1,399 Earthquakes Recorded in North Korea After Nuclear Tests

North Korea’s nuclear tests may have triggered a rise in earthquakes around Mount Mantap, the country’s main nuclear testing site, according to a recent study. Scientists identified 1,399 earthquakes in the area by analyzing seismic data from 2008 to 2025.

According to NDTV, North Korea conducted six underground nuclear tests in and around Mount Mantap between 2006 and 2017. Earthquake activity increased significantly after the country’s sixth and largest nuclear test in 2017.

Researchers believe the explosion may have reactivated at least two existing geological faults beneath the mountain. New cracks in the rock and increased underground water pressure may also have contributed to the continued seismic activity.

Most of the recorded earthquakes had magnitudes between 2 and 3 and appear to have occurred at shallow depths, said Professor Kim of Pusan National University.

The 2017 nuclear test itself triggered a magnitude 6.3 earthquake. The blast also caused a tunnel collapse and may have altered the shape of the mountain’s summit by around three metres.