The Korea Meteorological Administration said the storm’s centre was over waters east of the Philippines at 7 pm on October 21, with maximum sustained winds near its centre reaching about 202km/h.
Champi was moving north-west at approximately 22km/h.
International meteorological agencies have assessed Champi as the strongest storm in the north-west Pacific so far this year, surpassing the intensity of super typhoon Sinlaku.
Satellite images showed a relatively symmetrical storm structure, with an eye about 80km wide.
Satellite imagery shows super typhoon Champi's eye is about 80 kilometres wide and fairly symmetrical in structure (Photo: Windy).
Forecasts indicated that Champi would continue moving north-west from October 22, but gradually weaken as it entered waters with lower sea surface temperatures.
By about October 24, the storm was expected to reach waters east of Taiwan, China, weakening to around force 10, with gusts reaching force 13.
Champi could then turn north-east towards Japan and South Korea. Meteorological agencies said the storm was not expected to enter the East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea.
However, the storm’s western circulation could bring winds of force 6-7, with gusts of force 8-9, and waves two to four metres high to the north-eastern part of the northern East Sea. Vessels operating in the area were advised to monitor warnings and take precautions.