This paper Is to help the structural engineers for a better understanding of "Earthquake" with regard to the nature o( earthquake and the effect of earthquake on building structures. This reveals that the damage Inflicted upon by earthquake varies with many factors such as : magnitude of earthquake, distance from epicenter, site conditions, building structural characteristics and etc.. It is emphasized that in order to resist very strong earthquake, the ductility demand in the building structure Is important, and the proper duc-tility enables the structure to demonstrate inelastic rotation capacity of the joints and thus the structure may absorb and dissipate the seismic energy. This also presents a comparison between the current Americal UBC Code and the Korean Code, and the author expresses some points of concern on each code. Since earthquake almost invariably strikes at times and places, it is suggested that the current Korean Build-ing Code should be revised to enforce more stringent regulation against possible strong earthquake in the Korean peninsula.