Improving simulation exercises in Korea for disaster preparedness

Purpose - The main purpose of this paper is to explore the current practices of simulation exercises in Korea and to make desirable recommendations for the future of Korean simulations to increase their learning effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach - This paper employs a case study strategy, and the data collection methods include documentary research, qualitative interviews, and participation observation. Three representative simulation exercises were observed: the Keungogae Subway Counter Terrorism Exercise 2009, the Safe Korea 2010 Earthquake Exercise, and the Safe Korea 2010 Subway Fire Exercise. Findings - The current practices of simulation exercises in Korea can be categorised into four main themes: top-level commitment and support; repeating training through rehearsals; box seats, ill-structured scenario scripts, and a lack of adaptation; and podium and speech-based debriefing. Practical implications - Korean simulation exercises need to allow adaptation and diversion to take place, encouraging communication and discussion between exercise players. Furthermore, ensuing after-action reviews (debriefs) should be a discussion-orientated rather than evaluation-orientated to promote individual and organisational learning. The empirical findings and resulting recommendations of this paper can help Korean exercise planners to change their current flawed practices into evidence-based ones, setting a new direction for an effective simulation exercise model. Originality/value - This study is the first empirical research to investigate simulation exercises in Korea and to highlight their problems.