The Korea Meteorological Administration’s National Institute of Meteorological Sciences (NIMS) introduced the Nara-ho atmospheric research aircraft in November 2017 to address gaps in weather observation over the seas surrounding South Korea. Nara-ho, equipped with 27 types of observation instruments, acts as a mobile ‘weather station in the sky,’ directly measuring atmospheric conditions where ground-based stations are limited. Its primary purpose is to improve the reliability of numerical weather prediction models and ensure public safety against hazardous weather events. The aircraft’s advanced capabilities allow for three-dimensional monitoring of atmospheric variables such as pressure, temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed.
Nara-ho’s operations impact both the Korean public and regional meteorological agencies by providing critical data for forecasting typhoons and other severe weather. The aircraft has conducted approximately 880 missions, accumulating about 3,000 flight hours—equivalent to circling the globe 27 times. Each mission typically lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes, with annual dropsonde deployments ranging from 200 to 300. These dropsonde measurements, which record atmospheric data at various altitudes, are integrated into numerical models, improving the accuracy of typhoon path predictions and supporting disaster preparedness.
Since 2021, NIMS has expanded international cooperation with meteorological agencies in the United States, Japan, China, and Taiwan, establishing a network for joint typhoon observation and data sharing. In November 2025, NIMS signed an MOU with the Asia Pacific Typhoon Collaborative Research Center (AP-TCRC) and the China Meteorological Administration, securing additional observation data from the East China Sea. These collaborations enable comprehensive monitoring of typhoons from formation to dissipation, further enhancing the performance of regional forecasting models. Nara-ho’s annual flight hours are comparable to leading global agencies, demonstrating South Korea’s advanced capabilities in atmospheric research.
Frequently asked questions include: How does Nara-ho improve weather forecasting? By collecting detailed atmospheric data over the ocean, Nara-ho fills observation gaps and strengthens numerical models for typhoon prediction. What international partnerships are involved? Since 2021, South Korea has shared typhoon observation data with the US, Japan, Taiwan, and China, and expanded cooperation through AP-TCRC in 2025. What are the future plans? NIMS will continue using Nara-ho during summer disaster prevention periods to monitor hazardous weather and support research for improved forecasting.
The Nara-ho aircraft initiative is a strategic advancement for South Korea’s meteorological capabilities, directly addressing observation gaps over the ocean and enhancing typhoon forecasting. The program’s operational scale and international partnerships position South Korea among global leaders in atmospheric research. By integrating advanced observation data into numerical models and expanding data sharing networks, the country is improving both national and regional disaster preparedness. Sustained use of Nara-ho and ongoing collaboration will further strengthen weather prediction and public safety.