We're smothered in air pollution again today.... with dreadful levels of fine dust blanketing the country.
And for the first time this winter,... the government has issued emergency fine dust reduction measures for Seoul and large parts of the country's central region.
Hong Yoo has the latest.
Covering their noses and mouths with masks, people tried to protect themselves on the morning commute as the average fine dust density exceeded 134 micrograms per cubic meter in Seoul.
Starting on Sunday, high densities of fine dust filled the air over many regions including the capital area and emergency fine dust reduction measures were applied for two consecutive days for the first time this year.
Emergency fine dust reduction measures include closing parking lots at public offices, prohibiting the use of diesel cars made before 2005, and an alternate-day no-driving system.
These measures are applied when the average fine dust density per cubic meter is above 50 micrograms.
"Dense fine dust settled over the country due to fine dust arriving from China plus fine dust produced within South Korea that stagnated for a long period of time due to high atmospheric pressure. Air quality will start to improve on Tuesday morning."
Fifty-five businesses that have made a voluntary agreement with the Environment Ministry will prioritize the use of eco-friendly fuels and make improvements in emissions efficiency while the emergency fine dust reduction measures are in effect.
Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Environment Ministry advise people to avoid outdoors activity and to wear masks when going outside.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.
