Korea is bracing for the strongest typhoon to hit the nation this summer and possibly in years.

Typhoon Bolaven, strengthening while moving upward in the direction of Okinawa, Japan, could make landfall on Jeju early next week, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

The intensity of Bolaven may be similar to that of Typhoon Rusa which battered the country in 2002 and killed more than 200, the weather agency said.

By Monday, the storm is expected to grow to have a radius of 500 kilometers, with winds gusting at up to 173 kilometers an hour.

“Though there is uncertainty over its route, we expect most parts of the country to come under the effect of it, with rains starting in Jeju and southern coastal areas on Monday,” the KMA said.

“By Tuesday, the entire country will be wet.”

Downpours on Monday and Tuesday could reach as much as 200 millimeters on Jeju and in southern coastal areas. Central regions are forecast to receive rainfall of 50-100 millimeters.

Maeng Hyung-kyu, minister of public administration and security, convened a disaster prevention meeting on Friday.

“There may be a higher risk of landslides, as the ground has become waterlogged due to continued rains lately,” he said, urging central and provincial authorities to roll out an action plan.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)