Brian Barton
South Korea has been facing increasing pollution, with the air quality worsening over the years. The country's rapid economic growth and industrialisation have been major contributors, with a heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, vehicle emissions, and fossil fuels. Additionally, South Korea experiences dust storms and fine dust pollution, which have been partially attributed to the spread of industrial pollutants from neighbouring countries like China. The pollution has led to health concerns, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and has prompted the Korean government to implement measures to improve air quality, including the development of renewable energy sources and the regulation of emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of data | 30 July 2025 |
| Overall air quality index in Seoul | 63 |
| Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) AQI in Seoul | 63 |
| Respirable particulate matter (PM10) AQI in Seoul | 23 |
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) AQI in Seoul | 19 |
| Sulfur dioxide (SO2) AQI in Seoul | 5 |
| Ozone (O3) AQI in Seoul | 39 |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) AQI in Seoul | 5 |
| Sources of pollution | Fossil fuel combustion, coal-fired power plants, vehicle emissions, factories, power plants |
| Number of poor air days per year | 10 |
| Percentage reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution since 2015 | 38% |
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What You'll Learn
Dust storms from China and Mongolia
South Korea's air pollution is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and transboundary pollution. One significant contributor to South Korea's pollution is the fine dust or "yellow dust" from dust storms originating in China and Mongolia. These dust storms have plagued South Korea for centuries and have severe environmental, economic, and health impacts.
The dust storms from China and Mongolia are a seasonal occurrence, typically during spring, when cold fronts from Siberia bring strong winds to the deserts of Inner Mongolia and northern China, such as the Gobi Desert. These winds pick up sand and carry it southeast, affecting the regions surrounding the Bo Hai and the Yellow Sea. In some powerful storms, the dust can even reach across the Pacific Ocean to North America. The dust then blows eastward, impacting Korea, Japan, and other parts of Northeast Asia.
The dust storms have severe consequences for the people of South Korea. The fine dust particles are small enough to be inhaled, leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems such as sore throat and asthma. The storms also cause decreased visibility, damage to goods, and psychological distress. In 2002, the economic impact of these dust storms in South Korea was estimated to be between US$3.9 billion and $7.3 billion, contributing to increased mortality rates and health issues.
The sources of these dust storms can be attributed to the desertification of northern China, Mongolia, and Central Asia. This desertification is a result of extensive logging, deforestation, and soil erosion due to the booming populations and increasing demand for wood, firewood, and food in these regions. As China continues to industrialise, with a growing number of coal-fired power plants, the pollution from these dust storms is expected to worsen, further complicating Korea's efforts to improve its air quality.
While South Koreans have expressed anger and concern about the hazardous fine dust, experts debate the extent to which China is responsible for South Korea's pollution. Studies suggest that 30% to 60% of South Korea's air pollution comes from China's industrial sites and coal plants, especially during colder months when slow air currents create smog-like conditions. However, South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and fossil fuels also contributes significantly to the problem.
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Coal-fired power plants
South Korea's air pollution has multiple sources, both domestic and international. South Korea has about 60 coal-fired power plants, which generate 40% of its electricity. In 2019, the South Korean government announced the shutdown of 10 coal-fired power plants as part of its anti-pollution campaign. The shutdown was expected to reduce fine dust emissions by 44% over three months, compared to the previous year. The government also stated that the remaining coal-fired power plants would operate at 80% capacity, and this reduction in coal power was predicted to boost the country's LNG demand slightly.
In addition to the domestic sources, South Korea also experiences air pollution from neighbouring countries, particularly China. Studies have suggested that 30 to 60% of South Korea's air pollution comes from China's industrial sites and coal plants, especially during the colder months when slow air currents create smog-like conditions. China's economic activities have led to the burning of 4 billion tons of coal annually, contributing to up to 50% of Korea's PM2.5 particles.
However, experts also point to South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and other fossil fuels as a significant contributor to the country's air pollution. Fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to air pollution in South Korea, with oil accounting for 38% of the primary energy supply, coal for 29%, and gas for 15%. The increase in imports and exports in South Korea's fast-growing economy further contributes to fossil fuel combustion.
South Korea's large cities, such as Seoul, also play a role in the country's air pollution levels. The high population density, combined with industrial activities and vehicle emissions, exceed the environment's capacity to dilute the pollutants. As a result, South Korea's air quality has been ranked poorly, and the pollution has had significant impacts on the health and well-being of its residents.
To address these issues, South Korea has set a goal to increase the amount of renewable energy it generates to 20% by 2030. Additionally, the country has implemented temporary shutdowns of coal-fired power plants during the winter months and capped the operations of the remaining plants to reduce air pollution levels. These efforts are part of South Korea's ongoing commitment to improving air quality and mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution.
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Vehicle emissions
South Korea's air quality is poor, and vehicle emissions are a significant contributor. The country's fast-growing economy has led to an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, with a rise in the proportion of diesel vehicles. This has resulted in high levels of NO2 concentrations in large cities like Seoul, which exceed the atmospheric environment criterion in approximately 40% of air pollution monitoring stations. The main cause of this is considered to be vehicle NOx emissions, with vehicles contributing 49% of NOx emissions in Seoul.
