Risk perception, policy efficacy, and policy support in earthquake risk management: Empirical insights from South Korea

This study examines the perception of South Korean citizens regarding earthquake risk, their understanding of earthquake management policies, and their evaluation of such policies. The structural relationship between earthquake risk perception, policy efficacy (which is the general audience's understanding of the policy and willingness to participate), and policy support was investigated while exploring the moderating effect of past earthquake experiences. The survey was conducted among 330 South Korean individuals. The responses were analysed using statistical tools such as confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling, and multigroup analysis. The study revealed that an individual's earthquake risk perception significantly impacts policy efficacy but is unlikely to directly influence policy support. The findings also suggest that individuals who have experienced seismic shockwaves are more likely to perceive earthquake risk and understand earthquake risk mitigation policies. However, an individual's earthquake experience does not significantly impact the relationship between risk perception and policy support. This study's findings have implications for understanding the relationship between earthquake risk perception, policy efficacy, and support, as well as for developing effective earthquake risk management strategies in South Korea.