Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

Good time of the day! Today’s podcast is going to be about the climate differences between Korea and Uzbekistan. I’m from Uzbekistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia. One of the biggest changes I felt after moving to Korea from Uzbekistan was the climate! Uzbekistan has a dry continental climate — characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and low humidity. Rain is rare, and natural disasters are pretty uncommon. The occasional dust storm or drought might happen, but in general, the weather feels predictable. Korea, on the other hand, has a humid temperate climate. Summer here means rainy monsoon season (locals call it 장마 – “jangma”) and humid heat, while winters are cold but much shorter than in Uzbekistan. And don’t forget the yellow dust (황사) that blows in during spring from China and Mongolia! When it comes to natural disasters, Korea experiences typhoons in late summer, floods during heavy rains, and occasional earthquakes. Heatwaves are strong in summer, with public alerts and safety measures. Meanwhile, in Uzbekistan, natural disasters are rare, but earthquakes can occur in the eastern regions such as Tashkent and the Fergana Valley. Droughts and desertification are long-term challenges, especially for agriculture. Summers are progressively getting hotter. Recently, an extreme heat of 63.5 °C was recorded in Tashkent, reaching an absolute maximum in the history of forecast observations. 40°C is very common during July and early August. I feel shocked and find it very hard to adjust every time I fly back to either country due to the humidity difference. In Korea, the weather can change within hours, so I always make sure to check the forecast! The air feels “heavier” because of the humidity. It’s fascinating to see how each country adapts to its own environmental risks. Living in Korea made me appreciate emergency alerts, evacuation drills, and even the way buildings are designed for typhoon safety.