Possibility of Territorial Expansion of the Republic of Korea During a Nankai Earthquake

Hong Tae-kyung, a professor in the Department of Earth System Sciences at Yonsei University and recognized as the country’s leading earthquake expert, has shared important insights regarding the inevitability of the Nankai earthquake in Japan and its implications.

Professor Hong stated, “The Nankai earthquake will inevitably occur,” and interestingly explained, “When the large earthquake occurs, the territory of the Republic of Korea will expand.”

According to a report by TV Chosun on the 8th, Professor Hong appeared on the YouTube channel 'Eom Tube' in the program 'Precise Invitation' and emphasized in a conversation with anchor Eom Seong-seop that “It is only a matter of time; it will definitely happen someday.”

He noted, “Just because no earthquake occurred in July and August this time doesn’t mean we should be relieved," warning that the longer the earthquake is delayed, the more energy accumulates, potentially leading to greater damage.

Changes in the Korean Peninsula’s Geography and Risks Due to Earthquakes

Professor Hong referenced the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to explain the impact earthquakes have on the geography of the Korean Peninsula.

He indicated that “In the case of Ulleungdo, it was pulled 5 cm in the direction of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and Baengnyeongdo was pulled 2 cm,” and added, “The entire Korean Peninsula was elongated by 3 cm in the east-west direction.” This effectively resulted in the territorial expansion of Korea.

However, he cautioned that such geographical changes are not necessarily positive. Professor Hong explained that “as the land has expanded, it has become looser, creating conditions that make it easier for earthquakes to occur,” analyzing that this is the reason why “the frequency of earthquakes on the Korean Peninsula has increased since the Great East Japan Earthquake.”

Particularly concerning is the possibility of a large earthquake occurring in the Nankai region. Professor Hong predicted, “If a large earthquake occurs in Nankai, which is much closer to the Korean Peninsula than the area of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Korean Peninsula will be pulled much more significantly than before.”

He emphasized that this would lead to “the weakening of the land and an increase in the probability of earthquakes on the Korean Peninsula.”

Image Source: YouTube 'Eom Tube', reference photos to aid in understanding the article / gettyimagesbank