Is the air quality good in Seoul?
On March 9, 2026, at 7:30 AM PT, air quality in Seoul, South Korea is unhealthy, with an Air Quality Index of 152.
The poor air quality is largely due to incoming dust from deserts further west, temperature inversions, winter temperatures encouraging wood burning, and local airborne pollutant sources (1)(2).
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently, Seoul ranked 9th among the most polluted major cities in the world on Friday morning (local time).
Poor air quality is affecting cities across South Korea, including Busan, Cheonan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Gwangyang.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Seoul.
While the current air quality is poor, it is notable that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Seoul was 17.5 µg/m3, corresponding to an AQI of 62 (“moderate”), and was 3.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3.
Seoul, South Korea ranked as the 6th most polluted major city on March 9, 2026 at 7:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Seoul?
Air quality is forecasted to improve later in the day on Tuesday by noon as dust departs the peninsula (1).
Hourly air quality forecast for Seoul, South Korea on March 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Seoul, South Korea on March 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Seoul?
A mix of cross-border pollution and local emissions is worsening air quality across the region.
Strong winds are carrying dust from the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolia into Korea, while westerly and southwesterly winds are bringing additional pollutants from China into the area.
Locally, stagnant winter weather is trapping pollutants close to the ground, preventing dispersion. Traffic, industrial activity, and fuel combustion are raising PM2.5 levels, and the presence of heavy metals is increasing the toxicity of the air.
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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.
