South Korea's Pollution: Domestic Or Foreign?

South Korea has been facing a chronic air pollution problem, with Seoul, the capital and largest city, housing about 10 million people, having the nation's worst pollution. The country's pollution levels are twice the average of other nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). While South Korea's pollution has been largely attributed to neighboring countries like China, a joint study by NASA and the Korean government revealed that over half of the air pollution is generated within the country, with local emissions being a strong source of ozone and small particles. The country's rapid growth has led to an increase in diesel vehicles, construction equipment, heating and air conditioning, and power plants, all contributing to the pollution.

South Korea's air pollution is largely homegrown

South Korea has some of the worst air pollution in the world. The country's air quality is so poor that it has been described as a "grave issue" by the South Korean president. Every year, 18,000 people are thought to die from pollution-related illnesses in South Korea, and according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), air pollution will be linked to the premature deaths of 1,069 per million South Koreans in 2060.

While South Korea likes to point the finger at neighbouring China for its pollution woes, the majority of the toxic air is homegrown. This is largely due to the country's reliance on fossil fuel combustion and vehicle emissions. Korea has minimal fossil fuel resources and imports all but 1% of its coal supplies, with 38% of its energy coming from oil, 29% from coal, and 15% from gas. In addition, South Korea's reliance on coal plants and diesel fuel for its vehicles contributes to local pollution. About 50 coal plants already help power the country, and it had pledged to build a dozen more by 2021.

However, it is important to note that air pollution knows no borders, and pollution from China does contribute to the poor air quality in South Korea. Studies have suggested that as much as 60% of South Korea's air pollution comes from China's industrial sites and coal plants. Nevertheless, South Korea has the power to reduce its own smog and improve its air quality.

The country has taken steps to address its air pollution problem, with Koreans buying masks and air purifiers to breathe cleaner air, and the government working to reduce emissions. In addition, South Korea has teamed up with NASA to conduct a study of Korean air quality, which found that local emissions are a strong source of ozone and small particles. This suggests that while some of the pollution may be coming from other countries, South Korea has a significant role to play in reducing its own air pollution.

China's pollution negatively impacts South Korea

South Korea has been facing severe air pollution, with Seoul being one of the world's cities with the worst air pollution. While South Korea's reliance on coal plants, diesel fuel, and fossil fuels significantly contributes to local pollution, China's pollution also negatively impacts South Korea.

China's pollution has been linked to excess mortality in South Korea. Research by Ruixue Jia and Hyejin Ku found that a lower Air Quality Index (AQI) in China would have resulted in significantly fewer deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in South Korea. Their study established a clear causal link between pollution in China and harmful effects in South Korea. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) produced by coal-powered plants and heating sources in Chinese communities can rise into the air and affect people's health, crossing borders into neighbouring nations.

During fall and winter, South Korea receives persistent winds from China, resulting in increased air pollution. This transboundary air pollution is boosted by prevailing west winds, known as "the westerlies." EPIC research has also found that China's pollution spills over into South Korea, with a drop in China's particulate pollution leading to a decrease in transboundary pollution in South Korea.

China's "war on pollution," which began in 2014, has resulted in a significant decline in pollution nationwide. This has had positive spillover effects on South Korea, with a decrease in transboundary pollution resulting in fewer deaths and economic savings for South Korea. However, it is important to note that South Korea's pollution is not solely due to China's pollution but is also influenced by its reliance on fossil fuels and local emission sources.

In conclusion, while South Korea's air pollution is influenced by various factors, China's pollution negatively impacts South Korea's air quality and has been linked to increased mortality and economic costs. China's efforts to reduce pollution have resulted in improvements in South Korea, highlighting the global nature of the problem and the need for international cooperation to address transboundary pollution.

South Korea's reliance on fossil fuels

South Korea's heavy reliance on fossil fuels is a significant contributor to its air pollution problem. Fossil fuel combustion is the largest contributor to air pollution in the country. South Korea has minimal fossil fuel resources and imports nearly all of its coal supplies (99%), along with significant imports of oil and gas. Oil accounts for 38% of the country's primary energy supply, coal for 29%, and gas for 15%. The Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) reports that oil and gas collectively make up over 60% of South Korea's total energy supply, while renewables account for only about 6%.

South Korea's growing economy and expanding industries have driven its demand for energy, leading to a continued reliance on fossil fuels. This dependence has resulted in interconnected challenges related to energy security, competitiveness, and sustainability. The country has experienced sharp increases in fuel and electricity costs due to volatile fossil fuel prices, particularly in the LNG market. South Korea's import dependence has made it vulnerable to global market fluctuations, with additional costs burdening the country.

