Fine dust advisory issued as smog blankets Seoul

by Yoo Na-hyun Posted : March 27, 2026, 15:22Updated : March 27, 2026, 15:22
A public information message on ultrafine dust is displayed on an electronic board in front of Seoul City Hall after the Korea Environment Corporation issued an ultrafine dust advisory for the capital at 9 am on March 27 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Pedestrians walk through a hazy street in central Seoul on March 27, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - An ultrafine dust advisory was issued for Seoul and surrounding areas on Friday, as heavy smog carried by northwesterly winds blanketed the capital, with fine dust levels exceeding 81 ㎍/㎥, according to the Korea Environment Corporation.

Such an advisory is issued when PM2.5 concentrations exceed 75 ㎍/㎥ for more than two consecutive hours.

The elderly, children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are advised to refrain from outdoor activities. Even healthy adults are encouraged to limit time outdoors and wear masks when going outside.

Ultrafine particles, roughly one-thirtieth the thickness of a human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs without being filtered, posing serious health risks.
 
Seoul is shrouded in haze as fine dust levels reach “bad” on March 27 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun 20260326
Smog shrouds central Seoul on March 27, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Seoul is shrouded in haze as fine dust levels reach “bad” on March 27 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun 20260327
Smog shrouds central Seoul on March 27, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun