The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) announced the '2024 Ministry of Environment Major Policy Implementation Plan' on January 25 at the Government Complex Seoul. Building on the achievements of last year's work plan, the Ministry has formulated the 2024 work plan to quickly respond to evolving administrative demands.

Last year, the Ministry laid the foundation for the green transformation of our economy and society. Collaborating as one team, the Ministry and businesses successfully achieved the challenging goal of securing KRW 20 trillion in contracts and exports for green industries, demonstrating the potential of our green sector. To seamlessly achieve the greenhouse gas reduction targets pledged to the international community by 2030, the Ministry communicated with various sectors of society and established the 'First National Plan for Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth.' Additionally, by boldly innovating regulations that are difficult to implement in the field, such as chemical management, in line with global standards, it generated an annual economic effect of KRW 3.3 trillion. The water management policy, grounded in science and practicality, revitalized the four major rivers and prioritized national security by comprehensively reforming water policies. 

To ensure that these achievements are widely disseminated and tangibly felt in the lives of the people, the Ministry has selected three core tasks for this year: national security, future growth drivers, and environmental services.

Firstly, 'Environment for National Security' is the first core task. Factors affecting the daily environment, such as not only floods but also prolonged droughts and continuous fine dust from winter to spring, are increasing, intensifying public anxiety. The Ministry will promptly equip all the necessary means for environmental safety to stabilize people's livelihoods. 

Secondly, to manifest the potential of "Environment as a Future Growth Driver" as a competitive advantage, the Ministry is expanding the domestic and international scope of green industries. With the implementation of carbon border adjustment mechanisms in the European Union last year and the establishment of international accounting standards for sustainability disclosure criteria, 'environment' is becoming a new economic language. By fostering carbon neutrality and a circular economy ecosystem, the Ministry will not only strengthen national competitiveness but also contribute to regional economic revitalization by focusing on green investments in specific regions. 

The third core task is "Environment for Public Welfare." The Ministry will respond promptly to the high-level environmental administrative demands of the people, such as eco-friendly leisure activities and animal welfare, and strengthen environmental welfare that encompasses children and sensitive and vulnerable populations. It will also expand safe and convenient environmental services by actively utilizing advanced digital technologies. 

The Ministry of Environment is pushing forward with key policies to ensure that the "environment" becomes a secure pillar of livelihoods and facilitates growth and a virtuous cycle.

① Implementation of a Newly Designed Permanent Water Management Plan, Officially Underway

Securing the golden time for preventing casualties with smart forecasting

Starting from this year's flood season (May), artificial intelligence (AI) forecasts will be fully implemented nationwide, covering all river basins*. In the event of an emergency, an automatic dissemination system will immediately and simultaneously broadcast to local government heads, fire departments, police, and other response agencies, establishing a flood response community. 

* Flood points: Currently, 75 points in the main stream of major rivers → Expanded to 223 points nationwide, including tributaries and small streams

Residents in low-lying areas at risk of flooding and passing vehicles will be informed of flood risks through text messages or navigation systems, encouraging timely evacuation and safe driving.

Significantly expanding flood defense infrastructure that has been neglected over the past 10 years 

Nation-led initiatives will commence on the construction of new dams and remodeling (10 sites), stream and small river refurbishment (upgrading 10 national rivers, refurbishing 20 local river confluences affected by national river water levels), and urban rainwater tunnels (Gangnam, Gwanghwamun). 

Ensuring clean and safe water flows continuously for public welfare and industries

We are flexibly operating the Four Major Rivers dams to actively utilize agricultural and power generation water during droughts. We are also developing various alternative water resources, such as desalination for industrial complexes in Daejeon and Yeosu, and underground reservoir dams in island and mountainous areas, to supply water tailored to each region. 

We are expanding AI and big data-based smart water purification plants to all metropolitan water treatment facilities (43 sites) to ensure reliable management of drinking water. We are automatically optimizing water quality checks and facility management, while concentrating management of major pollution sources, such as livestock manure, for proactive prevention of algal blooms. We are also ensuring swift response and removal in case of algal bloom occurrences. 

