Sejong, May 30 - The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) released the comprehensive analysis results of the "Fourth Seasonal Fine Dust Management Program" between December 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

According to an analysis, the Fourth Seasonal Fine Dust Management period saw a total reduction of air pollutants1 of 119,894 tons. It is a 2% increase in reduction compared to a total reduction of 117,410 tons during the third seasonal fine dust management program from December 2021 to March 2022. The increase in reduction can be attributed to policies restricting Grade 5 vehicles. The concentration of national ultrafine particles (PM2.5) was slightly higher in February and March compared to the previous season (from 23.2 to 24.6㎍/㎥, excluding yellow dust). It was due to unfavorable weather conditions2 and an increase in ultrafine dust from other countries.3 

The Ministry of Environment analyzed the effectiveness of policies to reduce fine particles during the Fourth Seasonal Fine Dust Management period by numerical modeling the air quality. The results showed that these policies led to a decrease of 1.4㎍/㎥ in ultrafine particle concentration. Without these policies, the level of ultrafine particle concentration would have increased to 26.0㎍/㎥, but thanks to the implemented fine particle reduction policies, the final level was reduced to 24.6㎍/㎥.

The Ministry of Environment will seek a way to improve the "Seasonal Fine Dust Management Programs" in the latter half of the year, based on the Fourth Seasonal Fine Dust Management Program results. It will involve improving reduction measures across the country and fostering better collaboration with neighboring countries.

Park Yeon-jae, Director-General of the Air Quality Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, said, "Thanks to the people for their interest and cooperation, the seasonal fine dust management programs have been successful in reducing air pollutants." He added, "The Ministry will be committed to continue exploring and implementing effective policies to protect the health of the people."

1 (PM2.5+SOX+NOX+VOCS, ton) 1st: 91,286 → 2nd: 100,905 → 3rd: 117,410 → 4th: 119,894

2 Compared to the Third Seasonal Fine Dust Management Program, the temperature in February and March increased by 2.2℃, atmospheric stagnation days increased by ten days, and high wind speed days decreased by 12 days

3 (3rd → 4th average, ㎍/㎥) Entire China: 43 → 46, Beijing/Tianjin/Hebei: 60 → 65, Weihe Plain: 69 → 75

(Source: China Nationwide and City Air Quality Report (Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China))

Contact: Song Seok-seob, Deputy Director

Air Quality Policy Division / +82-(0)44-201-6871

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr

1 (PM2.5+SOX+NOX+VOCS, ton) 1st: 91,286 → 2nd: 100,905 → 3rd: 117,410 → 4th: 119,894

2 Compared to the Third Seasonal Fine Dust Management Program, the temperature in February and March increased by 2.2℃, atmospheric stagnation days increased by ten days, and high wind speed days decreased by 12 days

3 (3rd → 4th average, ㎍/㎥) Entire China: 43 → 46, Beijing/Tianjin/Hebei: 60 → 65, Weihe Plain: 69 → 75

(Source: China Nationwide and City Air Quality Report (Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China))