Seoul: Air pollution remains a critical global environmental health threat, yet South Korea has emerged as a recent success story in tackling this issue. One of the most industrialized nations, South Korea has reported significant improvements in air quality, as revealed by the Environment Ministry.
According to Anadolu Agency, the national average concentration of PM2.5, harmful airborne particles, reached an unprecedented low in 2024, marking the lowest levels since monitoring began in 2015. The ministry's report highlighted a remarkable increase in 'good' air quality days, setting a record at 212, while 'bad' air quality days dropped to just 10, with no 'very bad' days recorded.
In Seoul, one of the most affected regions, the average annual PM2.5 concentration decreased to 17.6 micrograms per cubic meter, a significant improvement from the 2008 reading of 26 micrograms per cubic meter. Although this figure is still above the World Health Organization's recommendation of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, it represents a notable decline.
Experts attribute this progress to a combination of stringent domestic policies, international cooperation, and favorable weather conditions. Saewung Kim, an associate professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of California, Irvine, stated, "Certainly, they made a big step towards improving air quality, the numbers clearly show that this scientifically guided policy made an impact."
One of the main factors driving this change has been the enforcement of stricter regulations on industrial emissions. The industrial sector now operates under emissions caps in designated air quality management areas, with the number of businesses impacted rising from 400 in 2020 to 1,013 by 2024. Efforts to phase out coal power and promote eco-friendly boilers have also played a crucial role in reducing pollution.
In the transportation sector, incentives to scrap old diesel vehicles have led to a substantial reduction in high-emission cars, while the number of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles increased to 750,200 in 2024. Kim noted that the transition to electric vehicles would further enhance air quality.
Cross-border pollution, particularly from China, has also influenced South Korea's air quality. China's significant reduction in air pollution has contributed to cleaner skies in South Korea. The Environment Ministry reported a 45.2% decrease in fine dust concentrations in northeastern China compared to 2015.
Additionally, annual meetings like the Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting, which involves South Korea, China, and Japan, have facilitated regional cooperation on air quality improvements. The three countries are set to draft a new Tripartite Joint Action Plan for 2026-2030, focusing on air quality enhancements.
Weather conditions have also aided South Korea's progress. Increased rainfall and fewer stagnant air days have helped reduce fine dust levels. Mark Jacobson, a professor at Stanford University, explained that fast winds and rainfall play a crucial role in clearing pollution.
However, experts warn that climate change could pose new challenges. Charles Driscoll, an environmental chemistry professor at Syracuse University, emphasized the 'climate penalty' effect, where rising temperatures may exacerbate pollution reactions. He stressed the need for further emission reductions to mitigate these effects.
Despite the progress, experts urge South Korea to continue its efforts in combating air pollution to ensure sustained improvements in air quality and public health outcomes.