Greta Jimenez
South Korea's air pollution problem is well-known. The country's rapid growth has made it a significant source of air pollution, with diesel vehicles, construction equipment, heating and air conditioning, and power plants all contributing to the problem. The air pollution problem in South Korea is so severe that in a 2018 survey, 97% of respondents said it was causing them physical or psychological pain. While multiple studies have shown that a large percentage of South Korea's pollution comes from China due to the spread of fine dust from Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants, South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and fossil fuels is also a major part of the problem. So, what is South Korea doing to combat this issue?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Annual average ultrafine dust concentration in 2018 | 24.9µg/m³ |
| South Korea's rank in air pollution in 2024 | 59/138 |
| South Korea's rank in air pollution in 2019 | 26th out of 98 countries |
| Annual average air quality in South Korea in 2019 | Moderate with a reading of 78 US AQI |
| Main pollutants in the air in South Korea | PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) |
| Average concentration of pollutants in South Korea in 2019 | PM2.5 - 10 µg/m³, PM10 - 26.5 µg/m³, O3 - 22 µg/m³, NO2 - 52.6 µg/m³, SO2 - 7.9 µg/m³, CO - 572.5 µg/m³ |
| Percentage of PM2.5 pollutant in South Korea that originated from China | 30-50% on good days, 60-80% on bad days |
| South Korea's air pollution control market worth in 2020 | $4.8 billion |
| Number of coal-fired power plants in South Korea | 57 |
| Number of coal-fired power plants South Korea plans to close by 2034 | 30 |
| Number of coal-fired power plants South Korea plans to close by 2025 | 10 |
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What You'll Learn
Reducing domestic fossil fuel combustion
South Korea's air pollution control market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2020, a decrease from $5 billion in 2019. The market accounted for 5.7% of the environmental technology and engineering sector in 2020. The country's air pollution mainly comes from fossil fuel combustion, with oil accounting for 38% of the primary energy supply, coal for 29%, and gas for 15%. South Korea has committed to reducing domestic emissions by 32% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Here are some measures that South Korea can take to reduce domestic fossil fuel combustion:
Transition to Renewable Energy Sources
South Korea should invest in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The country has already made some progress in this area, with a slight increase in renewable energy usage and a decrease in coal-fired power generation. By continuing to transition to renewable energy, South Korea can reduce its domestic fossil fuel combustion and associated emissions.
Improve Energy Efficiency
South Korea should focus on improving energy efficiency in buildings, as space heating and cooling are major drivers of emissions in the sector. By implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices, the country can reduce the amount of fossil fuel combustion required to meet energy demands. This includes improving insulation, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, and implementing smart building designs.
Promote Public Transportation and Electric Vehicles
South Korea should encourage the use of public transportation and electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce fossil fuel combustion from road transport. The government can invest in infrastructure for electric vehicles, provide incentives for EV purchases, and improve public transportation networks. By making public transportation more accessible and affordable, the country can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing fossil fuel consumption.
Retrofit Coal-Fired Power Plants
While South Korea has plans to close and renovate several coal-fired power plants, it can also implement retrofitting measures to reduce emissions from existing plants. This includes installing carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. These technologies can help capture and reduce hazardous emissions from coal-fired power plants, thereby decreasing the impact of fossil fuel combustion on air quality.
Strengthen Enforcement of Environmental Regulations
The Korean Ministry of Environment plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating emissions under the Clean Air Conservation Act. By strengthening enforcement rules and regulations, South Korea can ensure that industries comply with emission standards and reduce domestic fossil fuel combustion. This includes setting stricter limits on air pollutants and hazardous substances, as well as enforcing the use of low-emission vehicles and technologies.
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Closing coal-fired power plants
South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy, has about 60 coal-fired power plants, generating 40% of the country's electricity. However, the country is facing a massive air pollution problem, with the 2019 World Air Quality Report AirVisual ranking South Korea as the worst among OECD member countries in terms of annual average ultrafine dust concentration in 2018.
To tackle this issue, the South Korean government has taken several measures to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power plants and promote renewable energy sources. In 2019, the government introduced caps on coal-fired generation, halting operations at five plants from March to June to curb pollution. It has also planned to close some 20 ageing coal-fired generators and broaden operating caps at others.
In November 2019, the government announced that it would close six older coal-fired power plants by 2021, a year earlier than planned. Additionally, between December and February, South Korea will idle up to a quarter of its coal-fired power plants to help limit air pollution. The country also plans to close 10 of its 61 running coal power plants by 2025.
In July 2022, the Korea Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced further air pollution control measures by targeting the closure of 30 coal-fired power plants by 2034, with 24 of them being renovated as natural gas-fired power plants. The government will also replace turbines at several plants to boost power efficiency and expand the capacity of circulation pumps to reduce emissions.
While these measures are a step in the right direction, South Korea still has a long way to go to meet its emission reduction targets and boost renewable energy sources. The country's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, has been a major contributor to its air pollution problem, and it will take a concerted effort to reduce this dependence and improve air quality for its citizens.
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Controlling vehicle emissions
South Korea has taken several measures to control vehicle emissions and improve air quality. While the country has made significant progress in reducing pollution, it continues to face challenges due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
To address vehicle emissions, South Korea has implemented the following strategies:
- The government has set regulatory limits on air pollutants and hazardous substances: The Korean Ministry of Environment regulates 11 air pollutants and 32 other air substances that are categorized as hazardous. This includes a focus on reducing emissions from diesel vehicles, which are a significant contributor to air pollution in the country.
- Promotion of low-emission vehicles: The Clean Air Conservation Act has been revised to include provisions for low-emission vehicles, encouraging their development, sales, and use. This includes the promotion of electric vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles.
