Author(s): Sinae Kim; Jinwon Park
Linked Author(s): Sinae Kim
Keywords: Drought vulnerability Drought response capacity Exposure Sensitivity
Abstract: Since 1970, South Korea has experienced drought cycles occurring every 5 to 7 years, including an intense drought lasting from 2013 to 2018. In response to these recurrent drought risks, the South Korean government approved a comprehensive drought response plan in August 2017. This plan included initiating research on a national-scale drought vulnerability assessment and developing a drought vulnerability map to support proactive drought management. This study aims to establish a methodology for evaluating drought vulnerability, perform a nationwide assessment, and create a vulnerability map to facilitate decision-making and information sharing. The assessment method considers the water supply capacities of regional systems under different scenarios, quantifying and weighting factors such as exposure, sensitivity, and secondary water resources. The analysis, conducted across 250 municipalities, revealed that areas relying on river or groundwater sources are more susceptible to drought than those served by dams. Additionally, municipalities along the east coast, where rivers are generally short and steep, demonstrated higher drought vulnerability.
Year: 2025