An eruption of Mt. Baekdu on the border between North Korea and China could cause up to W11.2 trillion in damage to South Korea, geologists speculate (US$1=W1,094).

The scientists from Pusan National University studied the potential damage from a powerful volcanic eruption followed by a northeasterly wind that sends volcanic dust across South Korea.

The study, commissioned by the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, supposes that volcanic ash would fall on Gangwon Province eight hours after an eruption and cover the entire nation within 48 hours.

The entire nation would suffer W4.5 trillion worth of crop damage, and all airports except Jeju would have to be closed for up to 39 hours, leading to property damage of up to W61.1 billion.