Dealing with fine dust
On "bad" days and above, cut outdoor activity and wear a KF mask.
Understanding the levels
- Good / moderate — carry on as normal.
- Bad — sensitive groups (children, older people, pregnant women, those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions) should reduce time outdoors.
- Very bad — everyone should minimise outdoor activity and wear a mask.
- Yellow dust is frequent in spring and carries its own warnings.
How to check
- AirKorea www.airkorea.or.kr or its app.
- Weather apps (Naver, Kakao) show it too.
- Disaster text messages carry warnings.
- Emergency Ready app — multilingual.
What to do
- Wear a KF80 or KF94 mask, sold at pharmacies and convenience stores.
- Keep windows closed and use an air purifier.
- Ventilate briefly — only when levels are lower.
- Wash hands and face after going out, and shake out your clothes.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Dry laundry indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
With children or vulnerable family
- Nurseries and schools adjust outdoor activities — check their notices.
- With respiratory conditions, watch for worsening symptoms and see a doctor if severe.
- Choose a mask size that fits a child properly.
Where to go
- AirKorea www.airkorea.or.kr
- Korea Meteorological Administration www.weather.go.kr
- 1339 Korea Disease Control Agency (health advice)
- 128 Ministry of Environment enquiries
- Public health centre (masks, health advice)
Questions people ask
Which mask should I use? KF80 or above is recommended. It only works if it seals against your face.
I have to work outdoors. Employers must take protective measures including providing masks and rest breaks. If they don't, consult 1350 or KOSHA on 1544-3088.
Do I need an air purifier? It helps. Change the filter on schedule.
My throat hurts from the dust. If symptoms persist, see an ENT or internal medicine clinic. See cold-flu.
Take care
Outdoor exercise on heavy dust days does more harm than good — you breathe more and inhale more. Never ventilating is also unwise, so air the room briefly when levels are lower.
Related
weather-seasons · monsoon-typhoon · cold-flu · emergency-text · workplace-health
Source
Ministry of Environment, AirKorea www.airkorea.or.kr / As of 2026-08