Article 1(Purpose) #
The purpose of this Decree is to prescribe matters mandated by the Act on the Observation and Warning of Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanic Eruptions and matters necessary for enforcing that Act.
Article 2(Procedures for formulation of master plans) #
(1) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall prepare guidelines for formulating a master plan for the observation and warning of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") under Article 4 (1) of the Act on the Observation and Warning of Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanic Eruptions (hereinafter referred to as the "Act") and shall notify the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies thereof by March 31 of the year preceding the master plan commences.
(2) The head of each relevant central administrative agency shall prepare a plan for the field of his or her jurisdiction according to the guidelines referred to in paragraph (1) and submit it to the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration.
(3) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall finalize a master plan by integrating and coordinating the plans for each field of jurisdiction submitted pursuant to paragraph (2).
(4) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration may, if necessary for the formulation, modification, or implementation of a master plan, seek advice from relevant experts. <Add on Jan. 31, 2025>
(2) "Where any changes are made regarding minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the proviso of Article 24 (5) of the Act means any of the following cases: <Add on Jan. 31, 2025>
1. Where any changes are made to reflect the details of the amendments of the Act and this Decree or the enactments, amendments, or repeals of other statutes and regulations in accordance with the amendments of the Act and the Decree or the enactments, amendments, or repeals of the statutes and regulations;
2. Where any changes are made to reflect the details of plans formulated pursuant to other statutes and regulations;
3. Where any changes are made to matters which do not affect the purpose and direction of the master plan, and the grounds for such changes are clear;
4. Where any changes are made to correct simple mistakes, misrepresentations, omissions, or obvious errors corresponding thereto.
(6) Where the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration formulates or changes a master plan, he or she shall post the details thereof on the website of the Korea Meteorological Administration. <Add on Jan. 31, 2025>
Article 3(Notification of master plans) #
(1) "Agencies prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as relevant central administrative agencies" in Article 4 (5) of the Act means the following agencies: <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Jun. 29, 2021>
1. The Ministry of Economy and Finance;
2. Ministry of Science and ICT;
3. Ministry of National Defense;
4. Ministry of the Interior and Safety;
5. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
6. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy;
7. The Ministry of Environment;
8. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport;
9. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries;
10. Deleted; <Jul. 26, 2017>
11. In addition to the agencies provided for in subparagraphs 1 through 9, any other agency for which the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration deems notification of the master plan is necessary, such as an agency that has prepared and submitted a plan for the field of jurisdiction.
(2) An agency notified of a master plan pursuant to paragraph (1) shall take necessary measures, such as notifying the relevant affiliated agency, etc. thereof without delay.
Article 3-2(Organization and Operation of Seismic Observation and Warning Council) #
(1) The earthquake observation and warning council under Article 4-2 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as the "earthquake observation and warning council") shall be comprised of up to 20 members, including 1 chairperson.
(2) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall serve as the chairperson of the Earthquake Observation Alert Council, and members of the Earthquake Observation Alert Council shall be appointed by the head of the relevant central administrative agency from among public officials in general service of the Senior Executive Service of the following central administrative agencies or public officials equivalent thereto:
1. The Ministry of Science and ICT;
2. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety:
3. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
4. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy;
5. The Ministry of Environment;
6. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport;
7. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries;
8. Nuclear Safety and Security Commission.
(3) The chairperson of the Earthquake Observation and Warning Council shall represent the Earthquake Observation and Warning Council, and shall supervise the affairs of the earthquake observation and warning council; provided, if he or she is unable to perform his or her duties due to unavoidable reasons, a member designated in advance by the chairperson of the Seismic Observation and Warning Council shall perform the chairperson’s duties on behalf of the chairperson.
(4) The chairperson of the Earthquake Observation and Warning Council shall convene and preside over meetings of the Committee.
(5) The meeting of the Earthquake Observation and Warning Council shall be held with the attendance of a majority of the incumbent members, and resolutions shall be made with the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members present.
(6) The Earthquake Observation Warning Council shall have 1 executive secretary in charge of the affairs of the Earthquake Observation and Warning Council, who shall be appointed by the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration from among public officials of the Korea Meteorological Administration.
Article 4(Establishment and operation of national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others) #
The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall perform the following duties to efficiently establish and operate an observation network for monitoring earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions under Article 6 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others"): <Amended on Nov. 24, 2020>
1. Cooperation with relevant institutions or organizations for the establishment and operation of the national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others;
2. Training of specialists necessary for the establishment and operation of the national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others;
3. Cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions or organizations for joint utilization of the national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others;
4. Research and development for the establishment and operation of the national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others;
5. Standardization of observation devices and establishment and operation of a system for inspection of observation devices under Article 11 of the Act for the maintenance and repair of the national seismic observation network;
6. Except as provided for in subparagraphs 1 through 5, matters necessary for the efficient establishment and operation of the national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others.