To combat this issue, the South Korean government has implemented and reinforced emission regulations for newly manufactured vehicles. These regulations aim to reduce air pollution from automobiles by adopting the emission standards of the US and the EU. For example, since 2014, diesel vehicles have been subject to Euro 6 regulations, and gasoline and gas-fueled vehicles have been subject to California's NMOG (Non-Methane Organic Gases) fleet average system. However, there is a debate about the effectiveness of these regulations under on-road driving conditions, as laboratory tests may not accurately reflect real-world emissions.
The impact of vehicle emissions on air quality in South Korea is complex and influenced by various factors. While the country's growing economy and industrialization have contributed to the increase in vehicle emissions, the transboundary effects of pollution from neighbouring countries like China cannot be ignored. Studies have suggested that a significant portion of South Korea's air pollution, particularly the '"fine dust"' that affects the country during the colder months, originates from China's industrial sites and coal plants.
To address the air pollution crisis, South Korea has unveiled a new energy master plan that aims to increase the amount of renewable energy generated to 20% by 2030. This shift towards renewable energy sources is a positive step towards reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels and improving air quality for its citizens.
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Industrial pollution
South Korea's air quality is poor, and industrial pollution is a significant contributor. The country's rapid industrialization and economic growth since the 1960s have led to increased fossil fuel combustion, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities, all of which have severely impacted air quality. South Korea's manufacturing and export-oriented economy relies heavily on coal-fired power generation, with about 50 coal plants powering the country and more planned. The transportation sector also contributes to industrial pollution, with high vehicle emissions from diesel fuel use.
South Korea's industrial activities have resulted in the emission of hazardous gases, including oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulates, and hydrocarbons. These emissions have severe health impacts on the population, with 97% of respondents in a 2018 survey reporting physical or psychological pain due to air pollution. The pollution has particularly affected children, with parents expressing concern over their children's inability to play outdoors and enjoy the change of seasons due to the poor air quality.
While South Korea has implemented policies to address pollution, such as the Green Growth Policy, and plans to close some coal power plants by 2025, the country still faces challenges. The number of vehicles on the road continues to increase, and South Korea's reliance on fossil fuels remains high, with oil, coal, and gas accounting for a significant portion of the country's energy supply.
Additionally, South Korea's industrial pollution is not limited to air pollution. Soil pollution is also a concern, with harmful substances from industrial activities contaminating agricultural products and impacting human health, animal health, and soil properties. South Korea has defined 16 substances, including cadmium, copper, arsenic, mercury, oil, and organic solvents, as regulated soil pollutants to address this issue.
Furthermore, water pollution is another consequence of industrial activities in South Korea. Water pollution sources are classified as domestic sewage, industrial sewage, and livestock wastewater. The country's industrialization and urbanization have led to increased waste generation, and improper handling of waste can contaminate water sources.
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Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide
South Korea's air pollution is a complex issue influenced by both domestic and international sources. While the country has experienced increased pollution since its rapid industrialization, particularly in cities like Seoul, external factors also play a significant role.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are two prominent pollutants affecting South Korea's air quality. Sulphur dioxide is a hazardous gas released into the atmosphere from various sources, including the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and industrial activities. Nitrogen dioxide, on the other hand, is commonly produced from vehicle exhaust gases and the combustion of fossil fuels.
South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and fossil fuels significantly contributes to the presence of these pollutants. The country's growing economy and industrialization have led to an increased demand for energy, with oil, coal, and gas being significant components of its primary energy supply. As a result, emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide have become a pressing concern.
In recent years, there have been efforts to address this issue. The South Korean government implemented the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement in 2003, aiming to reduce concentrations of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide in the Seoul Capital region. Additionally, South Korea launched the Cheonrian 2B satellite in 2020, equipped with an environmental sensor to track pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in East Asian countries, including Korea itself.
It is important to note that South Korea is not solely responsible for its air pollution. Studies have suggested that a significant portion, up to 60%, of the air pollution in South Korea originates from neighbouring countries like China and Japan. Fine dust and yellow dust blown from China's industrial sites, power plants, and western deserts contribute to the pollution levels in South Korea. However, it is essential to recognize that transboundary effects are not the sole cause, and South Korea's internal pollution sources, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities, also play a significant role.
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Frequently asked questions
There is much debate about the source of pollution in Korea. Many people in Korea blame neighbouring China, due to the spread of fine dust produced by China's factories, coal-fired power plants, and coal-burning. However, experts say that Korea's reliance on coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and fossil fuels is also a major part of the problem.
The main pollutants in Korea include PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and car emissions.
The Korean government has implemented various measures to reduce pollution, including the Clean Air Conservation Act, which regulates emissions of air pollutants and hazardous substances. The government also plans to increase the use of renewable energy and has pledged to close several coal-fired power plants by 2034.
