English word "Disaster" is a compound word consisting of prefix "dis", which means division, destruction and discord, and "astar", which means stars. It could be interpreted that a great and unexpected misfortune caused by division or destruction of stars.

Disaster in Korean is "Jae-Nan" which is also a compound word. "Jae" means fire and water and Nan means hardship and difficulties. Disaster in Korean by its literal definition means hardship(difficulties) caused by fire and water.

Variety of events can be considered and classified as a disaster. In the past, it usually referred to natural disasters such as flood, and earthquake. However, in recent years there has been increased frequency in disasters that are caused by human.

Additionally, there are disasters that are caused by energy, communication, transportation and infrastructures as well.