Collection Disaster Preparedness 2026.08.14

Tropical Cyclone Cases to Remember in Our Country

Records of domestic typhoons that left different risks of strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and urban flooding

#Typhoon Damage #Typhoon Cases #Disaster History #Storm Surge #Intense Rainfall

If we only remember typhoons that caused significant damage based on their intensity, we may miss the lessons needed for future disasters. Some typhoons were characterized by strong winds and storm surges, while others brought record rainfall when interacting with mountainous terrain. There have also been cases where even if the center remained over the sea, large damages occurred due to a wide wind field affecting rural and urban areas.

This list compiles ten different cases of tropical cyclones that impacted our country, showcasing different risks. Instead of ranking or simply comparing damage, we pointed out signals to pay attention to and actions to avoid in each event. Since the observational and disaster management environments have changed from then to now, focus on the recurring flood-prone areas and patterns of failed evacuations rather than the numbers themselves.

Sarah — 1959

SARA — 1959

SARA — 1959 is often referenced as a benchmark in the history of typhoon disasters in Korea, as it caused significant casualties and property damage in the southern part of the peninsula. When looking at forecasts, it’s important to consider the differences between the observational networks of the past and the current analytical methods, focusing on the patterns of damage. If this signal appears, reflect the recurring risks of previous flood areas and coastal lowlands in your family evacuation plan. However, due to the changes in urban structures and disaster management facilities, you cannot directly apply the scale of damage as it was. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Selma — 1987

SELMA — 1987

SELMA — 1987 was a notable summer typhoon that made landfall on the southern coast, causing strong winds, heavy rain, and marine damage. When reviewing forecasts, it’s crucial to observe not just the landing point but also vessel control and coastal wave records. If this signal appears, those engaged in fishing or port activities should set an earlier control point than land-based activities. However, even when the land impact feels weak, the risks at sea may still escalate. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Gladys — 1991

GLADYS — 1991

GLADYS — 1991 is a case that left considerable rainfall and flood damage primarily in the southern regions, thereby illustrating the precipitation risks associated with typhoons. When looking at forecasts, check whether it rained before the typhoon and how accumulated precipitation affects river levels. If this signal appears, if there was significant pre-rain, consider canceling mountain, valley, and river schedules earlier. However, do not underestimate the potential for rainfall damage just because you are farther from the center. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Janis — 1995

JANICE — 1995

JANICE — 1995 coincided with heavy downpours, causing significant flooding in the central region, showing the combination of the typhoon and surrounding pressure systems. When reviewing forecasts, check the strength of the typhoon itself and also confirm the stagnation front and moisture influx explanations. If this signal appears, prioritize moving to avoid landslide risks in areas where the soil is already wet. However, it can be difficult to compare actual cumulative damage based solely on the typhoon level. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Prapirun — 2000

PRAPIROON — 2000

PRAPIROON — 2000 approached from the west sea and caused wind damage in the western region, including the capital area. When looking at forecasts, check both the regions located in the risk semicircle on the right side of the track and the records of peak wind speeds. If this signal appears, adjust your route home to avoid city signs, street trees, and construction sites. However, even if the center remains over the sea, land-based wind damage can still be significant. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Rusa — 2002

RUSA — 2002

RUSA — 2002 brought excessive rainfall, causing record flooding in regions like Gangneung in Yeongdong. When looking at forecasts, observe if easterly winds and mountainous terrain are enhancing rainfall, and whether the accumulated amounts in river basins are surging. If this signal appears, in mountains and valleys, move to safe flat areas early instead of waiting for evacuation orders. However, national average rainfall may mask localized extremes. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Maemi - 2003

MAEMI — 2003

MAEMI — 2003 was a representative case that caused significant damage to ports and urban areas on the southern coast due to strong winds and storm surges. When looking at forecasts, check high tide times, expected storm surge heights, and the potential for flooding in coastal lowlands. If this signal appears, coastal vehicles and ships should move to safety before land-based winds start. However, breakwaters are not observation points but rather the first areas that need to be controlled. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Nari - 2007

NARI — 2007

NARI — 2007 passed through Jeju, causing heavy rain and urban flooding, demonstrating the dangers of intense and short-duration storms. When reviewing forecasts, consider not just the accumulated amounts but also the hourly rainfall and the urban drainage capacity. If this signal appears, avoid entering underpasses and underground parking and take detours to higher roads. However, even if rain temporarily weakens, water levels may rise late due to inflow from upstream. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Bolaven - 2012

BOLAVEN — 2012

BOLAVEN — 2012 moved north along the west sea, causing strong winds and damage to agricultural and fisheries facilities across a wide area. When looking at forecasts, check the size, wind radius, and exposure time of the region on the right side of the movement direction. If this signal appears, finish work in greenhouses and orchards well before strong winds arrive. However, even areas far from the center can be affected for extended periods within a large radius. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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Hin Namno - 2022

HINNAMNO — 2022

HINNAMNO — 2022 approached with very strong force, causing sudden flooding and casualties in places like Pohang. When reviewing forecasts, check for overlapping factors such as nighttime heavy rainfall, river flooding, and risks of isolation in underground spaces. If this signal appears, prioritize proactive evacuation of people rather than vehicles in semi-basements, underground parking areas, and riverbank locations. However, do not re-enter flooded underground spaces to move belongings. Instead of concluding based on a single word, check the latest weather information and local warnings to ensure you don’t miss the action timing. Remember that risks vary depending on the terrain of your living area, such as coastal, mountainous, or urban areas.

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The names of past typhoons serve not just as markers to memorize past events, but as mnemonic devices to make quicker judgments in future situations. Rusa demonstrated extreme rainfall in mountainous areas, Maemi highlighted strong winds and storm surges, while Nari and Hinanmok showed how rapidly urban spaces can become dangerous. When viewing these different cases together, it becomes clear that damage cannot be predicted by a single trajectory.

Make sure to check how the rivers, underpasses, steep slopes, and coastal lowlands in your neighborhood were handled in past situations. The records in the typhoon archive serve as a starting point for preparation, and actual evacuations should follow current weather warnings and local government directives. Even places that have not experienced damage in the past may have new vulnerabilities due to changes in climate, infrastructure, and land use.

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