Are earthquakes common in Korea, and how should foreigners prepare for seismic events?

Korea isn't as seismically active as Japan, but earthquakes do happen — notably Gyeongju in 2016 and Pohang in 2017 — so basic preparedness is sensible. Save the Emergency Ready App (안전디딤돌) from the Ministry of the Interior, which sends disaster alerts in English, and you'll also get loud emergency text alerts on your phone automatically. If shaking starts, drop, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on; don't rush outside mid-quake, stay away from windows, and after it stops, turn off gas and use stairs rather than elevators. Newer Korean buildings are built to seismic codes, public buildings and subway stations are designated shelters, and it helps to keep a small kit with water, a flashlight, and copies of your ARC and passport.