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Tanch'ŏn occupies a distinctive position in North Korea's Hamnam region, situated along the Songch'ŏn River approximately 15 kilometers inland from the East Sea. This coastal proximity creates a unique urban-rural gradient where the city's industrial zones transition into agricultural plains and forested hills. The terrain slopes gently from the river valley toward surrounding low mountains, with elevations ranging from 50 to 200 meters above sea level, creating natural basins that can trap pollutants. Tanch'ŏn lies within North Korea's eastern industrial belt, historically developed for mining and chemical production, with the Hamnam coalfields nearby contributing to regional air quality challenges. The city's urban character reflects its industrial heritage, with dense residential areas clustered around manufacturing facilities. Its location in the Songch'ŏn River valley creates a microclimate where marine influences from the East Sea moderate temperatures but also bring moisture that can interact with industrial emissions. The surrounding landscape features rice paddies and vegetable fields that alternate with industrial zones, creating complex pollution patterns where agricultural burning occasionally supplements urban emissions. The city's position between coastal areas and inland mountains means air movement patterns are crucial—sea breezes can disperse pollutants during daytime, but nighttime temperature inversions in the valley frequently trap emissions near ground level. This geographic setting makes Tanch'ŏn particularly vulnerable to particulate matter accumulation, especially during stable atmospheric conditions.

Tanch'ŏn's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by its coastal location and industrial activities. Winter brings the most challenging conditions from December through February, when cold, stable air creates frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants in the Songch'ŏn River valley. Heating demands increase emissions from coal-fired systems, while reduced wind speeds allow particulate matter to accumulate. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor exposure during these months, particularly on calm, foggy mornings when visibility drops and pollution concentrations peak. Spring offers gradual improvement from March to May as increasing sunlight and stronger winds begin dispersing pollutants, though occasional dust events from the Gobi Desert can temporarily degrade air quality. The monsoon season from June through August brings cleansing rains that wash pollutants from the atmosphere, creating the year's cleanest air despite high humidity. This period offers the best conditions for outdoor activities, though tropical cyclones occasionally affect the region. Autumn sees a transitional period from September to November when decreasing temperatures and changing wind patterns allow pollution to gradually rebuild, particularly as heating systems restart. Throughout the year, morning hours typically show higher pollution levels due to overnight accumulation and morning traffic, while afternoon sea breezes provide natural ventilation. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor local weather reports for indications of temperature inversions or stagnant air masses, which signal periods of elevated health risk.