Is the air quality good in Incheon?
On February 20, 2026, at 8:00 AM PT, air quality in Incheon, South Korea is in the unhealth for sensitive groups range. Most of South Korea is experiencing air quality in the unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy range due to a combination of factors.
Poor air quality is partially a result of dust from outside Korea, in addition to stagnant winter weather, industrial pollution and vehicle emissions, nighttime biomass burning, and possibly sea salt (1)(2)(3).
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Incheon ranked 10th among the most polluted major cities in the world on Friday. Seoul was the 11th most polluted major city and Busan was the 23rd.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Incheon.
While the air quality today is poor, it should be noted that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Incheon was 19.1 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 65 (“moderate”), and was 3.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Which South Korean cities are most impacted by poor air quality?
Poor air quality is impacting nearly all South Korea cities, including:
Incheon and Seoul ranked as the 10th and 11th most polluted major cities respectively on Feb 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Incheon?
Air quality conditions may gradually improve by later in the morning as winds carry pollutants to sea and away from the peninsula.
Hourly air quality forecast for Incheon, South Korea on Feb 20, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Incheon, South Korea on Feb 20, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of South Korea on Feb 20, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Incheon?
Research from both regional and international sources confirms that transboundary pollution from China significantly affects fine dust concentrations in South Korea. Studies suggest that approximately 19 percent of Korea’s particulate matter originates from outside its borders, with certain months seeing up to 55 percent of ultrafine dust linked to emissions from China (3).
Westerly winds carry pollutants from industrial zones in eastern China, while seasonal stagnant air conditions trap these particles over the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, local sources—such as industrial operations and vehicle emissions in Incheon—exacerbate pollution levels in the region.
As winds are also being driven north from the sea, sea salt can contribute to the mix of industrial pollutants.
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
