73,341 Lightning Strikes Last Year... 75% Concentrated in Summer, Most in Gyeongbuk

"Avoid Outdoor Activities During Thunderstorms"

Last year, there were 73,341 lightning strikes (discharge phenomena occurring between clouds and the ground) recorded in South Korea.

Strong lightning is striking next to an apartment complex in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's (KMA) "2023 Lightning Yearbook" released on the 31st, about 75% of lightning strikes were concentrated in the summer months (June to August), showing a pattern similar to the average of the past 10 years. The month with the highest number of strikes was July, with 25,346 occurrences (about 35%). In particular, on July 26, about 10% (7,220 strikes) of last year's total lightning strikes occurred in a single day. By metropolitan cities and provinces nationwide, Gyeongsangbuk-do recorded the most with 12,982 strikes, followed by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province with 11,973, and Gyeonggi-do with 11,271.

The Lightning Yearbook analyzes data observed through 21 lightning observation networks operated by the KMA and includes information such as monthly counts, counts by metropolitan cities and provinces, counts by cities, counties, and districts, number of strikes per unit area (㎢), spatial distribution of lightning, and the top five major lightning cases.

Yoo Hee-dong, Administrator of the Korea Meteorological Administration, emphasized, “With the increase in outdoor activities among the public, there is a higher exposure to lightning risks, so special caution is needed during the summer when lightning is concentrated. It is important to carefully check real-time lightning information, refrain from outdoor activities during lightning, and familiarize yourself with safety guidelines.”