City, South Korea
Air quality in Busan
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Busan was 21 µg/m³ in 2019, about 4.2 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Cleaner than Seoul thanks to sea breezes, but fine dust from China affects spring and winter days.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 21 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Busan.
- PM10: 36.1 µg/m³ (2019).
- Worst months: Mar–Apr.
- Recent average: 24.8 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 |
Air quality across South Korea
Quick answers
Is the air in Busan bad?
Polluted: 21 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.2× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Mar–Apr.
When is the air worst in Busan?
Cleaner than Seoul thanks to sea breezes, but fine dust from China affects spring and winter days.
How does Busan compare with the rest of South Korea?
People in South Korea breathe 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 21 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Busan
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Visit Busan
- Busan Transportation Corporation
- Gimhae International Airport (Korea Airports Corporation)
- Korail (KTX)
Annual averages are measured values reported to the WHO; check a live map for today's air. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.