PM2.5 Average Concentration 17.6㎍/㎥…32% Decrease Compared to 2008 When Observation Began
Days with Good Fine Dust Level Doubles While Bad and Very Bad Days Reduce by a Third
The air quality in Seoul last year was the best since observations began in 2008.
According to Seoul city data on the 9th, the average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was 17.6㎍/㎥ in 2024, a reduction of about 32% compared to 26㎍/㎥ in 2008.
The number of days with fine dust levels classified as ‘bad’ (36∼75㎍/㎥) or ‘very bad’ (exceeding 75㎍/㎥) dropped to 24 days, about a third of the 67 days in 2008. In contrast, ‘good’ days (0~15㎍/㎥) increased to 176 days, more than double the 86 days in 2008.
The city explained that the reduction in fine dust levels was due to measures such as the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to replace diesel buses in 2014 and limiting vehicles with emission grade 5 that did not undergo low-emission measures from operating in green transportation zones.
The city also continues to implement projects like providing subsidies for early scrapping or retrofitting diesel vehicles with diesel particulate filters (DPFs), and the ‘seasonal fine dust management’ policy, which enforces stricter measures from December to March each year.
Additionally, improvements in weather conditions, such as increased eastern wind inflow and better air quality in northeastern China, also contributed. The number of eastern wind days last year was 175, an increase of about 9% compared to a recent 3-year average of 161 days. The annual average concentration of fine particulate matter in northeastern China last year was 36㎍/㎥, lower than the recent 5-year average of 40㎍/㎥.
The city plans to continue air quality improvement measures targeting vehicles, homes, businesses, and construction sites. By 2050, it aims to completely restrict the operation of all internal combustion engine vehicles, gradually expanding and strengthening restrictions on old vehicles. A system for constant operation restrictions on grade 5 vehicles will be established in connection with the April implementation of the special act for air quality improvement in atmospheric control areas.
Plans also include expanding eco-friendly construction sites in Seoul, distributing electric excavators, and installing organic solvent recovery facilities in small laundries.
Kwon Min, head of Seoul’s Climate and Environment Bureau, stated, “Last year’s record low concentrations of fine dust in Seoul were the result of various policy efforts to reduce fine dust, along with improved weather conditions. We will continue to do our best this year so that citizens can experience even clearer skies over Seoul.”