Greta Jimenez
South Korea's air pollution is a well-known issue, with the country's annual average ultrafine dust concentration in 2018 being the worst among OECD member countries. While many different cities in South Korea suffer from poor air quality, the capital, Seoul, is consistently mentioned as the city with the worst air pollution in the country. Seoul's air pollution has been attributed to its rapid industrialization, with levels of PM10 and PM2.5 exceeding those of major cities like London, Paris, and Tokyo. The high levels of pollution in Seoul have severe health implications, reducing the life expectancy of residents and contributing to premature deaths. Other cities like Busan and Jeungpyeong have also been mentioned for their poor air quality, indicating that air pollution is a widespread issue across South Korea.
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What You'll Learn
- Seoul has the worst air pollution in South Korea
- South Korea's pollution is exacerbated by China's industrial output
- South Korea's pollution increased after the Korean War
- South Korea's pollution decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic
- South Korea's pollution is caused by coal-fired power plants and vehicle emissions
Seoul has the worst air pollution in South Korea
South Korea's air quality has been a growing concern in recent years. As the country's economy has grown, so too have emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. In 2019, South Korea had the worst average concentration of ultrafine dust (PM2.5) among the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The capital city of Seoul has the worst air pollution in South Korea. In 2024, Seoul's PM2.5 level was 3.2 times higher than the air quality value recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The air pollution in Seoul has been estimated to lead to approximately 2,700 deaths and incurred a financial cost of $3.3 billion in 2024. Residents of Seoul will live 1.7 years less if pollution levels are not remediated.
Seoul's poor air quality is due in part to its rapid industrialization. Between 2009 and 2013, Seoul's average PM10 figures were considerably higher than those of capital cities such as London, Paris, Tokyo, and Los Angeles. It is estimated that 16% of all deaths recorded in Seoul are due to air pollution.
While China also contributes heavily to South Korea's pollution problem, with its factories and coal-fired power plants producing fine dust that spreads to Korea, the majority of the pollution comes from within the country. In addition to industrial emissions, South Korea's growing economy has led to an increase in vehicle emissions and fossil fuel combustion.
The South Korean government has recognized the severity of the air pollution problem and has taken steps to address it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 27% decrease in the concentration of air pollutants in the country. However, in March 2021, South Korea experienced the worst yellow dust storm in ten years, which brought harmful particles such as sulfur, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals. The government has invested in technology to help monitor and improve air quality, such as 5G-connected robots that measure air quality in industrial complexes.
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South Korea's pollution is exacerbated by China's industrial output
South Korea's pollution is largely a result of its own industrial output and emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. However, it is exacerbated by China's industrial output, with studies suggesting that 30-50% of South Korea's air pollution comes from China, with figures rising to 60-80% on the worst air quality days.
South Korea's air quality has been a growing concern for its citizens, with 97% of respondents in a 2018 survey noting that air pollution was causing physical or psychological pain. The country's pollution levels have increased as its economy has grown, with South Korea now a manufacturing and export powerhouse. The country's energy requirements are largely met through fossil fuels, with 38% of its energy coming from oil and 29% from coal. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has led to South Korea having the worst average concentration of ultrafine dust in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2019.
China's industrial output has a significant impact on South Korea's air quality, particularly during the colder months when slow air currents create smog-like conditions. The pollution from China includes fine dust produced by its factories and coal-fired power plants, as well as dust blown in from its western deserts and Inner Mongolia. This dust contains carcinogens and invisible nanoparticles (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, triggering a range of illnesses, including cancer. The effects of this air pollution are particularly harmful to children and the elderly, with residents of Seoul, South Korea's largest and most polluted city, expected to lose 1.7 years of their lives if pollution levels are not remediated.
While South Korea's government has declared the fine dust a social disaster and released emergency funding, the country continues to rely heavily on coal-fired power generation and diesel emissions, with plans to build new coal plants in the coming years. China's rapidly developing economy also contributes to the problem, with the country burning an estimated 4 billion tons of coal to meet its energy demands. This has led to South Korea being exposed to high levels of PM2.5 particulates, which are having a detrimental impact on the health and life expectancy of its citizens.
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South Korea's pollution increased after the Korean War
As South Korea's economy grew, so did its pollution levels. The country's rapid industrialization and urbanization led to increased emissions from burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, construction equipment, heating and air conditioning, and power plants. South Korea's reliance on coal-fired power generation and high vehicle emissions have been major contributors to its air pollution problem. By 2018, South Korea had the worst annual average ultrafine dust concentration among OECD member countries, with a reading of 24.8-24.9 µg/m³.
The capital city of Seoul has been particularly affected by poor air quality. Satellite data from NASA has shown that Seoul is among the world's cities with the worst air pollution. From 2009 to 2013, the average PM10 figures in Seoul were higher than those of major cities such as London, Paris, Tokyo, and Los Angeles. The health impacts of air pollution in Seoul are significant, with an estimated 16% of all deaths in the city attributed to air pollution. Residents of Seoul are expected to lose 1.7 years of life expectancy if pollution levels are not improved.