* △ Strengthening pollution source management (expanding the collection of livestock manure, including outdoor composting, from the Nakdong River to the entire watershed), △ Coordinating the operation of dams, weirs, and embankments when signs of occurrence are detected, △ Enhancing equipment such as equipment for the removal of algae in areas with chronic occurrences

② Clean and Healthy Air for Everyone to Breathe

Expanding management and reduction support for fine dust emissions in the living environment 

We are expanding consulting on indoor air quality for daycare centers (500 facilities) and facility improvements (50 facilities). Additionally, we are installing ventilation facilities in underground passages (KRW 6.9 billion), and initiating a pilot project for preventing cooking smoke in restaurants (10 facilities). The focus is on strengthening management in spaces close to the daily lives of the people.

We are introducing restrictions on the use of existing diesel vehicles for parcel delivery and school transportation vehicles. Simultaneously, we are promoting the early retirement of old diesel vehicles, expanding support for the adoption of electric and hydrogen vehicles in aims for an organized transition of vehicle types from conbustion engine cars.

* Grade 4 diesel vehicles: 1.06 million units in 2023 → 900,000 units in 2024, Zero-emission vehicles: 587,000 units in 2023 → 900,000 units in 2024 expected

Strengthening measures to address high concentrations of fine dust during from December to March 

We will allow the extension of the seasonal management period (December to March) based on regional conditions and expand the nationwide high-concentration forecast to 36 hours in advance. We are also institutionalizing reduction obligations for large emission facilities that were previously managed through voluntary agreements. 

We actively strengthen international cooperation by constantly sharing forecast information between South Korea and China, operating communication channels for high-concentration situations, and engaging in joint research with NASA to identify the causes of high-concentration fine dust in East Asia through bilateral and multilateral channels.

③ Building a Meticulous Safety Net for Environmental Risks in Everyday Life

Strengthening the chemical safety net to ensure the safe use of household chemical products

We will categorize the safety of not only the raw materials but also the used materials in household chemical products (Safe/Good/Average/Concern) to clearly indicate their safety. We will significantly expand the safety assessment of products purchased overseas through proxy services (20 items) and monitor illegal online distribution (20,000 sellers), aiming to block illegal chemical products at the source.

Minimizing public inconvenience through the prevention of harm from wildlife

To prevent the introduction of animal-borne diseases from overseas, we will newly introduce wildlife inspections and expand the installation of facilities for preventing harm from wildlife, extending from existing rural and fishing areas to urban areas. 

In accordance with the amended 'Wildlife Protection and Management Act' at the end of last year, we support and manage improvements to the breeding environment in zoos and prohibit the exhibition of mammals in animal cafes, ensuring both visitor safety and animal welfare.

* △ Conducting consultations for small-scale zoos (from June 2024), △ Supporting the relocation of facilities for stray and abandoned animals (to such institutions as the National Institute of Ecology)

① Enhancement of the National Economy's Carbon Competitiveness

Actively supporting businesses in their low-carbon transition for responsible carbon neutrality implementation 

To give aid to reduction of Greenhouse gas, we will support the installation and replacement of carbon reduction facilities (KRW 127.7 billion) and initiate a pilot project for a carbon pricing assurance system, where the government guarantees a carbon price for the introduction of low-carbon technologies, to promote the adoption of innovative technologies. 

We will improve the emission trading scheme by adjusting allocations to provide more benefits to greenhouse gas reduction businesses. Additionally, we will launch the first-ever emission-linked financial products, establishing a circular structure of policy-trading-investment. 

Expanding recycling of the core resources to address resource security crises 

Starting this year, with the full implementation of the Act on the Promotion of Transition to a Circular Economy and Society, the designation and notification of recycled resources from waste and the introduction of regulatory sandboxes will be implemented for the first time. Through this, valuable waste resources are excluded from waste regulations and swiftly utilized in the market.

We will establish recycling standards for future resources and highly valued items such as electric vehicle batteries, by-products from refining processes, and used cooking oil to promote their recycling and reuse. 

 

Providing full support for national strategic industries such as semiconductors and automobiles, underpinning economic growth 

To ensure an adequate water supply for newly established advanced industries such as semiconductors, a 'National Water Supply Basic Plan' will be redrawn and various water supply options will be explored. Following the successful domestic design and construction of essential processes like ultrapure water last year, we will challenge the domestic production of key equipment this year. 

* [Yongin Semiconductor] Utilizing water from Paldang Dam + Securing additional water through wastewater reuse, Hwacheon Dam power generation water, etc.

