Yellow Dust Crisis Alert "Caution" Issued... Expands to Seoul Metropolitan, Chungcheong, and Yeongnam Regions

"Very Bad" Fine Dust Forecast for the 21st
Public Urged to Limit Outdoor Activities

On the 25th, with fine dust and yellow dust overlapping across the country causing poor air quality, downtown Seoul appeared hazy.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment issued a "Caution" level yellow dust crisis alert for the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Honam, and parts of Yeongnam, effective as of 5 p.m. on the 20th.

The yellow dust crisis alert operates on four levels: "Caution, Attention, Warning, and Severe." The current "Caution" level is issued when yellow dust that could affect Korea occurs, or when fine dust is forecasted to reach a "Very Bad" level.

The ministry predicted that on the 21st, the daily average concentration of fine dust (PM-10) would exceed 150 ㎍/㎥, reaching the "Very Bad" level.

Immediately after issuing the crisis alert, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment notified relevant government agencies and local governments of the situation, and requested response measures according to the "Yellow Dust Disaster Response Manual." Accordingly, the Korea Meteorological Administration and the National Institute of Environmental Research will continuously monitor the occurrence and movement of yellow dust to provide information to the public, while the Ministry of the Interior and Safety will strengthen disaster management and public communication.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will enhance inspections of transportation and airport facilities, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will check the preparedness of major industrial facilities for yellow dust. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will strengthen health protection measures for vulnerable groups.

Kim Jin-sik, Director General of the Air Quality Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated, "Yellow dust originating from the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolia Plateau is moving into the Korean Peninsula and affecting the entire country," and urged the public to refrain from outdoor activities as much as possible and to pay special attention to personal health care.

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