Article 5(Establishment and operation of geophysical observation network) #
The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall perform the following duties to efficiently establish and operate a geophysical observation network under Article 7 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "geophysical observation network"):
1. Cooperation with relevant institutions or organizations for the establishment and operation of the geophysical observation network;
2. Training of specialists necessary for the establishment and operation of the geophysical observation network;
3. Cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions or organizations for joint utilization of the geophysical observation network;
4. Research and development for the establishment and operation of the geophysical observation network;
5. Except as provided for in subparagraphs 1 through 4, matters necessary for the efficient establishment and operation of the geophysical observation network.
Article 5-2(Inspection of observation equipment) #
(1) "Earthquake, tsunami, and volcano observation devices prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the main clause of Article 11 (1) of the Act means any of the following observation devices: <Amended on Jan. 31, 2025>
1. Seismic accelerometer;
2. Speed seismic sensor;
3. Seismograph.
(2) A person who intends to undergo an inspection of observation devices pursuant to the main clause of Article 11 (1) of the Act shall submit an application for inspection of observation devices in the form prescribed by Ministerial Decree of the Environment to the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration [where an agency designated pursuant to Article 11-2 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "inspection service agency") is authorized to perform all or part of the affairs of inspection, referring to the head of the inspection service agency; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article]. <Amended on Jan. 31, 2025>
(3) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall, upon receipt of an application for inspection pursuant to paragraph (2), issue an inspection certificate prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Environment, if the observation equipment for which an application for inspection is filed meets the criteria for inspection under Article 11 (3) of the Act.
(4) "Period of validity of inspection prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 11 (2) of the Act means 5 years from the date on which the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration issues a certificate of inspection.
[This Article Added on Nov. 24, 2020]
Article 5-3(Requirements for designation of inspection service agency) #
"Personnel and facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 11-2 (2) of the Act means the requirements for personnel and facilities of an inspection service agency under Appendix 1.
[This Article Added on Nov. 24, 2020]
Article 5-4(Linkage of Earthquake Information Delivery System) #
"Institutions prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 12 (2) 3 of the Act means an institution that manages facilities designated as national core infrastructure for energy, information and communications, transportation, health and medical services, and nuclear energy under subparagraphs 1 through 3, 5, and 6 of attached Table 2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety.
[This Article Added on Jan. 31, 2025]
Article 6(Criteria for issuing earthquake early warning) #
"Where an earthquake of a magnitude greater than that prescribed by Presidential Decree occurs" in Article 14 (2) of the Act means the following cases:
1. Where an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 or greater occurs in the Republic of Korea;
2. If an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater occurs overseas and is expected to have a significant impact on the Republic of Korea.
Article 6(Criteria for issuing earthquake site warnings) #
(1) “Institution prescribed by Presidential Decree” in Article 14-2 (1) of the Act means an institution that manages facilities designated as national core infrastructure pursuant to Article 26 (1) of the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety.
(2) "Earthquake of a magnitude greater than that prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 14-2 (1) of the Act means an earthquake whose magnitude predicted by an earthquake observatory under Article 6 (1) of the Act is equal to or greater than the magnitude determined and publicly notified by the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration.
[This Article Added on Jan. 31, 2025]
Article 7(Requirements for requests for emergency broadcasts) #
"Where the requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree are met, such as where it becomes necessary to urgently communicate the results of observation of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, or to announce breaking news, etc. to the people" in Article 15 (1) of the Act means the following cases:
1. Where an earthquake early warning is issued under Article 14 (2) of the Act;
2. Where it is necessary to urgently communicate weather advisories, etc. on tsunamis and volcanic eruptions to the people in order to prevent disasters caused by tsunamis and volcanic eruptions;
3. In addition to the matters provided for in subparagraphs 1 and 2, where it is necessary to urgently communicate to the public about the results of observations, etc. of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, etc. at home and abroad that may cause damage to human life, body or property.
Article 8(Announcement of results of observation of earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanic eruptions) #
"Cases prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as for national defense purposes" in the proviso to Article 16 (1) of the Act means any of the following cases:
1. Where the results of observation of artificial earthquakes caused by nuclear tests, large-scale explosions, etc. are announced;
2. Where the results of observation of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are published for academic research.
Article 9(Technical support) #
(1) A person who seeks to receive technical support necessary for developing equipment or technology, including software, related to the observation and warning of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions under Article 20 (1) of the Act shall submit a project plan, necessary matters for support, etc. to the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Environment.