[Pohang Secondary Battery] Prioritizing water supply for the secondary battery industry + Advancing the second water supply project (expanding water purification plants, etc.)

We will strengthen support to enable domestically-produced electric and hydrogen vehicles (zero-emission vehicles) to lead the global market. We plan to concentrate subsidies on high-performance vehicles and expand charging infrastructure at major transportation hubs, aiming to achieve an accumulated total of 900,000 zero-emission vehicles. 

* Expanding subsidies with a focus on high-performance electric vehicles, considering battery recycling value, and single-charge driving distance

② Green Ocean Green Industry, the Full-fledged Start of Future Growth Momentum

Expanding green investment to KRW 4.7 trillion in 2024 and accomplishing KRW 30 trillion within the presidential term 

Using government support such as green bonds and loans as a catalyst, we will expand private green investments from KRW 1.8 trillion in 2022 to over KRW 5.8 trillion in 2027, achieving a cumulative total of KRW 30 trillion within the term. Specifically, we will shift the focus of green investments from greenhouse gas reduction to areas such as water, circular economy, and biodiversity, creating an investment environment that aligns with global standards.

By 2027, we will nurture 1,000 green startups and support their growth stages, from proof-of-concept to commercialization, with differentiated assistance. Additionally, we aim to foster 10 potential green unicorn companies (companies valued at over KRW 100 billion).

* [Startup Companies] Launching a Startup spring camp (30 companies, KRW 3.6 billion support), introducing 'guarantee' for promising technology-holding startups,

and public-private joint funds (KRW 90.4 billion), etc.

Contributing to increasing regional carbon competitiveness and activating the local economy through green investments  

We aim to expand green convergence clusters that foster region-specific industries through green investments to 10 locations nationwide by 2028 including the start of building for Gumi, Haenam and Boryeong where the building plan is setup for this year. For each cluster, we will reorganize specialized high schools and universities to meet the demand, supporting workforce supply, youth employment, and residential settlement.

The plan is to create various leading regional development models through green investments that take into account the environmental assets and conditions of the region. This includes the development of a solar power generation project in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do; the establishment of an ecological restoration theme zone around the former Janghang Refinery site; and the creation of a hydrogen and electric vehicle cluster in Gimpo.

Aiming to expand green industry orders and exports by over 10% annually and achieving KRW 22 trillion in the year of 2024

Building on last year's achievement of reaching KRW 20 trillion, we aim to expand the scope of overseas expansion in the green industry this year, achieving KRW 22 trillion by the end of the year and a cumulative total of KRW 100 trillion within the term. Specifically, we will identify promising entry fields and strategies to address environmental challenges on a country-by-country basis, securing a sustainable foundation for our companies' continued international presence. Additionally, we will expand financial support and tailored consulting for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises*. 

* △ Establishment of a Green Infrastructure Overseas Export Support Fund (2024~2028, KRW 400 billion), △ Designation of Green Specialized Trading Companies (20 locations), etc. 

We actively utilize international cooperation projects as opportunities to expand green industry business. We concentrate on reflecting the areas where domestic companies have a competitive advantage, starting from the selection stage of Green ODA and international greenhouse gas reduction projects. We actively explore export routes and closely coordinate with major international events such as the UNFCCC COP and main global events* that will be hosted by Korea.

* The fifth meeting of the intergovernmental negotiating committee for UN Plastic Treaty (Busan) and annniversary ceremony of the World Environment Day in June, 2025 

③ Innovating Environmental Regulations to Meet Global Standards 

Amending regulations to bring them in line with global standards

We are adjusting the registration standards for new chemicals to the levels of major advanced countries such as the EU, while strengthening the safety management of small quantities of new substances by openning information and preparing detailed procedures for adequacy of hazard information, etc. The soil fluoride standards will also be improved by considering comprehensive factors such as standards in advanced countries and human health. 

We are introducing flexible systems* to promote the reasonable compliance of businesses with regulations. In addition, we are implementing specialized facility standards for the handling of hazardous chemicals in the display manufacturing and semiconductor industries to enhance on-site applicability and safety management. 

