Unwelcome Guest During Lunar New Year Holiday 'Fine Dust'... Very Bad Air Quality in Seoul Metropolitan Area and Chungnam in the Morning

Fine dust concentration rises due to accumulation from air stagnation

On the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday, the 11th, Sejong-daero in Seoul appeared hazy due to fine dust. On this day, the highest daytime temperature in Seoul will rise to 10 degrees Celsius, making it feel warm like early spring. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] On the morning of the 13th, the day after Seollal, fine dust levels soared to 'Very Bad' in the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungnam region, requiring caution.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Research's Air Quality Integrated Forecast Center, fine dust concentrations on this day are expected to be 'Bad' in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong region, Honam region, Daegu, Ulsan, and Gyeongbuk, while other regions are expected to be 'Moderate.' The Seoul metropolitan area and Chungnam will temporarily spike to 'Very Bad' levels in the morning.

As of 0:00 on this day, fine dust concentrations were at 'Bad' levels with Seoul at 93㎍/㎥, Gyeonggi at 109㎍/㎥, Incheon at 111㎍/㎥, Chungnam at 113㎍/㎥, and Sejong at 83㎍/㎥.

Fine dust generated the previous day remains in the atmosphere, and with stagnant air conditions continuing, fine dust generated domestically is expected to accumulate, leading to high concentrations.

On the 14th, fine dust is forecasted to be 'Bad' in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong region, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk, while other regions are expected to be 'Moderate.'

Ultrafine dust is also expected to remain at 'High' levels until the 15th. The Korea Environment Corporation issued an ultrafine dust advisory for the Seoul area starting from 9 PM on the 12th. As of 9 PM, the 1-hour average ultrafine dust advisory concentration was 83㎍/㎥.

On the 13th, 'High' levels are observed in the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong region, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, and Gyeongbuk. On the 14th, 'High' levels are forecasted for the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong region, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk, and on the 15th, for the Chungcheong region, Jeonbuk, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk.

Children, the elderly, and those with lung or heart diseases should stay indoors as much as possible during 'Very Bad' fine dust levels, and during 'Bad' levels, it is advisable to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.