The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) conducted a ‘Simulation Exercise for Fine Dust (PM2.5) Disaster Response’ with 17 provinces nationwide and 11 related ministries* from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 14. 

* Office for Government Policy Coordination; Ministry of Education; Ministry of the Interior and Safety; Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Ministry of Health and Welfare; Ministry of Employment and Labor; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea Forest Service

The purpose of this training was to effectively respond to high concentrations of fine dust and to assess the emergency reduction measures and cooperation systems of each organization.

This training, which has been conducted since 2019 and marks its fifth year this year, followed the ‘Fine Dust Disaster Crisis Management Standard Manual’ and assumed a situation where a crisis level of ‘caution’ was issued to 17 provinces nationwide at 5:10 p.m. on November 13. It included on-site and written exercises.

The on-site training included (1) shortening the operation of public construction sites (one site per province), (2) restrictions on the operation of Grade 5 emission vehicles (system checks, fines not imposed), and (3) inspection of workplaces (utilizing advanced equipment), while the written exercises involved (1) sending disaster text messages, and (2) reduced operation of thermal power generation, all conducted based on simulated real-life scenarios.   

On this day, Minister Han Wha-jin hosted a joint inspection meeting at the Han River Flood Control Center (located in Seocho-gu, Seoul) at 8 a.m. attended by provinces and related ministries. During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the plans for fine dust measures by each organization and requested that they “do their best to protect the health of the nation from fine dust.”

Minister Han stated, “This training is aimed at reviewing the intergovernmental response system in preparation for high concentrations of fine dust. We will ensure seamless preparation to ensure the smooth implementation of the 5th Fine Dust Seasonal Management Plan, which will be in effect from December 1 to March 31 of next year. 

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com