Air Pollution In South Korea: A Complex Issue

South Korea's air pollution is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including domestic emissions and external influences. The country's rapid economic growth and industrialization have contributed significantly to the air pollution levels it experiences today. South Korea's annual average ultrafine dust concentration in 2018 was 24.9 µg/m³, ranking it as the worst among the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). While there is a perception that pollution from China significantly impacts South Korea's air quality, domestic sources, such as emissions from burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities, also play a major role. The Korean government has recognized the severity of the issue and is taking measures to improve air quality through regulatory actions and the implementation of new technologies.

Fossil fuel combustion

The impact of fossil fuel combustion is evident in South Korea's air quality data. In 2019, the country had the highest annual average concentration of ultrafine dust (PM2.5) among the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This ultrafine dust consists of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. While some of these pollutants are also blown in from neighbouring countries like China, South Korea's own emissions from power plants, vehicles, and industries significantly contribute to the problem.

To address this issue, South Korea has recognized the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The country has expressed its determination to phase out industries like coal mining to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the shift towards renewable energy has been slow, and South Korea's high refining capacities have led to an increase in petrol imports to meet the growing energy demand.

The South Korean government has taken steps to mitigate air pollution by regulating 11 air pollutants and 32 other hazardous substances. Additionally, plans are in place to close 10 out of 61 coal power plants by 2025. These efforts are in response to the public's concerns, as a 2018 survey by the Korean Ministry of Environment found that 97% of respondents experienced physical or psychological pain due to air pollution.

While South Korea works towards reducing fossil fuel combustion and its associated emissions, the country continues to face challenges due to its growing economy and energy demands. The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial for improving air quality and ensuring a sustainable future for the nation.

Vehicle emissions

South Korea's air pollution is mainly due to its reliance on fossil fuels, with oil accounting for 38% of the primary energy supply, coal 29%, and gas 15%. However, vehicle emissions are also a significant contributor to the country's poor air quality.

The South Korean government has taken steps to address vehicle emissions, with the replacement of diesel buses with natural gas vehicles and the provision of emission-reduced devices for cars. The Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement, implemented in 2003, aimed to reduce average annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations. The Act targeted the Seoul Capital region, which includes Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do province. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor air pollution is also being piloted.

In addition to government initiatives, South Korea was one of the first countries to integrate green growth into its national strategy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and the unnecessary usage of non-renewable energy sources. This led to the Framework Act on Low Carbon Green Growth in 2009, with the goal of becoming the seventh greenest country in the world by 2020 and fifth by 2050. To achieve these goals, politicians worked to encourage energy independence and promote green technologies, such as green transportation systems.

While South Korea has made efforts to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, it continues to face challenges due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the country's heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Pollution from China

South Korea has the worst air quality of the 35 richest countries in the OECD. The country's annual average ultrafine dust concentration in 2018 was 24.9µg/m³, the worst among OECD members. South Korea's pollution primarily comes from China, with Chinese factories and coal-fired power plants spreading fine dust across the border. China is responsible for 30-50% of PM2.5 pollutants in South Korea on average air quality days, but this figure can increase to 60-80% on the worst air quality days.

China's growing economic activity has allowed it to burn a yearly average of 4 billion tons of coal, contributing to up to 50% of Korea's PM2.5 particles. During the colder months, slow air currents create smog-like conditions, exacerbating the problem. Dust storms from China's western deserts and Inner Mongolia also contribute to the pollution in South Korea. These dust storms have been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, pink eye, reduced visibility, and damage to goods.

The impact of China's pollution on South Korea's mortality rates has been studied extensively. Research has shown a causal link between China's pollution and increased respiratory and cardiovascular mortality rates in South Korea. One study estimated that a 12-point decrease in China's air quality index (AQI) would have resulted in 2400 fewer deaths in South Korea over ten years. China's pollution also leads to more emergency room visits for asthma and nasal inflammation, particularly affecting infants and the elderly.

However, it is important to note that South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel also contributes significantly to the country's air pollution. As South Korea's economy has grown, so has its contribution to air pollution, with increases in fossil fuel combustion, vehicle emissions, and industrial activity.

In recent years, China has faced pressure from the international community to reduce its pollution. China's war on pollution policies have shown positive results, with a decrease in transboundary air pollution and fewer deaths in South Korea. These policies have saved South Korea more than $2.6 billion per year and improved air quality in both countries.

Coal-fired power plants

South Korea has about 60 coal-fired power plants, mainly owned by state-run utilities, which supplied about 40% to 42% of the country's electricity in 2018. Coal imports fell nearly 9% in the first four months of 2019 when coal's share of the country's energy mix fell by more than 5 percentage points to around 37%.

In 2019, the government introduced caps on coal-fired generation, halting operations at five plants from March to June to curb pollution. They did the same for four plants in 2020. The country has also implemented temporary shutdowns of plants that are more than 30 years old, including idling about half of the coal-fired fleet in 2020.

In 2020, President Moon Jae-in announced that the country would shutter 30 more coal-fired power plants by 2034, with 10 of them closing by the end of 2022. The president also ended the construction of any new coal-fired power plants. The country plans to replace these with more expensive gas and additional solar and wind power resources.

Despite these efforts, South Korea is facing a tough task to boost renewables and meet its planned carbon emission cuts under the 2015 Paris climate accord. The country scores poorly with green groups on its efforts to tackle climate change. Some experts are also wary of closing down old coal plants, arguing that a strategy for increasing renewables does not necessarily mean lowering coal power.

Hazardous gases

South Korea's air quality has been a persistent issue, with hazardous gases being a significant contributor to pollution. These gases stem from various sources, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of fossil fuels, which have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

One of the primary hazardous gases prevalent in South Korea's air is sulfur dioxide (SO2). High concentrations of SO2 can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate cardiovascular diseases. SO2 emissions have been associated with the country's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, which are a major source of electricity generation. Despite efforts to reduce emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources

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