[The Hwankyung Ilbo] Seoul's per capita urban forest area in living area is the lowest in the country.

According to an analysis of per capita urban forest area as of the end of 2017 submitted to Rep. Kim Byung-wook of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea by the Korea Forest Service, the national average was 10.07 ㎡, exceeding the standard of 9 ㎡per person recommended by the World Health Organization.

Per capita urban forest area of Sejong was the highest with 24.22 ㎡, followed by Gangwon (19.73 ㎡), Jeonbuk (18.56 ㎡), Jeonnam (17.97 ㎡) and Ulsan (17.87 ㎡), while Seoul was the lowest with 4.38 ㎡.

“There are studies that show that fine dust can be reduced by up to 36% by creating green areas in urban living spaces, so we need to secure enough green areas within the living space and utilize the spare space at the same time,” said Rep. Kim Byung-wook.

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