A man and boy on Namsan Mountain get a view of Seoul shrouded by harmful fine dust. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Air pollution in Seoul and other central inland areas worsened Friday due to fine dust sweeping in from northern China.
Advisories were upgraded to fine dust warnings as of 2 p.m. due to the poor air quality.
The hourly average concentration of fine particulate matter in the air reached 525 micrograms per cubic meter in the capital region.
Advisories were also issued for parts of South Chungcheong Province where fine dust readings hit 371 micrograms per cubic meter.
Authorities have advised people to take necessary precautions.
Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues should stay indoors, while masks are recommended for those who go outside.
