Nonstructural landslide mitigation of the Republic of Korea

Abstract Landslides are major forest disasters in the Republic of Korea that result in significant loss of life and property damage. Since the 1980s, the National Institute of Forest Science has conducted various studies on nonstructural landslide mitigation, including early warning systems and susceptibility mapping, to reduce damage induced by landslides. A landslide early warning system based on the TANK model was developed and used for decision-making on the preparedness level and for ordering evacuations for local people. A nationwide 5-level landslide susceptibility map was developed based on logistic regression in the 2010s, considering geological, geographical, and forest characteristics. In addition, we provide primary data for determining evacuation priorities by developing debris-flow hazard zonation and societal vulnerability assessments in that area. For public awareness, all of this information is provided through the WebGIS platform “Landslide Information System.”