Despite recent pledges and initiatives towards a green energy transition, South Korea's interests in fossil fuels remain strong. The country is the fourth-largest financer of fossil fuel projects globally, and its public finance for oil and gas projects has been significant. The Ninth Basic Plan aims to increase gas power capacity and convert several coal units to run on natural gas, indicating a continued reliance on fossil fuels, at least in the short term.

South Korea's sluggish progress in adopting renewable energy sources has led to warnings from organizations like the IEEFA about the potential financial consequences and derailed decarbonization efforts. The country aims to generate 20% of its power with renewables by 2030, but the current share of renewables in its energy mix is more than two times lower than the global average. South Korea's continued reliance on fossil fuels could increase power costs and negatively impact its climate policies, making it vulnerable to the worst impacts of climate change.

While neighboring China is often blamed for South Korea's air pollution, the country's own fossil fuel combustion and vehicle emissions are significant contributors. South Korea's efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources are crucial for improving air quality, reducing health risks, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

South Korea's industrial growth

In the aftermath of the Korean War, South Korea was left with a devastated economy and a lack of capital and natural resources. For over a decade, it remained a developing country with a small manufacturing sector, heavily reliant on foreign aid. This began to change in the early 1960s with the adoption of an outward-looking, export-oriented economic strategy. The country focused on labour-intensive manufactured exports, taking advantage of its competitive edge in this area. The manufacturing sector grew significantly, contributing to South Korea's overall economic development.

Government initiatives played a pivotal role in this transformation. Through the model of export-led industrialisation, the South Korean government incentivised corporations to innovate and enhance their productive efficiency to compete in the global market. Adherence to state regulations and demands resulted in subsidisation and investment support for firms, fostering the expansion of their export markets. Additionally, the inflow of foreign capital was encouraged to compensate for the shortage of domestic savings.

The steel and shipbuilding industries were particularly instrumental in this period, driving the country's economic growth. By the 1970s, South Korea had begun investing in heavy chemical facilities, paving the way for the export of heavy industrial products. The growth of the industrial sector became the primary stimulus for South Korea's economic development, with manufacturing industries accounting for approximately 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 25% of the workforce by 1986.

Despite its remarkable growth, South Korea's economy has faced challenges due to external factors such as military crises with North Korea, the 1997 Asian financial crisis, and the September 11 attacks. These events have impacted financial markets and slowed export growth. Nevertheless, South Korea has demonstrated resilience and maintained a growth rate of 4-5% from 2003 onwards, led by industry and construction.

While South Korea's industrial growth has brought prosperity, it has also contributed to air pollution, particularly in Seoul. The country's reliance on fossil fuel combustion, with oil, coal, and diesel fuel contributing significantly to energy needs, has made it the largest contributor to air pollution. Additionally, South Korea's dependence on coal plants and diesel fuel for vehicles exacerbates local pollution levels. The country's high population density, with half of its population residing in Seoul, further intensifies the impact of pollution.

South Korea's air pollution affects health

South Korea's air pollution is an increasing threat to the health of its citizens. The country's air quality has been described as "a grave issue" by the South Korean president. According to the 2019 World Air Quality Report by AirVisual, South Korea had the worst annual average ultrafine dust concentration in 2018 among the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The report revealed that South Korea's annual average ultrafine dust concentration was 24.9µg/m³.

The primary sources of air pollution in South Korea are emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. South Korea relies heavily on fossil fuels, with oil accounting for 38% of its primary energy supply, coal for 29%, and gas for 15%. The country's growing economy and expanding industries have led to an increased demand for energy, resulting in a reliance on fossil fuel combustion. Additionally, South Korea's reliance on coal plants and diesel fuel for vehicles contributes to local pollution. The combustion of fossil fuels releases hazardous gases such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulates, and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.

The health impacts of air pollution in South Korea are significant. Studies have shown that air pollution is linked to premature deaths and a reduction in life expectancy for South Koreans. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), air pollution is estimated to cause 1.069 deaths per 1 million people in South Korea by 2060, making it the only OECD country predicted to have over 1,000 deaths per million linked to air pollution. The University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) estimates that the average South Korean can expect to lose approximately 1.4 years of life expectancy due to poor air quality. Residents of Seoul, the nation's largest city with the worst levels of air pollution, may lose up to 1.7 years of life expectancy if pollution levels are not improved.

The effects of air pollution on health are not limited to mortality rates. Air pollution has been linked to an increase in emergency room visits for asthma and rhinitis (nasal inflammation). It has also been associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, pink eye, and other health issues. People living in urban areas with factories and those in different socioeconomic levels and health behaviors are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution.

To protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution, Koreans often resort to buying masks and air purifiers to breathe cleaner air. The use of pollution masks, in particular, has become a popular and affordable method of protection. However, some complain about the discomfort of wearing masks for extended periods.

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