South Korea’s government is launching a coordinated, multi-agency response to tackle elevated PM2.5 (fine dust) pollution during March, the month with the highest annual concentrations. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced intensified efforts to reduce PM2.5, focusing on four main areas: managing major pollution sources, expanding public sector emission reductions, protecting public health in daily environments, and strengthening information and outreach. This initiative builds on the seasonal management program, which has been implemented annually since 2019 to safeguard public health and improve air quality. The government’s approach is data-driven, targeting periods and locations with the greatest risk.
The policy impacts a broad range of stakeholders, including industrial facilities, farmers, construction sites, public institutions, and vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Enhanced monitoring and enforcement will be carried out at emission-prone businesses, with advanced surveillance tools like drones and mobile measurement vehicles. Public sector coal power plants will see expanded shutdowns, and stricter controls will be applied to vehicle emissions and construction machinery. Additional support is provided for indoor air quality improvements in childcare centers and elderly care facilities, while outdoor workers are subject to mask compliance checks.
Implementation runs from March 1 to March 31, 2026, coinciding with the seventh seasonal management cycle. The government will increase the frequency and scope of inspections, expand the geographic coverage of emergency reduction measures from three to seven provinces, and intensify public outreach via digital platforms. The target is to achieve a PM2.5 concentration of 19㎍/㎥, building on previous reductions of up to 40% since the program’s inception. Special attention is given to the start of the school year and increased outdoor activity, with flexible work recommendations for pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions during high pollution days.
Frequently asked questions include: What are the main sources of PM2.5 addressed by the policy? The government is focusing on illegal emissions from industrial sites, agricultural waste burning, vehicle exhaust, and construction dust. How will public health be protected? Enhanced indoor air quality measures, mask checks for outdoor workers, and flexible work for vulnerable groups are key actions. Where can citizens find real-time information? The Air Korea app provides multilingual updates and GIS-based locations of clean air shelters. The government also uses YouTube and social media for public engagement and education.
South Korea’s spring PM2.5 response is a comprehensive, evidence-based policy targeting the month with the highest fine dust levels. The government’s use of advanced monitoring, expanded geographic coverage, and strengthened public health measures shows a clear commitment to reducing pollution and protecting citizens. The integration of real-time information and multilingual outreach is a practical step for public engagement. Continued reductions in PM2.5 concentrations, as demonstrated by past results, indicate the effectiveness of these seasonal management strategies.