Gov't to require earthquake-proof designs for smaller buildings

SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- All new buildings in South Korea that are higher than one story will be required to be earthquake-resistant from next year, while those with 16 floors or more must have their earthquake-proof designs verified, the government said Tuesday.

The measure was set following a 5.8-magnitude earthquake that hit the nation's southeastern region on Sept. 12, the most powerful tremor to be recorded here, and the nearly 400 aftershocks since. The region was again struck by an aftershock measuring magnitude 4.5 on Monday night.

[link to english.yonhapnews.co.kr]