Fine dust is a concern for many countries of Southeast Asia, and especially Korea. Fine
dust refers to small particles of sand that come from Mongolian and Chinese deserts. The find
dust of these deserts are brought to the countries of southeast asia by the winds during the
springtime. This is a concerning problem to many countries like Korea because this fine dust
contains nanoparticles called PM2.5, which is small enough to go in deep inside the respiratory
system. The particle is capable of causing illnesses such as cancer, and individuals such as
children and the elderly that have weak lungs and health are the most influenced by these
deadly particles. People of Korea are forced to wear surgical masks when they go outside.
Korea’s air pollution is getting worse every year and the effects seem deadly. According
to the World Health Organization, fine dust has made Korea one of the most air polluted
countries in the world, causing 18,000 deaths a year. During recent years, PM2.5 levels of
Korea have suddenly risen to 150g per cubic meter on a daily basis, shocking the Korean
citizens. Due to this horrible air condition, many Koreans do not feel comforted being exposed to
the outside air and avoid going out. Parents are most concerned of this problem because they
are worried about the health of their children in the future, thinking the air condition would
worsen over time.
There has been a conclusion that nearly 50% of Korea’s air pollution is caused by China.
Acknowledging the significance of the sudden severe condition of the air, and the two countries
are attempting to fix the problem. The two countries are working cohesively to improve the air
quality. China is aiming to lower its PM2.5 level to 35g per cubic meter by 2020 and Korea
focusing to decrease pollutant emissions from factories, cars, etc. by 30% by 2022.
The Korean media tended to “blame China: for the air pollution in Korea, usually
showing graphs overtime comparing China’s PM2.5 levels with Korea’s. The Korean
perspective to the situation is understandable, but it is evident that Korea’s pollution is not fully
caused by China. It is important for Korean citizens to acknowledge that Korea is a country has
many factors that negatively affects the air condition and there is a need to show effort to this
problem in order to solve it. The citizens of Korea are mostly “blaming China” for the air pollution
of Korea. Yes, China did highly contribute to the air pollution, but Korea does have problems
relating to pollutant emissions, high levels of plastic usage, high sales of diesel cars, and overall
coul-fuel powered industry that also contributes to the air pollution. It is best that both countries
take responsibility of the situation and work to improve the air quality for the benefit of the health
of both country’s citizens.
Hojin Chung
