Kiera Jefferson
South Korea's air pollution is an increasing threat to its citizens and the environment. South Korea's pollution levels are largely influenced by China's industrial activities, with 30-50% of PM2.5 particles in South Korea originating from China on average air quality days, and up to 80% on the worst air quality days. However, South Korea's own reliance on coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and vehicle emissions also significantly contributes to the problem. The country's rapid industrialization, particularly in Seoul, has resulted in health and environmental issues. Seoul is considered one of the world's most polluted cities, with 16% of all deaths attributed to air pollution. While the South Korean government has implemented policies to improve air quality, such as the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement, the country still faces challenges in reducing emissions and improving overall air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 50 million (2019) |
| Annual Average Air Quality (2019) | 78 US AQI ("Moderate") |
| Air Pollutants | PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO |
| Average Annual Concentration of Ultrafine Dust in Jeungpyeong-gun, Chungbuk | 33.9 µg/m³ |
| Main Sources of Air Pollution | Emissions from burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and international sources (China) |
| Health Impact | Respiratory and circulatory diseases, increased mortality, chronic lung disease |
| Government Action | Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement, replacement of diesel buses with natural gas vehicles, provision of emission-reduced devices for cars, investment in air quality management |
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What You'll Learn
Seoul's air pollution
South Korea's air pollution is an increasing threat to people and the environment. South Korea's economy and industrialization have grown massively since World War II, and this has resulted in a significant increase in pollution. South Korea has the worst air quality of the 35 richest countries in the world that are part of the OECD.
The capital, Seoul, is one of the world's cities with the worst air pollution. In 2012, the average PM10 levels in Seoul were considerably higher than in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Los Angeles. Seoul's air quality is so poor that it is estimated that 16% of all deaths in the city are due to air pollution. On days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Seoul breaches the 'very unhealthy' threshold, every breath taken is the equivalent of smoking over ten cigarettes. Even on days with ''good' air quality, the air in Seoul can have an impact similar to smoking six cigarettes.
The primary sources of air pollution in South Korea are emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel is a major contributor to the country's air pollution. However, much of South Korea's pollution also comes from China, due to the spread of fine dust from Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants. China is responsible for 30-50% of South Korea's PM2.5 on days of average air quality, and 60-80% on days with the worst air quality.
The Korean government has taken some action to improve air quality in the Seoul Capital region. In 2003, the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement was implemented, aiming to reduce average annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations. In 2018, public transportation was free in Seoul for three days with high levels of pollution, in an attempt to decrease the use of cars in the city. However, this measure failed to make much difference. Other actions taken include replacing diesel buses with natural gas vehicles and providing emission-reduced devices for cars.
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Pollution sources
South Korea's pollution comes from various sources, both domestic and international. The country's rapid industrialization, growing economy, and transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy have all contributed to the increase in pollution over the years. Here are the primary sources of pollution in South Korea:
Fossil Fuel Combustion:
The biggest contributor to air pollution in South Korea is fossil fuel combustion. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels due to its expanding industries and limited natural resources. Oil accounts for 38% of South Korea's energy supply, coal for 29%, and gas for 15%. The combustion of these fossil fuels releases hazardous gases such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulates, and hydrocarbons.
Vehicle Emissions:
The number of vehicles on South Korea's roads is increasing, especially diesel-powered vehicles, which are commonly used for delivery services in cities. These vehicles emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Additionally, South Korea's heavy reliance on diesel generators further contributes to vehicle emissions.
Power Plants:
South Korea's dependence on coal-fired power plants is a significant source of pollution. The country's power generation is driven by coal, contributing to high emissions of hazardous pollutants.
Factories:
Industrial activities, particularly in Seoul and other cities, have led to increased pollution levels. South Korea's manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in its economy, but the factories also contribute to air pollution by releasing harmful gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
International Sources:
Multiple studies indicate that a significant portion of South Korea's pollution originates from China. The spread of fine dust produced by Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants, especially during slow air currents in colder months, impacts South Korea's air quality. It is estimated that China contributes 30-50% of South Korea's PM2.5 pollutant on average days, rising to 60-80% on days with the worst air quality.
Addressing these sources of pollution is crucial for improving South Korea's air quality and reducing its environmental and health impacts.
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Health impact
South Korea's air pollution is a serious issue, with health impacts ranging from mild symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and skin and eye irritation, to more severe consequences such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. According to the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), the average South Korean stands to lose approximately 1.4 years of their life expectancy due to poor air quality. This figure is even higher for residents of Seoul, the nation's most populous city, who may lose up to 1.7 years of their lives if pollution levels are not addressed.
The air pollution in South Korea has been linked to a range of health issues. One study found that air pollution caused an estimated 20,000+ premature deaths each year, with another study specifically linking air pollution to approximately 7,700 deaths in Seoul in a single year. The concentration of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is a significant concern, as it can have detrimental effects on respiratory health. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a guideline for PM2.5 concentration, and South Korea consistently fails to meet this standard. This has led to a situation where, on days with high levels of air pollution in Seoul, the health impact of breathing the air is equivalent to smoking over ten cigarettes. Even on days with relatively better air quality, the impact can still be comparable to smoking six cigarettes.
