On Tuesday afternoon, December 14, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake has hit the southwestern coast off Jeju Island. It marked as one of the strongest earthquakes in South Korea's recent history, prompting people to panic.

In an emergency alert, the Korea Meteorological Administration said that the earthqake was observer thirty-two (32) kilometers southwest of Seogwipo, Jeju Island, at 5:19 P.M., Tuesday. The epicented is seventeen (17) kilometers below sea level with a latitude of 33.15N and a longitude of 126.24E. It was initially reported to have a magnitude of 5.3 but was later changed to be 4.9. 

Jeju resident may experience big tremors due to the earthquake according to the authorities. They also advised the people in the area to take cover and protect themselves from aftershocks.

After the earthquake, people took to social media and spread news that the grounds in Jeju Island shook for three to four seconds with some structures shaking. Other local news reported that some fences were violently shaken causing people in the region to panic.

Fortunately, no damage or fatalities were immediately reported. The National Fire Agency also reported that no damages were present. 

The last strong earthquake with a similar magnitude was recorded in 2018 when a 4.6 magnitude earthquake hit Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. The latest earthquake is the first earthquake of a magnitude to exceed 4.5 in four years.