3.5 magnitude quake hits North Jeolla

The Korea Meteorological Administration's website shows the epicenter of the 3.5-degree quake detected in North Jeolla on Saturday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

The Korean government issued a nationwide alert after a 3.5-degree quake hit a county in North Jeolla on Saturday.
 
The earthquake was detected some 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) north of Jangsu County in the southern province at 7:07 p.m. Saturday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. 
 
The government agency issued text message alerts nationwide immediately after the quake hit and urged residents to exercise caution in case aftershocks followed. 
 
The administration had estimated the quake's magnitude at 4.1-degree initially, but adjusted the measurement to 3.5 after further assessments.
 

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]