South Korea experiences its biggest earthquake ever

The biggest earthquake to ever hit South Korea occurred on September 12th in Gyeongju.

At approximately 7:44pm KST, an earthquake registering at a 5.1 magnitude was recorded in the Gyeongju area. Fifty minutes later at 8:44pm KST, the earthquake was recorded at a high 5.8 magnitude. According to reports, it is the highest-recorded earthquake in South Korea since 1978.

The earthquake was felt throughout South Korea, scaring many who felt the tremors which could be felt as far as Japan. Communications in some regions were also interrupted, even through KakaoTalk, rendering people to be unable to contact their family and friends.

According to Korea Times, there were some injuries reported including an elderly woman who was hurt after a television fell from its mount due to the earthquake. Buildings in South Korea were said to have suffered from minor damages including cracks.

Image: Debris in the streets following a 5.8 earthquake in Gyeongju / Taken by Korea Times
Image: Debris in the streets following a 5.8 earthquake in Gyeongju / Taken by Korea Times
Image: Home partially collapsed following September 12, 2016 earthquake / Taken by Korea Times
Image: Home partially collapsed following September 12, 2016 earthquake / Taken by Korea Times
Image: Mess in a store in Gyeongju due to the earthquake / Taken by Korea Times
Image: Mess in a store in Gyeongju due to the earthquake / Taken by Korea Times

The hashtag #PrayforKorea began to trend following the news of the earthquake as people around the world showed their support for the people in Korea.

Source: The Korea Times