Fine dust (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – Seoul has launched its annual Fine Dust Seasonal Management Program, introducing strict measures to reduce air pollution during the winter months.
Effective from December through March, vehicles classified as emissions grade 5—the highest polluters—are banned from operating on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless equipped with eco-friendly modifications. Violators face fines of 100,000 won ($75) per day.
This initiative, now in its sixth year, aims to cut 144 tons of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and 3,041 tons of nitrogen oxides this season. Big data analysis will guide enforcement in areas with historically high violations, alongside intensified inspections at 717 industrial sites and large construction projects.
IoT technology will monitor dust levels in real time, and outdated machinery at government projects will be flagged via QR codes to restrict usage.
Additional measures include a 50% surcharge on parking fees for grade 5 vehicles at city-managed lots, stricter emissions testing at private inspection centers, and expanded road-cleaning operations with 490 vehicles covering 259 kilometers.
Efforts extend to energy efficiency, with 80,000 eco-friendly boilers being distributed to households and temperature regulations enforced at energy-intensive facilities like hotels and department stores. Public buildings are capped at 18°C (64°F) and private spaces at 20°C (68°F).
Seoul reports that these measures have shown results. PM2.5 levels during the program’s fifth season averaged 22 µg/m³, a 37% improvement from 2018 levels of 35 µg/m³. The city has also launched public awareness campaigns, including YouTube content and events, to encourage citizen participation in the fight against air pollution.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
