KT, Science Ministry Introduce Fine Dust Response Service

The big data-based fine dust service project by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Information Society Agency and KT will see small air quality monitoring equipment measure fine dust levels every minute, using IoT technology. (Image: Gwangmyeong City)

SEOUL, Nov. 7 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean government has teamed up with telecom giant KT to introduce a new fine dust response service as part of its big data flagship project this year.

The big data-based fine dust service project by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Information Society Agency and KT will see small air quality monitoring equipment measure fine dust levels every minute, using IoT technology.

In the past, fine dust levels were recorded by the Korea Environment Corporation’s Air Korea service, which relied on monitoring 323 stations around the country.

However, the lack of monitoring devices and coverage in many areas attracted criticism.

Against this backdrop, KT’s new fine dust response service will provide a much wider monitoring coverage and more accurate information.

The South Korean government has teamed up with telecom giant KT to introduce a new fine dust response service as part of its big data flagship project this year. (Image: KT)

The monitoring devices will collect comprehensive data regarding the floating population and the weather, which will be analyzed and used to direct sprinkler trucks to areas in need.

Beginning with 115 monitoring devices set to be introduced in Jeju, Changwon and Gwangmyeong by the end of this year, KT is expected to install the equipment at 1500 new locations in Seoul and other major cities by the end of the first quarter of next year.

“We hope the adaptation of a new big data flagship project in the fields of environment and air pollution will help mitigate the issue of fine dust,” said Choi Yong-hae, a senior official at the science ministry.

M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)