Other cities in South Korea are also struggling with high levels of pollution. Jeungpyeong, for example, has been ranked as one of the dirtiest cities in the country, with a US AQI reading of 97, which is considered "Moderate" to "Unhealthy." The average annual concentration of ultrafine dust in Jeungpyeong-gun, Chungbuk, was 33.9 µg/m³, the worst in South Korea. Additionally, 61 out of the top 100 cities with the most severe dust pollution among OECD countries are Korean cities.
The South Korean government has recognized the severity of the problem and has taken steps to address it. In response to a 2018 survey where 97% of respondents reported physical or psychological pain due to air pollution, the government declared a social disaster and released emergency funding. The Korean Ministry of Environment has also regulated 11 air pollutants and 32 other air substances that are considered hazardous. However, South Korea's air quality continues to be a concern, impacting public health, the economy, and outdoor activities.
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South Korea's pollution decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic
South Korea's air pollution decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was due to a variety of factors, including reduced commuting and travel, decreased economic activity, and changes in consumer behaviour.
During the pandemic, South Korea experienced a 10-20% decline in commuting and travel, even without strict lockdown or stay-at-home orders. This decrease in transportation had a significant impact on air quality, as fossil-fuel burning transportation methods are major contributors to air pollution. A 1% decrease in commuting flows was found to decrease air pollutants by approximately 0.1%-0.2%. The reduction in travel and economic activity during the pandemic is estimated to have resulted in a notable decrease in pollution-related mortality.
The pandemic also led to changes in consumer behaviour and spending patterns, which may have contributed to reduced air pollution. During this period, people increased their expenditure on impulsive and satisfying purchases. The relationship between air pollution and income was also impacted, with a negative association between PM10 levels and sales observed.
The decrease in air pollution during the pandemic had positive effects on the mental health and well-being of South Koreans. Lower pollution levels and increased exposure to green spaces, such as mixed forests, were found to reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. The importance of PM10 as a stress-influencing factor increased during the pandemic, indicating heightened public sensitivity to air quality.
While South Korea experienced a decrease in air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic, the country continues to struggle with poor air quality overall. Seoul, the nation's largest city, is among the world's cities with the worst air pollution. In 2019, South Korea had the highest annual average concentration of ultrafine dust (PM2.5) among OECD member countries. It is estimated that air pollution will be linked to premature deaths and a decrease in life expectancy for South Koreans.
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South Korea's pollution is caused by coal-fired power plants and vehicle emissions
South Korea has been facing worsening air pollution, which is a growing threat to people and the environment. The country's pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including coal-fired power plants and vehicle emissions.
Coal-fired power plants have been a significant contributor to South Korea's air pollution. The country has a large number of coal power plants, with 53 in operation as of 2021, and many of these plants are old, with 11 being over 30 years old and three operating for more than 40 years. South Korea has also been financing the construction of highly polluting overseas coal plants, which are projected to cause thousands of premature deaths in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. However, there are efforts to address this issue, as the South Korean government is considering closing coal-fired power plants to curb fine dust emissions, and they scrapped plans to build four new coal-fired power plants as part of their climate commitments.
Vehicle emissions are another major source of air pollution in South Korea. The number of cars on the road is increasing, which contributes to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and other exhaust gases. The growth of imports and exports in South Korea's fast-growing economy also increases fossil fuel combustion, adding to the vehicle emissions problem. However, stronger emission regulations have helped reduce nitrogen dioxide levels, and the development of green technologies and public transportation has also played a role in addressing this issue.
While Seoul, the nation's largest city, has been consistently ranked as having the worst air pollution in South Korea, other cities are also facing significant pollution problems. Jeungpyeong, for example, took the title of the dirtiest city in South Korea in 2024, with a US AQI reading of 97. It's worth noting that a large percentage of the pollutants in South Korea are also blown in by prevailing winds from China, especially during the colder winter months when air currents are slower.
The South Korean government has recognized the seriousness of air pollution and has taken steps to address it. The Ministry of Environment has implemented a pilot program using unmanned aerial vehicles to inspect factory emissions in the greater Seoul metropolitan area. The government has also declared a social disaster to release emergency funding in response to the public's concerns about the physical and psychological impacts of air pollution. While there have been improvements, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a 27% decrease in pollutant concentrations, South Korea still has the worst air quality among the richest countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
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Frequently asked questions
Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, has the worst air pollution in the country.
The main sources of air pollution in South Korea are emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions.
Between 2009 and 2013, Seoul's average PM10 levels were higher than in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.
The South Korean government has declared a social disaster to release emergency funding. The country is also investing in drones and robots to help with environmental management.
As of April 2024, Seoul's air quality is classified as "moderate". However, the PM2.5 level is 3.2 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended value.