The sources of South Korea's air pollution are varied. Some experts attribute a large portion of the pollution to China's industrial activities and coal-fired power plants, with an estimated 30 to 50% of PM2.5 particles in South Korea originating from China. However, it is important to note that South Korea's own reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel also contributes significantly to the problem. The rapid increase in the number of vehicles on Korea's roads, many of which are powered by diesel, further exacerbates the issue.
To address the health impacts of air pollution, the Korean Ministry of Environment has taken steps to regulate and categorize air pollutants. They have also set a goal to close down 10 of their 61 coal-fired power stations by 2025. Additionally, private investments have played a role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by promoting green technology. A three-year investment program worth ₩300 billion, beginning in 2024, specifically targeted reducing dust pollution in the Seoul Metro system.
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Pollution-reducing initiatives
South Korea has been facing a growing threat of air pollution, which poses a risk to its people and environment. The country's rapid industrialization, reliance on coal-fired power plants, and high vehicle emissions have contributed to this issue, particularly in cities like Seoul, which has been ranked among the world's most polluted cities by NASA.
Government-led initiatives:
- The Korean government has implemented the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement to address pollution in the Seoul Capital region, which includes Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do province. The first phase of this plan aimed to reduce average annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations.
- The government is taking measures to retrofit coal-fired plants with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.
- The Clean Air Conservation Act is constantly revised to regulate air pollutant emissions. The latest revision includes provisions for low-emission vehicles.
- The government plans to provide air purification systems for public facilities and schools.
- On high pollution days, heavy vehicles and old diesel-using vehicles are banned.
- The Korea Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced the closure of 30 coal-fired power plants by 2034, with 24 of them being renovated as natural gas-fired power plants.
- The government supports the development of a hydrogen industry, with targets for hydrogen vehicles and power generation by 2040.
- South Korea joined the Global Methane Pledge, committing to specific emissions reduction targets.
- The country signed the coal exit pledge at COP26, aiming to significantly eliminate coal from energy generation by 2050.
- The Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, also known as the Carbon Neutrality Act, enshrines the country's commitment to carbon neutrality.
Local initiatives:
- Korean cities have established bicycle routes, pedestrian-only zones, and linear parks to encourage alternative modes of transportation.
- Diesel buses are being replaced with natural gas vehicles, and emission-reduced devices are provided for cars.
- The Five Year Action Plan (2009-2013) promoted green technological advancements and created almost 960,000 green jobs.
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Pollution in other Korean cities
South Korea's pollution levels have been worsening since the country's rapid industrialization, especially in cities like Seoul. The average concentration of ultrafine dust in the air of Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk, was 33.9 µg/m³, the worst in South Korea in 2020. The city of Jeungpyeong was ranked as the 7th most polluted city among the top 100 cities in OECD countries. Furthermore, 61 out of the top 100 cities with the most severe dust pollution among OECD countries are Korean cities. In 2018, 44 of the top 100 cities were Korean, an increase of 1.6 times compared to the previous year.
The South Korean government has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement in 2003. The Act's first phase was implemented in 2005 and lasted until 2014. It targeted priority pollutants such as PM10, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds. The goal was to reduce average annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations from 69 μg per cubic meter (µg/m3) and 38 parts per billion (ppb) to 40 µg/m3 and 22 ppb by 2014. However, despite these efforts, no city in Korea has been able to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended annual average PM2.5 concentration of 10 µg/m³.
The main sources of air pollution in South Korea are emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. Fossil fuel combustion is the largest contributor to air pollution in the country. South Korea has a heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, with 29% of the country's energy requirements coming from coal. The number of vehicles on Korean roads is also increasing rapidly, with many of these being diesel-powered delivery vehicles, which produce particularly dirty emissions.
South Korea's pollution is also influenced by external factors, such as dust storms from China, which have been recorded in the country for over 2,000 years. These dust storms have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, pink eye, reduced visibility, and economic damages. China's growing economic activity has contributed to the increase in coal-burning and, consequently, the surge in air pollutant concentrations in Korean air.
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Frequently asked questions
South Korea has the worst air quality of the 35 richest countries in the world that are part of the OECD. In 2019, the country's annual average air quality was classified as "Moderate" with a reading of 78 US AQI. However, this is a significant improvement from 2018, where it was ranked second-worst with an annual average ultrafine dust concentration of 24.8 µg/m³.
South Korea's pollution is caused by both domestic and international sources. The main sources of air pollution are emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel is a major part of the problem. In addition, many experts claim that up to 60% of the pollution comes from China due to the spread of fine dust produced by Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants.
The state-sponsored Korea Environment Institute (KEI) stated that dust pollution kills up to 165 Korean civilians a year, mostly the elderly or those with respiratory ailments, and makes 1.8 million ill. According to the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), the average South Korean citizen can expect to lose approximately 1.4 years of life expectancy due to poor air quality.
The government has taken action to improve air quality in the Seoul Capital region by implementing the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement in December 2003. The first phase of the air management plan was implemented from 2005 to 2014. Between 2007 and 2020, the Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi governments invested US$9 billion in air quality management, with 56% of the funding focused on measures to reduce emissions from the transport sector. As a result, smog in the Seoul region has improved, and the air pollution problem is slowly being mitigated.
