It lies within sight of Kamchatka Krai's administrative center, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Together with neighbouring Avachinsky, it is considered a Decade Volcano, worthy of particular study in light of its history of explosive eruptions and proximity to populated areas.

The eruption was characterised by lava emissions from fissures that opened up on the volcano's southwestern flank, and by phreatic explosions.

Another brief, moderately explosive eruption occurred in 1926, after which the volcano lay dormant until 1956.

[4] In light of its proximity to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Koryaksky was designated a Decade Volcano in 1996 as part of the United Nations' International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, together with the nearby Avachinsky volcano.