Yangyang County Imposes Environmental Improvement Charges on 1,386 Old Diesel Vehicles

Yangyang County in Gangwon Province announced on September 12 that it had imposed a total of approximately 42 million won in environmental improvement charges for the second half of the year on 1,386 old diesel vehicles within the county as of September 10.

Aerial view of Yangyang County Office. Provided by Yangyang County

The environmental improvement charge is a system established under the Environmental Improvement Cost Burden Act, which requires those responsible for environmental pollution to bear part of the costs needed for environmental improvement. It is imposed twice a year, in March and September, on old diesel vehicles manufactured before July 2012.

This round of charges was calculated on a postpaid basis, according to the ownership period from January 1 to June 30, 2025. If there are changes such as vehicle sale, scrapping, or address change, the amount is calculated on a pro-rata basis as of the date of change. Since charges may still be imposed even after transfer of ownership or scrapping, owners must check the usage period stated on the bill.

Persons with severe disabilities, basic livelihood security recipients, and national merit recipients (grades 1 to 7) are exempt from the environmental improvement charge for one diesel vehicle per person.

The payment deadline is September 30. Payment can be made through bank cash dispensers (CD/ATM), Internet Giro, virtual accounts, Wetax, or credit card. If payment is not made by the deadline, a 3% late fee will be imposed. If payment remains outstanding after the final notice, assets such as vehicles or real estate may be subject to seizure in accordance with local tax delinquency procedures.

An official from Yangyang County stated, "The environmental improvement charge is a system aimed at creating a pleasant air environment. We will do our utmost to maintain our reputation as the city with the lowest ultrafine dust concentration and the best air quality in the nation through systematic collection and management."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.