* such as allowing the use of the next year's total emission allowances in the total emissions system for air pollutants 

 

① Natural Environmental Assets Harmonizing Conservation and Utilization

Designating areas with excellent natural assets as conservation areas or Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECM) to harmonize conservation and utilization. 

* There is no regulation for conservation area for natural rest area and special stream conservation area, but it is pursued that the additional designation of the areas that are contributed or managed for conservation(protected areas & OECM area: an increase of 245 ㎢, equivalent to 84 times the area of Yeouido)

Nation-led initiatives are actively initiated for the restoration of ecologically damaged areas. The program aims to spread outstanding models that not only restore ecological values in damaged areas but also generate local benefits. 

* Restoration of ecological axes in damaged areas of the Goyang Greenbelt in Gyeonggi Province and the transformation of the Wanggung livestock farm in Iksan (the settlement of patients with Hansen's disease) into an ecological green space

Providing high-quality ecotourism to ensure that natural assets contribute to the vitality of the region 

Designating ecotourism hubs in each region nationwide and developing a range of attractive contents such as local experiential activities, connections with cultural and historical resources, and pet-friendly exploration. This aims to foster regionally representative tourism brands that everyone can enjoy. 

* Three regions of Gangwon-do, Chungcheong-do, and Gyeongsang-do (2024) → 10 regions (by 2026), Prioritizing infrastructure support and providing differentiated budget support for operational management

② Comprehensive Environmental Welfare without Blind Spots

Promptly remedying damages caused by environmental pollutants 

By integrating the service for remedying environmental damage and disputes from Health Impact Assessment to environmental pollution and asbestos, it will be reorganized into one stop service with a single application. 

Regional environmental health centers will be expanded to 14 metropolitan cities and provinces to proactively address regional environmental health issues. Tailored health surveys and community support projects in industrial complexes and undeveloped areas will enhance the perceived environmental service quality. 

Thoroughly examining the well-being of children and vulnerable populations to reinforce environmental welfare without any gaps 

We will significantly expand environmental safety assessments (1,300 facilities) and facility improvements (800 facilities) for children's activity spaces, including schools, daycare centers, and kindergartens. Additionally, a voluntary recall to prevent the use of substandard children's products is being implemented for the first time this year. 

We are expanding climate adaptation projects for vulnerable groups and regions*. Furthermore, we identify and promote region-specific climate adaptation models, including urban, rural, and mixed types, tailored to the characteristics of each area. 

* Shelters for heatwaves and cold waves (shade, cooling fog), improvement of vulnerable areas to icing, and outdoor worker rest areas

③ Digital Powerhouse: Expanding the Environmental Service Platform

Providing safe and convenient environmental services through advanced digital technology

We are improving the convenience of carbon-neutral points* by integrating with private services such as easy login and mobile payment. In addition, we are expanding the coverage of free collection services for waste home appliances to include waste batteries and installing unmanned collection machines at community centers and other locations to facilitate easy disposal of batteries in daily life. 

* It is points that are provided as incentives to reward eco-friendly activities in aims for spreading the culture of carbon-neutral implementing acts.

We are expanding integrated services* that provide citizens with easily accessible environmental information, such as personal vehicle details based on license plates and local environmental information.

* [ME-CAR] Providing information on emissions, vehicle inspections, support benefits for early disposal, and eco-friendly measures

[EGIS] Offering local data on fine dust levels, green space ratios, river levels and water quality, and disaster response guidelines

Transitioning from practice and reliance on manpower in environmental management to a data and AI-based approach

We are analyzing accident types in national parks through big data to proactively address hotspots by deploying personnel and maintaining facilities. We are also using environmental satellites and drones for three-dimensional pollution monitoring to reduce management blind spots. 

Minister of Environment Han Wha-jin highlighted, "Last year's accomplishments, such as revising chemical substance regulations was the result of effective 'communication' at the level of various concerned parties such as priviate sectors, experts, and civil society. Then she emphasized that the following measures will be prepared swiftly, so that the people and private sectors can genuinely feel the accomplishments that were made. She finally added, "This year, with a renewed commitment, we have established a minister-level Environmental Reform Task Force to transform the Ministry into an 'action-oriented' entity focused on practical problem-solving. By collaborating with all ministries to protect the livelihood of the people, the Ministry of Environment will cultivate and organize items to reform and become easily accessed and 'action-oriented' governmental body for the people.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com