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Kumi, situated in Gyeongbuk province of South Korea, occupies a strategic position within the Nakdong River basin, approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Daegu, the region's major metropolitan center. The city's coordinates at 36.1195°N, 128.3444°E place it in a transitional zone between the mountainous interior of the Korean Peninsula and the coastal plains, with an average elevation of around 50 meters above sea level, though surrounded by low hills that create a semi-enclosed topographical setting. This terrain configuration significantly influences local air quality by limiting natural ventilation, particularly during periods of atmospheric stability. Kumi lies along the Nakdong River, South Korea's longest river, which provides some moderating effects but also serves as a corridor for regional pollution transport. Historically developed as an industrial hub specializing in electronics and textiles, the city represents a classic example of South Korea's rapid urbanization within its manufacturing belt, creating an urban-rural gradient where industrial emissions blend with transportation pollution from its population of over 400,000. The surrounding agricultural lands of North Gyeongsang Province contribute occasional biomass burning and agricultural dust, while proximity to the industrial complexes of Daegu and Pohang means Kumi experiences both locally generated pollution and regional transport, especially during prevailing northwesterly winds that funnel contaminants through the Nakdong Valley.

Kumi's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by East Asian monsoonal circulation and local meteorological conditions. During winter (December-February), cold, stable atmospheric conditions frequently create temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, compounded by increased heating emissions and limited dispersion, making this the period of consistently poorest air quality—particularly hazardous for children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions who should minimize outdoor exposure. Spring (March-May) brings variable conditions: while increased wind and precipitation from March onward help disperse pollutants, the season also sees occasional transboundary dust events from the Gobi Desert, creating sudden spikes in particulate matter that warrant monitoring of air quality forecasts. Summer (June-August) offers the cleanest air overall due to the East Asian summer monsoon bringing southerly winds from the ocean, frequent rainfall that scrubs the atmosphere, and reduced heating emissions, making this the optimal season for outdoor activities. Autumn (September-November) begins with relatively good conditions but gradually deteriorates as temperatures drop, atmospheric stability increases, and agricultural burning in surrounding regions contributes to haze formation, with October-November showing increasing pollution levels. Sensitive groups should be particularly cautious during winter inversion episodes and spring dust events, utilizing indoor air purifiers and adjusting outdoor schedules based on real-time air quality indices.