Air Quality Index (AQI) in South Korea 🇰🇷

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in South Korea

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is measured at a score of 68. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Moderate. The current atmosphere in Seoul is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 18.0 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 18.6 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 9.7 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across South Korea based on industrial output, traffic density, and local weather patterns. Real-time pollution data and respiratory health alerts are also being actively monitored in cities like Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. Tracking these air quality metrics is essential for residents nationwide to manage outdoor exposure and maintain respiratory safety during periods of increased particulate concentration.

Air Quality Snapshot: South Korea Right Now

Across 74 monitored cities in South Korea, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 33 AQI in Sokcho (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 79 AQI in Busan (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 22 Good, 52 Moderate. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 12.9 µg/m³ — approximately 2.6 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

South Korea Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Pollution Monitor & AQI Forecast: South Korea Regions

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for South Korea is calculated using the US EPA standard. Information is processed from multiple monitoring stations detecting PM2.5, PM10, and gaseous pollutants to ensure accuracy for respiratory health planning.

What Today's Readings Mean in South Korea

The median reading across 74 monitored cities is 58.0 AQI. The national spread is 46 points, from 33 in Sokcho to 79 in Busan. Average PM2.5 is 12.9 µg/m³ (2.6× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is in the Moderate range. People unusually sensitive to air pollution may want to reduce prolonged outdoor exertion there.

See the complete AQI and pollutant reference scales

Health & Scientific Resources

→ How to read US EPA Air Quality Index before going outside → Understanding Air Quality Index levels and what they mean → When haze forms and what it does to air quality

Air Quality in South Korea — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for South Korea.

What is the current air quality in South Korea?

Live AQI readings for 74 city(ies) across South Korea are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does South Korea's AQI data come from?

Real-time readings come from ground-based monitoring stations operated by national environmental agencies in South Korea, delivered via WeatherAPI.com and aggregated using the EPA AQI formula.

What is a healthy AQI value in South Korea?

On the EPA scale used worldwide, 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and 301-500 is Hazardous. The WHO 24-hour PM2.5 guideline is 15 μg/m³.

Why do AQI readings vary between cities in South Korea?

Air quality is highly local — major pollution sources (traffic, industry, dust, wildfires) cluster around cities, while wind direction and topography move them around. Comparing nearby readings on this page is the best way to see how conditions change across South Korea.