Chuncheon City Launches 7th Seasonal Fine Dust Management Program

Proactive Measures from February to March 2026
44% Reduction in Concentration Since Program Launch... Foreign Inflow Expected to Rise This Year

Chuncheon City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Yuk Donghan) will implement the '7th Seasonal Fine Dust Management Program' from December this year through March next year, in response to the winter and early spring period when high concentrations of fine dust are most prevalent. Taking into account seasonal factors such as frequent atmospheric stagnation and increased inflow of pollutants from abroad, the city will operate a comprehensive response system with the top priority of protecting citizens' health.

Chuncheon City Hall exterior view.

Since its introduction in 2019, the seasonal management program has proven to be effective in reducing ultrafine dust. In Chuncheon, the average concentration of ultrafine dust during the winter and spring seasons improved by approximately 44%, from 32.4㎍/㎥ in 2020 to 18㎍/㎥ in 2025. However, this year, there are concerns that the concentration could rise compared to last year due to a decrease in precipitation and an expected increase in foreign pollutants. Accordingly, Chuncheon City plans to implement even stronger management policies than before.

This seasonal management program includes fine dust reduction measures covering all aspects of citizens' daily lives, including transportation, industry, and residential sectors. In the transportation sector, 1,961 grade 5 diesel vehicles will be subject to continuous monitoring and enforcement, and if necessary, a two-shift driving system for public institution vehicles will be implemented. In addition, special emission inspections will be carried out for high-emission vehicles such as trucks and buses.

In the industrial sector, inspections of business sites and large construction sites will be further strengthened. On-site inspections will be expanded, focusing on areas with dust reduction facilities and those with potential for illegal emissions. In rural areas, monitoring of illegal burning activities, such as the incineration of agricultural waste, will also be intensified.

In the residential sector, measures will be taken to minimize the impact on citizens' living environments. Indoor air quality will be checked at 22 multi-use facilities, including libraries, daycare centers, and nursing homes. Road cleaning and the removal of resuspended dust will be further reinforced on major roads such as Baengnyeong-ro and Seobudaeseong-ro. Regular management will also be conducted for intensive management zones around Jungang-ro and fine dust safe shelters.

Public awareness campaigns to encourage citizen participation will also be expanded. The city will provide real-time fine dust information through the Bus Information System (BIS), electronic billboards, and the city website, and will continuously inform the public about guidelines for vulnerable groups and ways to reduce fine dust in daily life. In the event of a high concentration alert, emergency reduction measures such as enforcement of restrictions on grade 5 diesel vehicles, implementation of the two-shift system for public vehicles, enhanced road cleaning, and protection measures for vulnerable groups will be activated immediately.

A Chuncheon City official stated, "Winter is the season when fine dust is at its worst, but it can be sufficiently improved through the seasonal management program," and added, "We ask all citizens to participate in daily practices such as refraining from illegal burning, limiting vehicle use, and managing indoor ventilation."

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