(2) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall comprehensively examine the following matters with respect to matters submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) and notify the submitter of whether technical support is provided:
1. Expenses for developing the relevant equipment or technology;
2. The importance and urgency of the relevant equipment or technology in the work related to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions;
3. The capability to develop the relevant equipment or technology.
Article 9-2(Institutions subject to agreements on research and development projects for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions) #
"Requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as research personnel and facilities" in Article 21 (1) 7 of the Act means the following requirements:
1. It shall have at least 5 full-time researchers who have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher in a department related to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions (including cases where it is recognized as having equivalent or higher academic background under statutes or regulations). In such cases, at least 2 persons who have conducted research for at least 3 years in institutions, organizations, or corporations related to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions after obtaining the relevant degree shall be included;
2. It shall have independent research facilities capable of conducting research and development tasks on earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions;
[This Article Added on Jun. 29, 2021]
Article 10(Subject matter, details, and methods of cooperation with organizations related to domestic and overseas earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions) #
(1) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall cooperate with the following entities for research on earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, formulation of policies, technical development, etc. under Article 23 (1) of the Act: <Amended on Jan. 12, 2016>
1. Government departments under the subparagraphs of Article 3 (1);
2. Organizations under Article 5 (2) 2 through 6 of the Act on the Preparation for Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions;
3. In addition to the entities prescribed in subparagraphs 1 and 2, specialized institutes or organizations related to domestic and overseas earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions determined by the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration.
(2) The Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration shall cooperate with the government departments under paragraph (1) in the following matters:
1. Investigation of the observation environment of earthquake observatories, tsunami observatories, and volcano observatories established and operated in the national observation network for monitoring earthquakes and others and by the entities under paragraph (1) 2 or 3;
2. Exchange of information and technology related to earthquakes;
3. Training and exchange of specialists in earthquake-related fields;
4. Cooperation with international organizations related to earthquakes and other countries;
5. Except as provided for in subparagraphs 1 through 4, matters deemed necessary by the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration for research on earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, formulation of policies, development of technologies, etc.
Article 11(Scope and procedures for consultation on duties relating to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions) #
Pursuant to Article 24 (1) of the Act, the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration may consult with the government departments under the subparagraphs of Article 10 (1) on duties relating to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions for the following matters:
1. Installation and operation of earthquake observatories, tsunami observatories, and volcano observatories under Article 6 (1) of the Act;
2. Sharing and utilization of information on earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions through a comprehensive national information system for earthquakes under Article 17 (2) of the Act;
3. Education and training of persons engaged in affairs related to the development of technology for observation and analysis of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions under article Article 22 (1) of the Act;
4. Emergency cooperation on observation results, etc. in the event of an earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic eruption;
5. Investigation and analysis on the observation, etc. of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Article 12(Entrustment of duties relating to earthquakes, tsunamis, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions) #
(1) "Person prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 27 (1) of the Act means any of the following: <Amended on Jun. 27, 2017; Apr. 17, 2018>
1. An educational institution designated under Article 35-3 (1) of the Act;
2. A weather business operator defined in subparagraph 10 of Article 2 of the Weather Industry Promotion Act;
3. A supporting institution of weather information designated under Article 16 of the Weather Industry Promotion Act;
4. The Korea Meteorological Institute established under Article 17 of the Weather Industry Promotion Act;
5. A university or a college in which a department or faculty related to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and geophysics is established, among universities and colleges under subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Higher Education Act;
6. A person who has at least 5 years of work experience in observing earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, etc. at any of the government departments under Article 10 (1), the Korea Meteorological Administration, a local government, etc.
(2) Pursuant to Article 27 (1) of the Act, the Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration may entrust the following duties to a person referred to in the subparagraphs of paragraph (1):
1. Purchase, installation, maintenance, and repair of observation equipment necessary for the establishment of observation networks under Article 6 of the Act, and observation of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions;
2. Purchase, installation, maintenance, repair, and observation of geophysical observation devices necessary for the establishment of a geophysical observation network under Article 7 of the Act, and observation of geophysics;
3. Notification to relevant agencies and the public of information on the results of observation of major natural earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions occurring at home and overseas, and weather advisories, etc. under Article 12 (1) of the Act;
4. Provision of evidence and data regarding the observation of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions under Article 18 of the Act;
5. Support for the development of technologies under Article 20 (1) of the Act;
6. Deleted; <Jan. 31, 2021>
Article 13(Criteria for imposition of administrative fines) #
Criteria for imposition of administrative fines under Article 30 (1) and (2) of the Act shall be as specified in the Appendix 2. <Amended on Nov. 24, 2020>