zaro

Why is the air in Korea so bad?

Published in Air Quality 4 mins read

The air in Korea is often bad primarily due to a combination of significant transboundary pollution originating from neighboring industrial regions, coupled with domestic emissions from vehicles, industries, and heating.

The Dominant Role of Transboundary Pollution

A major reason for consistently poor air quality in South Korea is the substantial inflow of pollutants from neighboring countries, particularly China. Multiple studies indicate that a significant portion of South Korea's air pollution, specifically harmful fine dust (particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, or PM2.5), originates from the vast industrial activities and numerous coal-fired power plants in China.

  • Significant Contribution: On days with average air quality, China is responsible for an estimated 30 to 50 percent of the PM2.5 detected in South Korea.
  • Worst-Case Scenarios: This percentage escalates dramatically, reaching 60 to 80 percent, on days when air quality is at its worst, often leading to severe smog.

Prevailing westerly winds act as a conduit, carrying these industrial pollutants across the Yellow Sea directly into the Korean Peninsula.

Domestic Contributions to Air Pollution

While transboundary pollution is a major factor, South Korea's own internal emissions also contribute significantly to its air quality issues.

Vehicle Emissions

With a highly urbanized population and a growing number of registered vehicles, exhaust fumes from cars, buses, and trucks, particularly diesel vehicles, release harmful particulate matter and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. Efforts are being made to promote electric vehicles and public transport, but the sheer volume of vehicles remains a challenge.

Industrial and Power Generation

Although domestic regulations are stricter, local industries, manufacturing plants, and coal-fired power stations within South Korea still contribute to air pollution. These facilities release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine dust.

Construction and Residential Heating

Rapid urbanization and ongoing construction projects generate considerable dust. Additionally, in colder months, residential heating systems that rely on fossil fuels can increase localized pollution, especially in densely populated areas.

The table below summarizes the key sources of air pollution in South Korea:

Source Category Key Contributors Impact on Air Quality
Transboundary Industrial factories, coal-fired power plants Major source of PM2.5, especially on bad days
Domestic Vehicle exhaust, local industries, power plants Significant contributor to overall pollution
Seasonal/Local Construction dust, residential heating Localized and seasonal impact

Geographical and Meteorological Factors

South Korea's geographical location also plays a crucial role. Situated downwind of a highly industrialized region of China, it is inherently vulnerable to cross-border pollution. Furthermore, specific meteorological conditions can exacerbate the problem:

  • Prevailing Winds: Predominant westerly winds carry pollutants from the Asian continent.
  • Topography: Cities like Seoul, nestled in a basin, can experience the trapping of pollutants, leading to prolonged periods of poor air quality.
  • Stagnant Air: During certain seasons, particularly winter, high-pressure systems can lead to stagnant air masses, preventing pollutants from dispersing and causing them to accumulate close to the ground.

Understanding Air Quality Metrics

When discussing air pollution in Korea, you will often hear terms like PM2.5 and PM10. These refer to particulate matter – tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.

  • PM2.5: "Fine dust" refers to particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. These are particularly dangerous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
  • PM10: Refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less.

You can monitor real-time air quality in South Korea through various government and private apps.

Impact on Daily Life and Health

Poor air quality significantly impacts daily life in Korea. It leads to:

  • Reduced Visibility: Frequent hazy skies and smog.
  • Outdoor Restrictions: Schools, workplaces, and public health advisories often recommend limiting outdoor activities.
  • Health Concerns: Increased prevalence of respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term health problems. People often wear face masks, particularly N95/KF94 masks, outdoors.

Efforts to Combat Air Pollution

The South Korean government has implemented various environmental policies and initiatives to address air pollution, including:

  • Domestic Emission Reductions: Phasing out coal-fired power plants, promoting cleaner energy, and tightening emission standards for vehicles and industries.
  • International Cooperation: Engaging in dialogues and joint research with China and other neighboring countries to address transboundary pollution.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens on the severity of air pollution and encouraging individual actions like using public transportation.

In conclusion, the poor air quality in Korea is a complex issue primarily driven by the significant influx of fine dust from neighboring countries, compounded by domestic emissions and unfavorable geographical and meteorological conditions. Addressing this challenge requires continuous national efforts combined with robust international cooperation.