Capital city, South Korea
Air quality in Seoul
Very polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Seoul was 25.4 µg/m³ in 2019, about 5.1 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Fine dust (PM2.5) from China and local sources causes bad days, mostly in spring and winter; check AirKorea and wear a KF94 mask.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 25.4 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Seoul.
- PM10: 43.4 µg/m³ (2019).
- Worst months: Dec–Apr.
- Recent average: 24.5 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 Seoul bad?
Very polluted: 25.4 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 5.1× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Dec–Apr.
When is the air worst in Seoul?
Fine dust (PM2.5) from China and local sources causes bad days, mostly in spring and winter; check AirKorea and wear a KF94 mask.
How does Seoul 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 25.4 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Seoul
Going to Seoul solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Seoul meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Visit Korea (Korea Tourism Organization)
- Seoul Metro
- Incheon International Airport
- Seoul Global Center
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 Spotted something out of date?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.