Population Density and Downlink EMF Exposure Levels by Region in Korea (3G - 5G)

Abstract

Overview

In 2023, researchers measured the electric field strength within mobile communication bands across different population density regions in South Korea: the largest city (Seoul), a small city (Gwangju, Gyeonggi province), and a rural area (Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi province).

• Measured with SRM3006 antenna mounted on a vehicle, covering 40 km per region
• Population density: Seoul (15,550/km²), Gwangju (856/km²), Yangpyeong (133/km²)

Findings

• Median total DL E-field strength: Seoul 1.75 V/m, Gwangju 0.75 V/m, Yangpyeong 0.61 V/m
• Seoul showed significantly higher exposure levels than smaller city and rural area
• Measurements reflect RF-EMF levels by frequency, time, and region over 3G-5G networks currently used

Discussion

• Most 5G terminals are not connected to the base station most of the time; exposure persists from always-on SSB beams in 5G NR
• Measurement method cannot distinguish 5G base station always-on signals from use-based signals
• Future work will estimate SSB EMF level using terminal SS-RSRP and compare total exposure in terms of brain dose

Conclusion

CDMA2000 (2G) ended in Korea in 2021. At November 2023, subscriptions predominated in 4G (58.6%) and 5G (38.8%), but DL EMF exposure levels did not simply match subscription rates. Base station distribution: ~70% 4G, 10-20% each for 3G and 5G.

• 5G base stations are fewer compared to user subscriptions; DL EMF exposure is likely to evolve, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and detailed base station information to better estimate public exposure.

This research underscores that variation in population density, technology generation, and infrastructure significantly impact public exposure to downlink EMF, connecting with concerns about potential health risks from chronically elevated exposure levels in urban contexts.