Poster #12 - Bridging the Gap: Analyzing Factors Affecting Collaboration in South Korean Air Pollution Policy Development

• In Event: Saturday Poster Luncheon

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) pollution in South Korea has become a significant public concern, leading to demands for greater governmental action and raising issues related to transparency and public trust. In response, the Moon Jae-in administration has emphasized public participation and collaborative governance in PM policy development. Despite these efforts, there remains dissatisfaction among both experts and citizens regarding these policies and collaborative efforts. This study employs a qualitative research method to analyze the barriers affecting stakeholder collaboration in PM policy in South Korea. Through semi-structured interviews with 11 stakeholders—including government officials, experts, environmental organizations, and citizen groups—this research identifies five primary barriers: divergent perceptions of PM, conflicting expectations of government responsiveness and policy consistency, communication gaps among stakeholders, challenges in structuring public participation across policy stages, and structural and procedural barriers to stakeholder engagement. Beyond identifying these barriers, this study provides actionable policy recommendations aimed at enhancing public participation and stakeholder collaboration in environmental governance.

Author

• Gahyun Lee, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
  Presenting Author