Korea - South
Air Pollution

Korea - South: General Health Risks

Air Pollution

Country Risk

In accordance with the World Health Organization's guidelines, the air quality in South Korea is considered moderately unsafe. The most recent data indicates the country's annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is 25 µg/m3 which exceeds the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3.

Contributors to poor air quality in South Korea include the automotive industry, coal-fired plants, and vehicle emissions. Seasonal variations exist, with high levels of air pollution occurring during the yellow dust season (March to May). Available data indicates that Iksan, Wonju, Ansan, Hongseong, and Gumi have consistently high levels of air pollution.

Description

Outdoor air pollution is a mix of chemicals, particulate matter, and biological materials that react with each other to form tiny hazardous particles. It contributes to breathing problems, chronic diseases, increased hospitalization, and premature mortality.

The concentration of particulate matter (PM) is a key air quality indicator since it is the most common air pollutant that affects short term and long term health. Two sizes of particulate matter are used to analyze air quality; fine particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 µm or PM2.5 and coarse particles with a diameter of less than 10 µm or PM10. PM2.5 particles are more concerning because their small size allows them to travel deeper into the cardiopulmonary system.

The World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines recommend that the annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 10 µg/m3 and 20 µg/m3 for PM10.

Risk

Cities and rural areas worldwide are affected by air pollution. When planning a trip, consider health status, age, destination, length of trip and season to mitigate the effects of air pollution.

Symptoms

Short term symptoms resulting from exposure to air pollution include itchy eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, nausea, and upper respiratory infections (bronchitis and pneumonia). It also exacerbates asthma and emphysema. Long term effects include lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory illness, and developing allergies. Air pollution is also associated with heart attacks and strokes.

Prevention
  • Comply with air pollution advisories - ask around and observe what locals are doing and avoid strenuous activities.
  • Travellers with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should carry an inhaler, antibiotic, or oral steroid - consult your doctor to see what is best for you.
  • Older travellers with pre-existing conditions should get a physical exam that includes a stress and lung capacity test prior to departure. 
  • Newborns and young children should minimize exposure as much as possible or consider not travelling to areas with poor air quality. 
  • Ask your medical practitioner if a face mask is advisable for you.
  • See city and country air pollution levels: World Health Organization

Information last updated: February 23, 2021.

  • Sanford C. Urban Medicine: Threats to Health of Travelers to Developing World Cities. In: Jong E, Sanford C, eds. The Travel and Tropical Medicine Manual, 4th ed. Waltham: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: 18-32. 
  • World Health Organization: Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality and Health Fact Sheet No. 313
  • World Health Organization: WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide - Global update 2005 - Summary of risk assessment  PDF