Korean Public Alert Service

An example placeholder for an alert

Korean Public Alert Service (KPAS) is a service in which the South Korean government delivers alerts to mobile phones to prevent damages when disasters would damage people and such property. In June 2023, the government overhauled the system after an erroneous alert led to confusion. The new system will provide more information, such as "who, when, where, what, how and why". The alert system numbers are listed below.

• 112 for police
• 119 for ambulance and fire

When Used

KPAS is used for many emergency events, and the list includes

• Typhoons: The Korea Public Alert Service issues alerts when typhoons are approaching, providing critical information about their expected path, intensity, and potential impact on specific regions. These alerts guide residents on safety measures to take, such as evacuation procedures and preparation for severe weather conditions.

• Earthquakes: KPAS sends out notifications during seismic events, including earthquake warnings. These alerts inform the public about the magnitude, location, and expected aftershocks. Timely information helps individuals take immediate safety precautions, such as seeking shelter or moving to safer locations, especially in high-risk areas.

• Floods: When heavy rainfall is forecasted or when flooding is imminent, KPAS issues flood warnings to affected communities. These alerts provide details on expected water levels, areas at risk, and evacuation routes. Such information is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring public safety during flood events.

• Severe Weather: Alerts for severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow, thunderstorms, or extreme heat, are communicated through KPAS. These warnings offer advice on how to prepare and respond effectively to these conditions, ensuring that residents stay informed and can take necessary actions to protect themselves.

• Public Safety Threats: KPAS is also utilized to notify the public of immediate safety threats, including criminal activities, hazardous material spills, or acts of terrorism. These alerts provide essential information on safety measures, evacuation routes, or areas to avoid, helping to keep communities informed and safe.

• Health Emergencies: In the event of public health crises, such as infectious disease outbreaks, KPAS issues alerts to inform citizens about the situation. These notifications include guidance on preventive measures, vaccination availability, and health resources, aiming to promote public awareness and facilitate timely responses to health threats.

History

2017-2022 (Early years)

2017: Establishment and Launch

The Korea Public Alert Service (KPAS) was officially launched in 2017 as part of South Korea's initiative to enhance its emergency communication systems. The establishment of KPAS was prompted by increasing concerns over natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, which had highlighted the need for a more effective way to disseminate crucial information to the public. The service aimed to unify various existing emergency alert systems into a cohesive framework capable of quickly and efficiently delivering vital notifications to citizens in times of crisis.

2018: Initial Implementation

In its first year, KPAS focused on implementing the service and raising public awareness. Initial public outreach campaigns were conducted to educate citizens about the system's purpose and functionality. These campaigns included social media engagement, public service announcements, and community events to ensure that residents understood how to receive alerts and the types of emergencies covered. The service conducted several test alerts to verify functionality and familiarize the public with receiving notifications during emergencies.

National Test of Wireless Emergency Alerts

On October 3, 2018, South Korea conducted its first national test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system. The test was executed at 2:18 PM EDT and aimed to reach approximately 75% of cell phones across the country. This milestone was a significant step in ensuring the effectiveness of KPAS in delivering timely and critical alerts to the public.

2019: Enhancements and Feedback

In 2019, KPAS began to refine its systems based on user feedback and stakeholder input. The service introduced improvements aimed at enhancing the clarity and reliability of alerts. This period also saw efforts to integrate more technologies into KPAS, including smartphone applications and online platforms, thereby expanding its reach and accessibility for all citizens. As the public became more aware of KPAS, the service saw increased engagement from users, prompting further enhancements.

2020: Response to COVID-19

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented new challenges and opportunities for KPAS. The service adapted by providing health-related emergency alerts, informing the public about safety measures, quarantine guidelines, and updates on the evolving situation. This pivot to health communication underscored the critical role that KPAS could play in public safety beyond natural disasters. During this time, there was a notable increase in the use of KPAS, as citizens turned to the service for trusted and timely information regarding the pandemic.

2021: Technological Advancements

In 2021, KPAS undertook modernization efforts to enhance its technological capabilities. This included the implementation of advanced data analytics to better predict and respond to emerging threats, such as natural disasters and public health emergencies. Additionally, KPAS focused on user engagement, encouraging more citizens to sign up for alerts. Public drills and training sessions were organized to familiarize communities with emergency procedures and ensure preparedness for various scenarios.

2022: Strengthening Capabilities

By 2022, KPAS had further strengthened its capabilities through increased collaboration with local and national emergency management agencies. These partnerships ensured a coordinated response during emergencies and improved the overall effectiveness of public alerts. KPAS continued to prioritize public engagement, conducting drills and exercises to test the system’s effectiveness and prepare communities for potential emergencies.