A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale hit southeastern parts of the nation Saturday evening sending minor tremors across the country.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said the quake occurred at seven fourteen p.m. about 80 kilometers east of Uljin port in North Gyeonsang Province.

KMA said the tremor was felt across the country, including Seoul, with jolts being particularly strong in North Gyeongsang Province. But no damage or casualties were reported.

The agency said the quake was the same strength as one that occurred in 1978, the strongest to hit South Korea since KMA began seismic (size-mic) observations.

It was the 20th earthquake reported in South Korea this year. An earthquake of magnitude 5 or higher can cause considerable damage when centered near heavily populated areas.

Most earthquakes reported in South Korea are weaker than three on the Richter scale.