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Exposure to fine particles in the atmosphere can adversely affect health and even lead to premature death. Recently, South Korea has attracted attention because of its rapid increase in the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM). We estimated the economic benefits of reducing PM 10 in Seoul, South Korea, based on MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD). Based on the retrieved PM 10 data, we estimated its effects on overall health in each district of Seoul, Korea between 2014 and 2015. The relationships between MODIS AOD and ground-based PM 10 data were identified in different seasons in South Korea between 2012 and 2013 using the linear regression model. The health benefits were estimated by the Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (Benmap) using the scenarios from the World Health Organization (WHO). The correlation between MODIS AOD and PM 10 concentration differed with the season. There was a higher correlation between MODIS AOD and PM 10 concentration in winter (R = 0.57) than there was in other seasons. Based on the MODIS AOD, the average annual PM 10 concentration in Seoul was higher in 2014 than it was in 2015, at values of 45.7 μg/m3, and 41.6 μg/m3, respectively. The greatest economic benefit of reducing PM 10 concentration (WHO annual standard of 20 μg/m3) was in 2014. This benefit was estimated to be 7022 (95% CI: 599, 20496), 2617 (95% CI: 216, 7750), and 1328 (95% CI: −159, 4679) billion KRW for all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortalities in 2014 and 2015, respectively. These results demonstrate that, despite considerable improvements in air quality in recent decades, there is still a need for countermeasures to prevent economic loss due to air pollution in Seoul. • Verification of the relationship between PM 10 and temperature, wind speed, humidity, and, AOD. • Induced interaction formula between AOD and ground-based PM 10 throughout South Korea. • Estimation of health benefits according to air pollution improvement for Seoul districts, Korea. • Finding a high correlation between the MODIS AOD and PM 10 concentration during winter in South Korea. • Representing large economic impacts due to air quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]