KMA/NIMS (Korea Meteorological Administration/National Institute of Meteorological Sciences) Atmospheric Research Aircraft (Courtesy of the KMA)

Korea has long looked to cloud seeding, a technology that generates rainfall, to combat fine dust from both domestic and foreign sources. Increasingly, however, the country has shifted its focus to using cloud seeding to combat wildfires and droughts caused by abnormal weather patterns. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), which is actively engaged in weather modification research, plans to conduct ongoing experiments with several aircraft starting this year. The goal is to implement practical applications in the next few years. 

At its core, cloud seeding is aimed at altering weather conditions to promote rainfall. The technique involves releasing specific substances into the atmosphere to stimulate cloud formation and increase precipitation. The main substances used in cloud seeding are silver iodide, potassium iodide and sodium chloride (salt), which act as nuclei for cloud condensation. The development of cloud seeding is an area of ongoing research, with more than 150 projects underway in 37 countries worldwide, including the United States, China, Russia and Japan.

Scattering cloud seeds (Courtesy of the KMA)

Korea’s first cloud seeding experiment was conducted in 1963. However, serious research in the field only really began in 2006 when the Cloud Physics Observation Station was established in Daegwallyeong Pass. The real breakthrough came in November 2017, when meteorological aircraft were introduced to support the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, paving the way for stable technology development.

The KMA is currently conducting a series of experiments to improve its understanding of weather patterns. These experiments include ground tests using ground combustors along with aerial experiments using aircraft and drones to conduct cloud seeding. In particular, the KMA has been collaborating with Weather Modification International, a renowned weather modification company in the United States. Just this year, the KMA acquired two aircraft from the company to further its studies in cloud seeding technology. 

(Courtesy of the KMA)

Korea’s cloud seeding technology is currently undergoing extensive experimentation and research and has a long way to go before it can be commercialized. However, there has been remarkable progress in Korea’s cloud seeding technology in recent years, with its effectiveness increasing more than 20% from 2020 to 2023.

The KMA is confident that cloud seeding experiments will be a helpful tool in preventing forest fires. By inducing rain in dry mountainous regions, the agency aims to reduce the risk of wildfires. In addition, this innovative approach is expected to have other benefits, such as reducing the concentration of particulate matter in the atmosphere and minimizing the damage caused by hail and fog. To support this initiative, the KMA has allocated a substantial budget of 7.3 billion won for cloud seeding experiments this year, with the ultimate goal to make cloud seeding technology commercially available by 2028.