The city has intensively implemented 16 reduction measures in four areas—including transport, heating, and business sites—to reduce PM levels in winter in the past four months. Seoul saw its lowest average of PM levels (25 µg/m³) through this year’s seasonal PM management since its first implementation.

PM_2.5 levels are affected in complex ways, such as by weather conditions, external influences, and domestic emissions. Seoul saw a reduction in PM levels for three consecutive years since the implementation of its seasonal PM management system, attributable to the effect of the system’s reinforced management of PM emission sources.

The city’s PM management policy includes an 84% reduction in the number of grade 5 restricted vehicles, participation by 1.21 million households in the city’s eco-mileage energy savings program, and expansion of street sweeper operation to 4 times a day.

Seoul has made every effort to respond to PM_2.5 levels, especially in March when PM_2.5 levels are highest, resulting in the lowest-ever at 25 µg/m³ this March, which is down 34% YoY (32 µg/m³).

The SMG will continue its efforts to make Seoul a PM-free city by analyzing the effects of this year’s third seasonal PM management policy, and prepare more effective and reinforced measures for the fourth seasonal PM management coming this December.