Ultrafine dust is expected to be thicker this winter than last year, primarily due to weather conditions, prompting authorities to implement countermeasures.

The government finalized an updated seasonal fine-dust response plan during a meeting at the government complex in Seoul on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok presiding.

Plans include shutting down 17 public coal-fired power plants, up from 15 previously slated for closure, and implementing dust-reduction measures at 416 major worksites nationwide.

The operation of grade five emission vehicles will be restricted in Seoul and its surrounding area, as well as in six other major cities.

Seoul will continue to cooperate with Beijing on seasonal countermeasures and information sharing. The two sides currently exchange related forecasts at least once a day.