Correction: Bukhansan II

    As the title suggests, I must correct an article I wrote this month. It is titled HTR: Bukhansan II,  published on February 16.

    In the article, I wrote: “The western slopes were shrouded in haze, heavy with air pollution. While the eastern side appeared remarkably clear. This is due to the northwestern winds carrying micro-dust from Korea's neighboring countries.”

    The last sentence is not entirely accurate.

    There was an in-depth research conducted on the subject in 2020. The KORUS-AQ Final Science Synthesis Report provides an analysis of the air quality in Seoul across four distinct periods: Dynamic, stagnation, transport/haze, and blocking.

  • Dynamic period (May 2-16): The atmosphere is turbulent and well-mixed, dispersing pollutant efficiently.
  • Stagnation period (May 17-22): Atmosphere is calm; pollutions accumulate near the ground because there is no effective dispersion.
  • Transportation period (May 24-31): Pollutants are carried over long distances due to prevailing winds and atmospheric currents.
  • Blocking period (June 1-10): Similar to the stagnation period but for a longer duration.

    The report suggests that the during the stagnation period, air pollution primary consists of local emissions of volatile organic compounds. During the transport period, air masses from China mix with local pollutants, contributing to the haze formation. 

    The total air pollution levels during the four periods were as follows, refer to the picture below (µg/m3):

  • Dynamic period (May 2-16): 16.3
  • Stagnation period (May 17-22): 25.4
  • Transportation period (May 24-31): 38.0
  • Blocking period (June 1-10): 18.9
Air pollution levels in Seoul. / KORUS-AQ Final Science Synthesis Report

    There is an increase of 12.6µg/m3 from the stagnation period to the transport period. Even if we were to attribute this entire difference to pollution from China—which we cannot—China would only account for 33% of the total air pollution. This suggests—though not with absolute certainty—that approximately 67% of Korea’s air pollution originates locally.

    The report goes in detail about the origin of the pollutants and the processes by which they transform into toxic particles in the atmosphere. It concludes that most of Korea’s air pollution is formed through chemical reactions in the air, rather than being directly emitted. Pollution levels are largely influenced by weather conditions rather than just local emissions.

    According to BBC, environmental researchers had concluded that China was responsible for 50-60% of South Korea’s pollution problem. The debate is still ongoing. I am certain it is like most research out there: There is a correlation but no causation. The fact of the matter is Korea is responsible. Perhaps majorly responsible for its own air pollution. 

    It was unethical for me to state in the aforementioned article that the neighboring countries were responsible. This is my formal apology to my readers.

    I was thinking about the article when I was on a run this morning, as there was some air pollution at the time. It occurred to me that I had made that claim without conducting any research. I rushed home to correct that wrong—or at least attempt to. I sincerely apologize and will do my utmost to ensure it does not happen again.

S.G




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