Magnitude 3.7 Earthquake Strikes Off Taean Coast

On May 5, 2025, at precisely 7:53 AM, a magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck off the northwest coast of Taean County, located in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. This seismic event took place 52 kilometers from the coast, with its epicenter positioned at North Latitude 37.12 degrees and East Longitude 125.94 degrees, at a depth of 14 kilometers.

The earthquake was felt predominantly across the Seoul metropolitan area, prompting a flurry of reports from residents who experienced tremors. According to the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, a total of 16 reports of shaking were received nationwide. These included two reports from northern Gyeonggi, four from southern Gyeonggi, one from Incheon, three from South Chungcheong, and six from Seoul.

In terms of seismic intensity, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) recorded a level of IV (4) in Incheon, indicating that many people indoors felt the tremors, with some waking from their sleep as windows and doors shook. Meanwhile, in Gyeonggi, Seoul, and South Chungcheong, the reported intensity was II (2), which means that only a few individuals on the upper floors of buildings sensed the vibrations.

As of 8:30 AM on the same day, the South Chungcheong Fire Department had confirmed six reports related to the earthquake. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage associated with the seismic activity, which is a relief for residents in the affected areas.

The KMA issued a warning advising residents to remain cautious, as aftershocks may still occur in the vicinity of the earthquake. They emphasized the importance of protecting oneself from falling objects and suggested that people should evacuate outdoors once the shaking has ceased, while remaining alert for potential aftershocks.

"Residents near the earthquake's epicenter may still feel aftershocks, and we urge everyone to exercise caution," a spokesperson from the KMA stated. This earthquake is noted to be the strongest recorded in South Korea in 2025 thus far, marking a significant event in the region's seismic activity.

Interestingly, this tremor comes on the heels of two other notable earthquakes earlier in the year. On February 7, 2025, a magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck 22 kilometers northwest of Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province, at a depth of 9 kilometers. That event resulted in 23 reports concerning seismic activity, with incidents reported across Gangwon, Gyeonggi, and North Chungcheong.

In total, South Korea has experienced 25 earthquakes of magnitude 2.0 or higher in 2025, with two of those being 3.0 or higher. The KMA is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as necessary.

Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and heed any safety instructions provided by local authorities. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, and preparedness is essential for ensuring safety in the event of future tremors.