- Retrofitting coal-fired power plants: The government is taking measures to retrofit coal-fired power plants with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. This will help reduce emissions from the power sector, which is closely linked to the transportation sector.
- Improving fuel efficiency: The government is working to boost power efficiency by replacing turbines at several plants and expanding the capacity of circulation pumps. This will help reduce the overall demand for fuel and decrease emissions.
- Enforcement of air quality guidelines: South Korea has tightened its air quality guidelines for fine dust, lowering the acceptable daily and yearly averages for PM2.5. This will push for cleaner technologies and practices in various sectors, including transportation.
- Encouraging public transportation and alternative modes of transport: South Korea is investing in public transportation infrastructure and promoting active modes of transport, such as walking and cycling, to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- International cooperation: South Korea recognizes the impact of transboundary air pollution, with a significant portion of its air pollutants originating from neighbouring countries. The country engages in regional collaborations, such as the East Asian-Pacific Air Pollution Research Monitoring Network, to address cross-border pollution and share best practices.
These measures demonstrate South Korea's commitment to controlling vehicle emissions and improving air quality for its citizens. By implementing a combination of regulatory, technological, and infrastructural strategies, the country is working towards reducing the environmental and health impacts of vehicle emissions.
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Regulating hazardous air substances
South Korea's air pollution problem is caused by a combination of domestic and international sources. While multiple studies show that a significant portion of the country's pollution comes from China, particularly during the colder months, it is also true that South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and fossil fuels contributes greatly to the issue.
To address this, the Korean Ministry of Environment has taken several measures to regulate hazardous air substances and improve air quality. Here are some key actions:
- The Ministry has been constantly revising and updating the Clean Air Conservation Act to strengthen standards for fine dust warnings and emissions regulations.
- As of 2020, the government enforces regulatory limits on 11 air pollutants and 32 hazardous air substances, an increase from the previous bill, which regulated 11 pollutants and 18 hazardous substances.
- The government is taking steps to retrofit the country's 57 coal-fired plants with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to reduce emissions.
- The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced plans to close or renovate 30 coal-fired power plants by 2034, with a focus on transitioning to natural gas-fired power plants.
- The government has also implemented plans to replace turbines, expand circulation pump capacity, and transition to indoor coal storage facilities to further reduce emissions.
- A master plan was released in December 2022, outlining a goal to lower fine dust concentration by over 35% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.
- The government is promoting the development, sales, and use of low-emission vehicles through provisions in the Clean Air Conservation Act.
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Improving air quality monitoring
South Korea has been facing air pollution issues for decades, with the country's rapid economic growth and industrialization contributing significantly to the problem. While some pollution is blown in from China, especially during slower air currents in the colder months, South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and fossil fuels has been identified as a major part of the problem.
To improve air quality monitoring in South Korea, the following steps could be implemented:
Enhance Monitoring Technology
South Korea could invest in advanced air quality monitoring technology, such as drones, satellites, and ground-based sensors, to collect real-time data on air pollutant levels across the country. This technology can provide more accurate and detailed information on pollution sources and hotspots, helping authorities make data-driven decisions and implement targeted solutions.
Expand Monitoring Coverage
Currently, air quality monitoring in South Korea is focused primarily on major cities like Seoul. To improve monitoring coverage, the government could establish a comprehensive network of monitoring stations across the country, including in rural and remote areas. This would help identify pollution sources and impacts in less populated regions, ensuring that air quality improvements are equitable and nation-wide.
Strengthen Regulatory Enforcement
The Korean Ministry of Environment plays a crucial role in regulating air pollutants and hazardous substances under the Clean Air Conservation Act. To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry could introduce stricter emission standards and guidelines, increase the frequency of inspections and audits, and impose stricter penalties for non-compliance. Regular reviews and updates of the regulatory framework can ensure that it remains effective and aligned with global best practices.
Promote Public Awareness and Participation
Involving the public in air quality monitoring can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. The government could encourage citizens to report pollution incidents, provide feedback on air quality, and participate in community-based monitoring programs. Mobile applications and online platforms can be utilized to facilitate public participation and provide real-time information to the public.
Collaborate with International Partners
International cooperation is essential for addressing transboundary air pollution. South Korea can collaborate with neighboring countries, particularly China, to share data, technologies, and best practices for air quality monitoring and management. Joint initiatives and agreements can help address regional air pollution and ensure that actions taken in one country do not negatively impact the air quality in another.
By implementing these strategies, South Korea can significantly improve its air quality monitoring capabilities, leading to more effective pollution control measures and, ultimately, cleaner air for its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
South Korea has been dealing with pollution from China, which is responsible for 30-60% of the country's air pollution. The pollution comes from fine dust particles produced by Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants, which blow over to South Korea due to prevailing winds. South Korea has been taking measures to address this issue, including sending officials from the environment ministry to investigate the content and origin of the fine dust.
South Korea has implemented several measures to reduce its own pollution levels. The Korean Ministry of Environment has regulated 11 air pollutants and 32 other air substances that are hazardous. They also plan to close some of their coal power plants and retrofit others with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) systems. In addition, the government is working to improve vehicle emissions standards and encourage the use of electric cars.
The main sources of pollution in South Korea are its coal-fired power plants, diesel vehicles, construction equipment, heating and air conditioning, and traffic. Fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to air pollution in the country.
The pollution in South Korea has had a significant impact on the health and well-being of its citizens. According to a survey by the Korean Ministry of Environment, 97% of respondents reported physical or psychological pain due to air pollution. It is estimated that 16% of all deaths recorded in Seoul, the capital city, are due to air pollution.
The South Korean government has recognized the seriousness of the pollution problem and has taken several steps to address it. They have declared a "social disaster" and released emergency funding to deal with the issue. The government is also working on implementing stricter enforcement rules under the Clean Air Conservation Act and investing in air pollution technology.
