As South Korea transitions from the depths of winter toward the promise of spring, the nation is experiencing a remarkable spell of mild weather—yet this warming trend comes with an unwelcome companion: persistently high levels of fine dust blanketing much of the country. On February 12, 2026, residents woke to mostly clear skies and temperatures that, by midday, soared well above seasonal averages. But for many, the joy of springlike warmth was tempered by hazy air and health advisories urging caution.
According to multiple outlets including Daegu Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation and SBS Biz, the day began with morning lows ranging from a chilly -7°C in some inland and northern areas up to a milder 2°C along the coast. As the sun climbed, daytime highs reached between 7°C and 14°C nationwide, with some southern cities such as Busan peaking at a balmy 14°C. Seoul, meanwhile, enjoyed a comfortable 9°C, with Daegu and Gwangju not far behind at 12°C and 11°C respectively. These temperatures, meteorologists noted, are similar to or slightly higher than the historical averages for this time of year.
But the real story—one that dominated headlines and weather advisories—was the air quality. Fine dust (PM2.5) concentrations soared across the country, with cities like Daegu and regions of North Gyeongsang Province recording levels above 50 µg/m³, a threshold classified as 'bad' and potentially hazardous to sensitive groups. The YTN network reported that for the second day in a row, most regions were shrouded in haze, with the capital region and Chungnam under official fine dust advisories.
"Currently, most regions nationwide have hazy air; Seoul and the capital region and Chungnam have issued fine dust advisories," YTN stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The combination of stagnant air, residual dust from the previous day, and new domestic emissions contributed to the murky conditions. And if that weren’t enough, dense fog—particularly thick in the west and certain inland areas—further reduced visibility, complicating commutes and raising concerns about traffic safety. In fact, visibility in some places dropped below 200 meters, prompting warnings for both drivers and air travelers to check for potential disruptions.
The Hankyoreh newspaper detailed the regional breakdown: "Fine dust is expected to be 'bad' in Seoul, northern and southern Gyeonggi, Gangwon Yeongseo, Chungcheong, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Daegu, and North Gyeongsang; other areas are expected to have 'moderate' levels." This pattern, meteorologists explained, was largely due to a high-pressure system moving eastward from the vicinity of Shanghai, creating stable atmospheric conditions that trapped pollutants near the surface.
For residents, the advice was clear: minimize outdoor activities where possible, and wear masks designed to filter fine dust. Health authorities and broadcasters alike cautioned the public to pay extra attention to respiratory protection, especially for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions. As Daegu Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation put it, "Masks for fine dust are advised for respiratory protection."
But the air wasn’t just dry and dusty—it was also, in many places, dangerously parched. Dryness warnings remained in effect along the East Coast of North Gyeongsang, while advisories extended over all inland areas of Daegu and North Gyeongsang. The risk of wildfires and accidental blazes was heightened by these conditions, and local governments urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and to be vigilant for any signs of fire. Strong winds along the eastern seaboard only added to the sense of caution, increasing the potential for rapid fire spread.
Despite these environmental concerns, the mild weather brought a sense of relief from the biting cold that had gripped the country in previous weeks. Temperatures in major cities were forecast to remain in the double digits through the weekend, with meteorologists expecting no severe cold spells in the near term. In fact, the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, starting Monday, February 17, was predicted to feel almost like early spring in many regions. However, forecasters did note a chance of rain or snow in some areas as the holiday began, and only Jeju was expected to see light rain overnight.
Satellite imagery, analyzed by Daegu Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, showed the influence of the high-pressure system near Shanghai, which contributed to the clear skies across much of the nation. The sea, too, was calm, with waves between 0.5 and 1.5 meters—good news for fishermen and coastal communities.
Yet, the story of the day was the battle between rejuvenating warmth and the invisible threat of fine dust. The TJB network summed up the paradox: "Springlike warmth is expected to rise, but fine dust will be rampant throughout the country." This sentiment was echoed in images of tourists at Gangneung’s Gyeongpo Beach, captured by Yonhap News, where people shed their winter coats to enjoy the sunshine—albeit under a subtle veil of haze.
Looking ahead, experts warned that while the influx of cleaner air from the West Sea might temporarily improve conditions during daylight hours, a new wave of foreign fine dust was expected to arrive in the late afternoon, particularly affecting the mid-western region at night. This cyclical pattern of accumulation and dispersal, driven by both domestic and international sources, has become a familiar challenge for South Korea each spring.
In sum, February 12 was a day that captured the complexities of seasonal change in South Korea: the relief of milder temperatures and clear skies, shadowed by the persistent threat of fine dust and dryness. As the nation prepares for the Lunar New Year, the message from meteorologists and health officials is clear—enjoy the warmth, but stay vigilant against the unseen hazards in the air.