When a hazard strikes, it does so in one or more local jurisdictions. Local government has the first line of official public responsibility. Local government, therefore, has to develop and maintain a program of disaster management to meet their responsibilities to provide the protection and safety of the public. On 7 December 2007, the Hong Kong registered tanker Hebei Spirit, laden with 209 000 tons of crude oil, was struck by the crane barge Samsung No. 1, whilst at anchor about five miles off Taean on the West Coast in Korea. About 10,500 tons of crude oil escaped into the sea from the Hebei Spirit. Initially, contamination was confined largely to Taean County, South Chungcheong Province; however, over a period of several weeks, mainland shorelines and islands further south became contaminated with the result that much of the Republic of Korea's western coast has been affected to varying degrees. Analysts say that the spill is considered as one of the world's devastating sea pollution cases involving oil. In our contemporary society where people are exposed to potential dangers in every aspect, no one can be free from such dangers. With an increase in human casualties due to disaster, disaster reporting plays a vital role in preventing and minimizing damages. Despite such enormous significance, however, Korean local politics has not performed effectively. In this context, this study analyzed the response problems of local politics in Korea, with the case of Hebei Spirit oil spill in Taean County. And, this study suggests establishing ways and means needed to improve the local government in Korea with the case of Hebei Spirit case.