We noticed that the Koreans wear surgical masks over their mouths and noses so we decided to check into it. Apparently,
Yellow Sand season is upon us in Korea. In the spring, dust from deserts in Mongolia is carried by winds across China, picking up their pollution, and is carried to Korea (as well as parts of Japan). An Air Quality Index of 100 of more starts to cause concern, and levels over 300 require changes in outdoor activity and you shouldn’t even go outside if it is over 800. Here’s a look at what it was one day in late February:
We went to a local pharmacy and bought masks for everyone in the family. Then we realized that they were way too big for the kids’ faces so we had to run to Emart to pick some more up. We have already had to wear them a couple of times. Luckily, just like weather forecasts, there are Yellow Sand forecasts available on the internet (click
here if you want to see the current levels in Seoul), so we know when to expect higher levels a day or so before it happens.
Eek! Not looking forward to that!
ReplyDeleteAre you guys ready to join us here? The weather is warming up now.
ReplyDeleteIt was a long vacation, gone for two weeks. I haven't heard of yellow sand here in Shizuoka. I'll have to ask my local friend. all I ever hear about is the cedar allergy which tons of people where masks for. Such an Asian thing! As for our next vacation, probably again this time next year. Not sure what we'll do, but Eric is gun ho to find a cruise around this side of Asia stopping at several countries we haven't been too. Who knows! what part of China to you want to go to?
ReplyDeleteWow, and here I thought San Francisco was exaggerating the China-poor-air-quality connection. I'll start paying more attention to the news, I guess.
ReplyDelete