

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In particular, recent earthquakes in neighboring Japan have heightened awareness and concern about disaster preparedness in Korea as well.

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During Air Raids or Artillery Attacks, Underground Areas Are Safer

When an enemy air raid or artillery attack occurs, it is crucial to remain calm.
At home, first turn off electricity and gas, then evacuate to the nearest underground shelter.

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If you are in a high-rise building or apartment, do not use elevators. Instead, use emergency stairways to move to underground facilities such as basement parking areas.
If you are outdoors, evacuate to the nearest underground shelter or the basement of a nearby building.

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Subway stations and underground parking garages are considered the safest shelters during situations such as air raids.
This is because reinforced concrete structures with a thickness of 40 cm or more can provide sufficient protection against long-range artillery attacks.

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A reinforced concrete thickness of 40 cm can withstand a near explosion of a 500-pound (120 kg TNT) aerial bomb.

Subway stations, in particular, are located an average of 4–10 meters below ground level and are constructed with upper concrete walls 60–90 cm thick, along with intermediate slabs of 40 cm per underground level.

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This structure makes them among the safest places against bombing and building collapse.

Apartments and general buildings with underground parking lots have been designed to meet seismic standards since 1988.
In the case of apartments, the wall-supported structural system—where walls bear the building’s load—reduces the risk of collapse, making them suitable evacuation facilities.

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Beware of Falling Objects During an Earthquake

When indoors, take cover under a table to protect your body.
If no table is available, use cushions or blankets to protect your head.

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Turn off gas stoves and close the gas valve. If a fire breaks out, remain calm and attempt initial fire suppression promptly.
It is also advisable to keep doors open in advance to allow for quick evacuation in an emergency.

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When outdoors, protect your head as much as possible, stay away from hazardous objects, and be cautious of falling debris.
If you are inside a building, quickly take cover under a desk or table and stay away from windows and balconies.

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Do not use elevators—use emergency stairways instead.

If you are inside an elevator, get off at the nearest floor and evacuate immediately.

In crowded places such as department stores, theaters, or underground shopping areas, evacuate calmly and orderly by following the instructions of staff or guides.
When riding a train or subway, hold onto luggage racks or hand straps firmly to avoid falling, and follow onboard announcements.

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If you are hiking or traveling, evacuate promptly according to radio broadcasts or guidance from officials.
Faster evacuation is especially necessary in mountainous areas, steep slopes, or coastal regions.

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During Typhoons, Inspect Fences and Evacuate to Safe Areas

At home, continuously monitor weather conditions through radio and television.
Check in advance for any risk of retaining walls or fences collapsing, and secure items that could be blown away by strong winds.
Elderly people and children should avoid going outdoors.

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When outdoors during thunder or lightning, do not use umbrellas.
Avoid utility poles and large trees, and take shelter inside large buildings.
Avoid flooded roads whenever possible, and never attempt to cross even small streams recklessly.

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When driving, avoid flooded roads and submerged bridges, use familiar routes, and drive in low gear.
Move vehicles parked near rivers to safer locations.

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In rural or mountainous areas, deepen drainage channels and reinforce supports for fruit trees and plastic greenhouses by securing them firmly.
Areas with slopes of 30 degrees or more have a high risk of landslides, so evacuate to safe places in advance and remain vigilant even after the rain has stopped.

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