We've all been feeling quite miserable during these prolonged period of atrocious air pollution.
Fortunately, for most of us, we either work inside most of the time or can stay home with the air purifier on.
However,... it's a different story for those who have to work outside all day,... especially if part of their job is communicating with others.
Choi Si-young reports.

South Korea has been subjected to record high levels of ultrafine dust for days on end.
For the first time ever, emergency fine dust reduction measures have been in place for a week straight.
The severe air pollution has prompted more and more people to wear a face mask to protect their lungs from the dust.
But for workers who spend most of their workday outside, wearing a mask the whole time isn't a practical, easy or especially comfortable experience.

"I can't breathe well wearing a face mask all day while I'm driving. Nor can I keep my car window shut all the time."

Merchants at street stalls in downtown Seoul find themselves in a dilemma.
They are directly exposed to the hazardous air for hours on end, yet they cannot simply put a face mask on.

"With a face mask on, I can't communicate easily with customers, so I take it off. But then, I have this sore throat and keep coughing."

The situation isn't all that different at a bigger, mostly indoor market that attracts a large number of customers.

"Here at a large traditional market in downtown Seoul, merchants are exposed to high levels of ultrafine dust, as particles blow in through this large entrance gate."

Merchants who sell goods at the traditional market say they are as exposed to the pollution as those who work outside on street stalls.
They profess similar frustration with the dilemma of wearing a face mask.
Some go further,... calling for strong actions to be taken.

"I think a ventilation fan or a water-spraying cleaner that hoses down the floor would help reduce ultrafine dust levels in the market."

Suggestions like that are something else for the government to mull over... as it faces the daunting task of cleaning up the air we breathe.

Choi Si-young, Arirang News.