What You Need to Know About the 2.4 Magnitude Earthquake in Jeollanam-do: Safety Tips

[CBC News] The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that a small earthquake occurred near Hwasun County in South Jeolla Province on the night of April 5. While the quake was minor, people in some areas may have felt shaking, and authorities urged caution.

The KMA said the earthquake struck at 10:10:26 p.m. on April 5, 2026 (local time). The epicenter was located about 8 km east‑northeast of Hwasun County, with a focal depth of 11 km. The event registered a magnitude of 2.4.

The KMA assessed instrumental intensity at up to IV in South Jeolla, III in Gwangju, and II in parts of North Jeolla. Officials said residents near the epicenter could feel indoor shaking and advised staying attentive to safety measures.

Because the quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth, perceptible shaking was possible in some areas. An intensity of IV in South Jeolla typically means stationary vehicles might rock slightly and indoor items could move modestly.

Magnitude‑2 earthquakes are not uncommon in South Korea. For example, Seoul recorded quakes of magnitude 2.5 in 2004 and 2.3 in 1990, illustrating that no part of the country is completely free from seismic risk.

The KMA stressed that the likelihood of damage from this quake is low but emphasized the importance of knowing earthquake safety procedures. The agency said the probability of significant aftershocks appears small but that it will continue monitoring the situation.

So far, authorities have reported no casualties or damage to facilities.

[Note: This article was produced with the assistance of AI. The information is based on the KMA’s announcement and may change with subsequent updates. The publisher assumes no legal or financial responsibility for this information.]

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▮ CBC News | Reporter Jeong Jong‑hoon