Ultrafine dust at `bad' levels over much of the nation

A thick blanket of fine dust blurs vision. Yonhap

By Lee Min-young

Ultrafine dust reached "bad" levels over much of the nation Monday morning, making for a bad start to the work week for many commuters.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, ultrafine dust will hang over most regions this Monday afternoon, partly affected by smog-laden air from China as well as a high pressure system over China's central region.

The fine dust concentration level in the capital reached 100 micrograms per cubic meter as of 8 a.m. Monday, while ultrafine dust levels topped 72 micrograms.

Advisories are in place for 11 regions in central Gyeonggi Province as of 10 a.m. because the ultrafine dust level there has surpassed 78 micrograms.

Citizens are advised to wear masks when outdoors while those with respiratory problems as well as children and the elderly should try to stay indoors.

High ultrafine dust levels are affecting air quality in the capital. Yonhap

Smog from China has added to domestic air pollution. Yonhap

A view from Mount Namsan, central Seoul. Yonhap