South Korea Air Quality Alert

Is the air quality good in South Korea?

As of March 28, 2026, air quality in South Korea remains poor, with major cities experiencing air quality in the "unhealthy" range and high PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 12:00 AM (Pacific Standard Time), many urban centers have recorded AQI readings above 150, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, South Korea's average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 17.1 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 61, classified as "moderate". This level is nearly 3.42 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, ranking South Korea 55th globally for air pollution among 143 countries in 2025.

Air quality map of South Korea as of 12:00 AM (PST) on March 28, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in South Korea?

As of March 28, 2026, several major cities across South Korea are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see South Korea's air quality map.

Incheon, Seoul and Busan ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 12:00 AM (PST) on March 28, 2026, according to IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in South Korea?

Short-term improvements depend largely on weather conditions. Stronger winds and increased atmospheric mixing can help disperse accumulated pollutants and reduce PM2.5 concentrations. During the spring season, air quality in South Korea often fluctuates due to shifting wind patterns and regional dust transport (1).

Episodes of poor air quality may persist when stagnant conditions dominate, but relief is expected when winds strengthen or rainfall occurs. More sustained improvements are typically seen as atmospheric circulation becomes more active later in the season.

What is causing poor air quality in South Korea?

Air pollution in South Korea is driven by a combination of domestic emissions and transboundary sources. Studies indicate that a significant portion of fine particulate matter originates from China, contributing an estimated 30 to 50 percent of PM2.5 on average days and up to 60 to 80 percent during severe pollution episodes, largely from coal-fired power plants, industrial activity, and desert dust (2).

Seasonal wind patterns play a key role, as strong westerly and southwesterly winds transport fine dust and yellow dust from the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolia into the Korean Peninsula. At the same time, stagnant atmospheric conditions can trap pollutants near the surface, worsening air quality in urban areas (3).

Local sources also remain a major factor. Vehicle emissions, coal-fired power generation, industrial output, fossil fuel heating, and construction dust all contribute significantly, with studies suggesting that 50 to 70 percent of Seoul’s fine particulate pollution is generated domestically (4).

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