○ 92,949 pine and cedar trees planted over 3 years, surpassing initial 32,000-tree goal by 287%
– Discussions underway to allow local residents to use “tree parks” created at some business sites

Gyeonggi Province has successfully completed its 3-year “Factory Forest Project” that began in 2019 to reduce fine dust levels.

This project was undertaken to address air pollution through natural measures and to expand resting areas by planting trees with significant air-purifying capabilities—such as pine, cedar, nut pine, and fir trees—on idle land around business sites.

In March 2019, the province, together with 121 companies in the province—including Samsung Electronics, Kia Motors, and SK hynix—concluded an agreement on the creation of the Factory Forest Project. This initiative resulted in the planting of 30,466 trees in 2019, 42,101 in 2020, and 20,382 in 2021, for a cumulative total of 92,949 trees. Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province surpassed its initial (three-year) goal of 32,000 trees by 287%.

Every year, the province has selected the top 30 business sites among those that have actively participated in this project, presenting them with gubernatorial awards and plaques so as to encourage their continuous participation. Currently, Gyeonggi is holding discussions with businesses regarding the opening of tree parks created at some business sites so that local residents can also access them.

Metropolitan Environment Management Office Head Im Yang-sun said, “I want to express gratitude to the businesses that have actively participated in and facilitated the smooth progression of the project. We will continue to work hard to reduce air pollution and improve the province’s environment through various policies.”

The leaves of pine, cedar, nut pine, and fir trees are deemed effective at capturing air pollutants, with one tree absorbing 35.7 g of fine dust particles annually, cumulatively reducing fine dust by 3.3 tons every year.