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Carbon Footprint of Seoul
Seoul, South Korea · Pop. 9.7 million · 2022 data
7tonnes CO₂eper capita
-40% vs South Korea avg (11.6t)68.2 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Seoul Metropolitan Government Climate Action / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Seoul's dense apartment-based housing concentrates building emissions, while South Korea's coal-heavy grid limits the benefit of electrification.
420
gCO₂/kWh grid
9%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −100%
9.7M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Seoul's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
20%
45%
18%
10%
Transport20%
~13.6Mt CO₂e
Buildings45%
~30.7Mt CO₂e
Industry18%
~12.3Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~6.8Mt CO₂e
Other7%
~4.8Mt CO₂e
Seoul vs South Korea National Average
Seoul
7t
per capita
South Korea avg
11.6t
per capita
Seoul's per-capita emissions are 40% below the South Korea national average of 11.6 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
420 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
9%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
100%
Seoul aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2050, one of the most ambitious targets among major cities worldwide. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Seoul?
Seoul emits approximately 7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 68.2 million tonnes annually, with a population of 9.7 million.
How does Seoul compare to the South Korea national average?
Seoul's per-capita emissions of 7t are 40% below the South Korea national average of 11.6t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Seoul's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Seoul is buildings at 45% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 20%, buildings for 45%, and industry for 18%.
What are Seoul's climate targets?
Seoul has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 420 gCO2/kWh, with 9% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Seoul's electricity grid?
Seoul's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 420 gCO2/kWh. Only 9% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Seoul Metropolitan Government Climate Action / C40 Cities (2022)
- C40 Cities Climate Data
- Our World in Data — CO₂ Emissions
Per-capita values depend on city boundary definitions and emission scoping methodology. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions unless otherwise stated.
