Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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I never thought much about air quality before coming to Korea — but now it’s part of my daily life. These past few days, the fine dust (미세먼지) levels have been so high that I check the air quality app every morning before leaving home. On bad days, the sky looks gray and hazy, and even a short walk makes my throat feel irritated and my eyes dry.

What surprises me is how normal this feels for people here — many just put on a mask and go about their day. But for me, it’s been a wake-up call. I’ve started wondering: where is all this pollution coming from? How does it affect our health long-term? And what can we, as individuals, really do?

Living here has made me more aware of environmental issues, not just in Korea but globally. It’s a reminder that environmental problems don’t stop at national borders. Whether it’s fine dust, climate change, or waste, we’re all connected, and we all need to be part of the solution — even in small ways, like using public transportation, reducing waste, or supporting cleaner energy policies.