Thu Nov 21 11:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Seoul Choked by “Unhealthy” Air Quality as Fine Dust Levels Soar

**SEOUL, South Korea (October 21, 2023)** – Much of South Korea is experiencing unseasonably warm weather, but the pleasant temperatures are overshadowed by poor air quality in several regions. The capital, Seoul, and surrounding areas are blanketed in a thick haze of fine dust (PM2.5), with air quality categorized as “unhealthy” throughout the day.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the high concentration of fine dust is a result of stagnant air, coupled with domestic pollutants and smog originating from China. The KMA predicts that the air quality in Gangwon’s Yeongseo region, North Jeolla Province, Daegu, and North Gyeongsang Province will also deteriorate to “unhealthy” levels in the afternoon. However, there is some relief in sight; improvements are expected from tomorrow afternoon onwards.

Light rain is forecast for central and North Jeolla regions, but it’s unlikely to significantly alleviate the fine dust problem immediately. The hazy conditions are clearly visible, with landmarks such as Mount Bukaksan appearing blurry from the Seoul city center.

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