Gyeonggi's Skies Become Clearer... Days with "Good" PM2.5 Grade Increase More Than Fourfold to 45 Days

The average concentration of ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Gyeonggi region over the past three years has remained at 24 ㎍/㎥, indicating stable air quality.

According to an analysis by the Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, the average PM2.5 concentration in the province from December last year to March this year was 24 ㎍/㎥. The figure dropped from 28 ㎍/㎥ recorded between December 2022 and March 2023 to 24 ㎍/㎥ in the following year, and the same level has been maintained this year as well.

Notably, the number of days with a "Good" grade for ultrafine dust—which is 15 ㎍/㎥ or less and directly affects respiratory health—increased more than fourfold, from only 11 days during the period of December 2018 to March 2020 (before the policy was implemented), to 45 days from December last year to March this year.

Looking at the monthly trend, the concentration started at 20 ㎍/㎥ in December last year. In January this year, the concentration dropped by 8 ㎍/㎥ year-on-year to 19 ㎍/㎥, marking the cleanest air conditions. In February, the concentration was 27 ㎍/㎥, and in March, it was 30 ㎍/㎥. Although temporary high concentrations occurred due to unique spring weather conditions, overall air quality remained stable compared to previous years.

Air Quality Status Table in Gyeonggi Province from December Last Year to March This Year

Gyeonggi Province analyzed that this marked improvement was the result of intensive management of pollution sources and comprehensive reduction policies that left no blind spots.

In practice, Gyeonggi Province implemented 19 initiatives across six major sectors—industry, transportation, public sector, and others—to protect residents' health. The province cracked down on old vehicles emitting exhaust in urban areas and further strengthened road cleaning. Additionally, it conducted continuous inspections of major business sites and multi-use facilities that release air pollutants, fundamentally blocking sources of pollution.

Furthermore, the province concentrated on creating a safety net in daily life by implementing tailored reduction measures in facilities frequently used by vulnerable groups, such as childcare centers and nursing homes, where children or the elderly with weaker immune systems tend to stay.

Cha Seongsu, Director of the Climate, Environment, and Energy Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, said, "Since the implementation of the seasonal management system, we have achieved tangible improvements in overall air quality." He added, "We will continue to combine scientific analysis with field-oriented administration to protect residents' right to clean air and provide air quality that people can truly experience."

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