Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are representative persistent organic pollutants widely distributed in soil and groundwater through sources such as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), industrial activities, sewage sludge, and landfill leachate. High concentrations have been particularly observed in soils near fire sites, industrial areas, and military bases. While countries such as the United States, Canada, Denmark, and the Netherlands have introduced strict regulatory standards (often at the ng/g or ng/L level) for compounds like PFOA and PFOS, South Korea currently lacks legal standards, with only limited monitoring being conducted. PFAS remediation technologies can be broadly categorized into separation-based methods, such as soil washing, phytoremediation, and adsorption, and degradation-based methods, including thermal, mechanochemical, hydrothermal, sonochemical and electrochemical methods. Integrated management approaches that consider the reuse potential and ecological safety of remediated soil are increasingly necessary. This study aims to provide scientific baseline data essential for developing PFAS management policies in South Korea and to support the establishment of effective remediation strategies.

Keywords: PFAS, Soil contamination, Regulatory trends, Remediation technologies