The Korean nation has a long history of meteorological and earthquake observation. This is well testified to by the myth about Tangun (a tale related to the birth of Ancient Joson in the early 30th century BC).

According to the myth, Hwanung, a son of Hwanin who was the Lord of Heaven, managed over 360 affairs related with human life including farming, control of diseases, punishment and distinguishing good from evil with the help of the gods of wind, rain and cloud while bringing enlightenment to the human world. In view of the names of the gods, it can be said that they were in charge of climatic and seismic survey.

The fact that there were officials in charge of observation for different purposes even before the establishment of a state shows that the Korean ancestors had unusual interest in the observation and survey of natural phenomena.

Seismic observation was regarded as a priority of national importance in the period of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668).

The earliest record about earthquake is in Samguksagi , historical chronicles compiled in 1145, which says that an earthquake occurred in August in the autumn of the year 21.

Koryo (918-1392) and feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910) also had government offices exclusively for astronomical and meteorological observation, calendar making and time measuring. The offices carried out the regular observation of astronomical phenomena, abnormal climatic phenomena, natural disasters and seismic activities.

As of the early 20th century, the records about earthquakes totalled more than 1 800. At first they did not classify the earthquakes but just listed their outbreak and scope of subsequent damages.

The following are typical records about earthquakes. “A lot of people died as the earth split and houses crumbled following the outbreak of an earthquake in June 89.” ( Samguksagi Vol. 23) “Three big earthquakes broke out between 17 and 19 hours in May 1518. Horrified people and horses ran away, and fences, houses and fortresses collapsed. Old people said they have never experienced such an event. Similar things happened in all of the 8 provinces.” ( Jungjongsillok Vol. 33)

Till the early 20th century, there were about 300 earthquakes big enough to cause damage to people’s production activities and life. They include those in Pyongyang in 501, Hamhung in 1727 and Chongjin in 1809.

The DPRK has an earthquake institute and observation stations in its different parts. They work to ensure the scientific accuracy and promptness of seismic observation and forecast so as to help the people provide for destructive earthquakes.

Jon Kyong Il, researcher at the History Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences