Koreans flocked to hunt for falling meteors

Hundreds of Koreans flocked to hunt for a meteorite's fragments that fell southeast of Jinju city.

After a meteor shower was recorded on March 9, hundreds of people rushed to search for meteorite fragments in hills and rice fields near the northeastern city of Jinju, South Korea. Some treasure hunters also carry both a GPS navigation device and a metal detector.

'The media has exaggerated when it comes to meteorites that can bring wealth. This created a fever of meteorite search in Korea, 'said an official from the Korean Cultural Heritage Agency (CHAK).

The 9kg heavy meteorite piece was found near Jinju city, South Korea

The first piece of meteorite weighing 9kg was found in a greenhouse near Jinju city. The second piece weighs 4kg found by another local resident. Scientists claim that both stones are from space.

'Because meteorites are thought to have broken into more than two pieces in Earth's atmosphere, there is still the possibility of finding more meteorites. Even so, the official estimate has not been confirmed , 'an official from the Korea Polar Research Institute said.

Wealth hunters hope they will sell meteorites at high prices. According to the current market price, the 9kg piece can be sold for $ 90,000. An American meteorite hunter was present in Jinju City and asked everyone to sell him to lose any meteorites they saw.

South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-Won asked the government to buy back meteorites for research or display. Meanwhile, CHAK officials said the agency wishes to keep meteors found as a cultural asset and do not want them to be taken abroad.

Meteorite rain occurs when hundreds of meteorites are burned when flying through Earth's atmosphere. Some meteorite pieces were not completely burned and fell to the ground.