The nation experienced more earthquakes than the yearly average this year, said the state’s weather agency Tuesday, causing concerns after Koreans witnessed a massive quake ravage its neighbor Japan earlier this year.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, 51 earthquakes higher than a magnitude of 2 shook Korea this year, which is higher than the 10-year average.

However the KMA added that the magnitudes of the quakes were low. A 2.0 magnitude earthquake in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province on Jan. 1 kicked off the year and the last recorded tremor measuring 2.3 occurred on Christmas in Taebaek, Gangwon Province.

When compared to the average of 42.9 quakes from 1999-2009, there was a sharp increase this year. During that period 2009 recorded 60 quakes, the most in a year.

Of those 51 quakes, the nation experienced 9 that were higher than a magnitude of 3 and six earthquakes were reportedly felt by citizens.

The strongest quake to shake the nation occurred on June 17 off the coast of Baegryeong Island. The 4.1 magnitude quake that shook buildings on the island was also felt as far off as Incheon, according to the KMA.

Throughout the world there were 2,376 magnitude-5 quakes or higher. The number is much higher than the yearly average of 1,601 quakes.

The KMA explained that the 605 aftershocks that occurred after the March quake in Japan were reflected in that number.

In March, a government report estimated that more than 27,000 buildings would be completely destroyed, while 550,000 would be left damaged should a 6.5 magnitude earthquake occur in Seoul.

The capital and surrounding areas could also see more than 7,700 people dead and 200,000 people injured or left homeless.

Experts predict that a 6.5 magnitude earthquake is the biggest Seoul could see, considering its distance from the nearest fault line ― a 40,000-km circumference belt which runs along the edge of the Pacific.

Korea has seen five quakes exceeding a magnitude of 5 since 1978, when the Korea Meteorological Administration began recording seismic activity.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)