Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

Hello and welcome to my today's podcast where we talk about surviving and thriving as a Korean expat or student abroad. I’m Shakhnoza, and in just 3 minutes, I’ll share life-saving apps and tools you should know—whether you're living in Korea or heading back for a visit. Let’s face it—disasters don’t send calendar invites. Whether it’s an earthquake, a typhoon, or even a fire in your building, having the right app on your phone could literally save your life. So, here are three essential tools every Korean resident or expat in Korea should have installed: 1. “Safe Korea” App (안전디딤돌): This app is developed by Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety. It sends real-time emergency alerts—like weather warnings, earthquake updates, and evacuation notices—directly to your phone. It also provides shelter locations and emergency contact numbers. Good news: they’ve added some English support recently, though Korean is still the main language. 2. “Emergency Ready” App (국민재난안전포털): Think of this as Korea’s official disaster information hub. You’ll find guides on how to act during various disasters, whether it’s a flood, typhoon, or even a chemical spill. Bonus: It also works offline once you download it, so you can still access key information without internet. 3. Kakao Maps & Naver Maps: Yes, we all use them to find the best cafes—but did you know these apps also show the locations of emergency shelters and hospitals? Especially during wildfires or heavy flooding, these apps can guide you to safety faster than waiting for help. Just search for “대피소” or “shelter.” Quick tip: If you don’t read Korean fluently, pair these apps with Google Translate or Papago. And always keep a portable charger in your emergency kit. Disasters can be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Stay informed, stay ready, and most importantly—stay safe. Thanks for tuning in to my today's podcast. I'm Shakhnoza, and I'll catch you next time with more ways to protect yourself and your community. Thank you so much!