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air into the lower atmosphere has created conditions where lightning strikes are more likely to occur.</p><p id="7cf2">Over the past decade, an average of 108,719 lightning strikes have been recorded in Korea each year.</p><p id="2762">The numbers have varied, with the lowest year seeing around 30,000 strikes, while the highest reported a staggering 220,000 strikes.</p><p id="8bfe" type="7">Notably, around 90% of lightning strikes take place during the summer rainy season, spanning from June to August.</p><p id="2b65">In terms of frequency, Gyeonggi had the highest number of lightning strikes in 2022, with 8,603 incidents.</p><p id="5034">Additionally, when considering the density of lightning strikes per square kilometer, Incheon recorded the highest rate at 1.01 strikes.</p><div id="ab65" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/incheon-south-korea-has-big-plans-for-foreign-visitors-residents-ef446030f4e8"> <div> <div> <h2>Incheon, South Korea, has big plans for foreign visitors & residents</h2> <div><h3>Imagine a vibrant island getaway with a mix of leisure, luxury, and adventure, all within easy reach.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*-jdzZcDtJPjAPBtn)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="b92e" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/if-you-love-punk-you-will-love-this-free-punk-festival-in-incheon-south-korea-696861cd2e8e"> <div> <div> <h2>If you love punk, you will love this FREE punk festival in Incheon, South Korea</h2> <div><h3>Get ready to rock out at the awesome punk music festival called IT’S A FEST! (IAF) happening at Hanagae Beach on…</h3></div>

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    </div><p id="4d03">The KMA emphasizes the potential dangers associated with lightning strikes.</p><p id="c5d9">High objects and wet surfaces can become targets, putting individuals at risk of electric shocks.</p><p id="dbdb">Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or water sports when thunderstorms and lightning are expected.</p><p id="c2c3">If you happen to be outdoors when lightning strikes, seek immediate shelter in buildings or vehicles.</p><p id="3a1c">The KMA strongly advises against taking cover under large trees as they can be hazardous.</p><p id="b703">Additionally, it is recommended to discard any long items like umbrellas, hiking poles, or fishing rods, as they can increase the chances of getting struck.</p><p id="add7">Stay safe and updated about the weather conditions, especially during thunderstorms, if you’re out and about in South Korea.</p><p id="a353">Read more Korea-related stories here 👇👇👇</p><div id="631c" class="link-block">
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            <h2>All Things Korea &amp; Korean 🇰🇷</h2>
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    </div><p id="ddba" type="7">If you’re seeing this as a video, find my full post here:</p><p id="13b6" type="7">medium.com/@celesteelle</p></article></body>

Korea’s seeing more lightning strikes due to climate change

Image Credits: Janosch Lino on Unsplash

As climate change continues to impact our world, South Korea has been experiencing a concerning rise in lightning strikes.

Tragically, a 36-year-old man lost his life recently in Yangyang County, Gangwon, after being struck by lightning.

This incident has prompted the national weather agency to issue a warning about the increasing frequency of lightning strikes.

According to the head of the Forecast Policy Division at the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the intensity of convective phenomena, such as thunderstorms and lightning, is closely tied to the rising effects of climate change.

He explained that the combination of hot summers and the introduction of cold air into the lower atmosphere has created conditions where lightning strikes are more likely to occur.

Over the past decade, an average of 108,719 lightning strikes have been recorded in Korea each year.

The numbers have varied, with the lowest year seeing around 30,000 strikes, while the highest reported a staggering 220,000 strikes.

Notably, around 90% of lightning strikes take place during the summer rainy season, spanning from June to August.

In terms of frequency, Gyeonggi had the highest number of lightning strikes in 2022, with 8,603 incidents.

Additionally, when considering the density of lightning strikes per square kilometer, Incheon recorded the highest rate at 1.01 strikes.

The KMA emphasizes the potential dangers associated with lightning strikes.

High objects and wet surfaces can become targets, putting individuals at risk of electric shocks.

Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or water sports when thunderstorms and lightning are expected.

If you happen to be outdoors when lightning strikes, seek immediate shelter in buildings or vehicles.

The KMA strongly advises against taking cover under large trees as they can be hazardous.

Additionally, it is recommended to discard any long items like umbrellas, hiking poles, or fishing rods, as they can increase the chances of getting struck.

Stay safe and updated about the weather conditions, especially during thunderstorms, if you’re out and about in South Korea.

Read more Korea-related stories here 👇👇👇

If you’re seeing this as a video, find my full post here:

medium.com/@celesteelle

Korea
South Korea
Weather
Lightning
Climate Change
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