1. Research Background and Goals, Expected Outcomes, and Policy Applications

■ Research Background and Goals

￮ With the increasing likelihood and risks of climate crisis–driven complex disasters, there is a growing need for Jeonbuk State to establish a conceptual framework and develop effective response measures through case studies. This need is particularly relevant vis-à-vis preparation for the enactment (Apr. 2025) and implementation (Jan. 2026) of the Jeonbuk State Ordinance on Complex Disaster 

Safety Management.

￮ This study examines the definitions, classifications, scope, and case studies of complex disasters in Jeonbuk State. It also identifies priority disaster types for management at the state level based on their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact. Additionally, it proposes response strategies for each type and presents a complex disaster safety management framework, including collaborative mechanisms among relevant disaster management authorities.

■ Expected Outcomes and Policy Applications

￮ The study is expected to inform the establishment of a complex disaster safety management plan for Jeonbuk State in line with the implementation of the relevant ordinance and contribute to regional safety by strengthening disaster management capacity.

￮ The study results will provide baseline data for developing Jeonbuk State’s complex disaster safety management plan and support the implementation of complex disaster-related policy initiatives.

2. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations

■ Conclusions

￮ Rising Trend of Complex Disasters Relative to Single Disasters

- Analysis of the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) shows that since 2000, single disasters have declined, while complex disasters have increased, underscoring the growing need for more effective management and response strategies.

- Further analysis of EM-DAT data reveals that complex disasters triggered by hydrometeorological hazards—particularly floods (1,393 cases) and storms (1,363 cases)— occur far more frequently than other types.

￮ Priority Complex Disaster Types in Jeonbuk State 

- An expert Delphi survey identifies natural hazard types that may trigger complex disasters that require priority management in Jeonbuk State. Under a four-level risk classification—Severe, Alert, Caution, and Interest—hydrometeorological complex disasters were categorized as Severe, heat wave–related disasters as Alert, earthquake-related disasters as Caution, and heavy snowfall and cold-wave disasters as Interest.

- In the social disaster sector, the survey identifies wildfire-related complex disasters as the highest priority (Severe), followed by fire- and infectious disease–related complex disasters (Alert); complex disasters related to traffic accidents and livestock or aquatic animal diseases (Caution); and complex disasters involving building collapse, hazardous chemical incidents, and energy accidents (Interest).

￮ Strategic Roadmaps and Management Measures for Complex Disaster Response in Jeonbuk State

- This study outlines four strategic directions for complex disaster response and proposes the following key management measures:

- ① establishing a collaborative response framework,

- ② forming an expert advisory group,

- ③ implementing a continuous training program,

- ④ launching a complex disaster simulation competition,

- ⑤ developing standard response guidelines, and

- ⑥ building an AI-based complex disaster prediction system.

■ Policy Recommendations

￮ Developing Task-Oriented Complex Disaster Response Manuals

- This study proposes that the central government develop task-oriented complex disaster response manuals and institutionalize them through national policy so that they can be standardized across central and local governments as well as public institutions.

￮ Establishing a Complex Disaster Database and Data Utilization System

- This study proposes the development of a comprehensive database of major domestic and international complex disasters by systematically analyzing disaster progression, cascading disaster patterns, damage scale and scope, pre-disaster prevention and preparedness conditions, response and recovery processes, and resilience-building stages. It also proposes the establishment of a system that enables the efficient retrieval and analysis of these data.

￮ Advancing Follow-up Research on Priority Complex Disasters

- Given the limitations of a single comprehensive study in developing practical response measures, follow-up research should focus on priority disaster types, particularly hydrometeorological and wildfire-related complex disasters.

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