Dust obscures the skyline of Seoul in this cityscape seen at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Monday morning, amid concentrations of ultrafine dust that reached
Dust obscures the skyline of Seoul in this cityscape seen at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Monday morning, amid concentrations of ultrafine dust that reached "bad" levels. (Yonhap)

Much of South Korea experienced poor air quality on Monday, with the year’s first fine dust advisory being issued for Seoul and the central regions.

As of noon, Seoul's average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) had soared to 97 micrograms per cubic meter. Fine dust advisories are issued when the PM 2.5 level exceeds 75 micrograms for more than two hours.

“Residual fine dust from the previous day has accumulated due to atmospheric stagnation, while dust clouds have moved in from the west,” explained the Korea Meteorological Administration.

The central provinces of South and North Chungcheong announced the enforcement of anti-dust measures Tuesday, which include restrictions on the use of public sector-owned vehicles.

Due to the ultrafine dust, Namsan Tower is only faintly visible in this picture taken Monday at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. (Yonhap).
Due to the ultrafine dust, Namsan Tower is only faintly visible in this picture taken Monday at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. (Yonhap).
Museum visitors at the viewpoint of the National Museum of Korea (Yonhap)
Museum visitors at the viewpoint of the National Museum of Korea (Yonhap)