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Nestled in the fertile Honam Plain of southwestern South Korea, Jeonju occupies a strategic position as the capital of North Jeolla Province, approximately 200 kilometers south of Seoul. The city sits at a modest elevation of around 50 meters above sea level, cradled by the Noryeong Mountains to the east and the Seomjin River basin to the south, creating a basin-like topography that significantly influences its air quality dynamics. Jeonju's urban character blends historic preservation—most notably in its renowned Hanok Village—with modern development, creating an urban–rural gradient where dense central districts transition to agricultural peripheries. This geography traps pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions, particularly during winter temperature inversions, while the surrounding agricultural zones contribute seasonal particulate matter from field burning and fertilizer application. Proximity to the Yellow Sea, about 60 kilometers to the west, provides some moderating maritime influence, but the city's inland position shields it from strong coastal cleansing winds. Jeonju lies within South Korea's Honam industrial belt, though less intensively than southeastern cities like Ulsan, with local manufacturing and transportation emissions combining with regional transboundary pollution from China to degrade air quality. The city's basin setting, coupled with its role as a regional hub, creates a complex airshed where local emissions, agricultural activities, and imported pollutants accumulate, especially when seasonal winds from the northwest carry industrial haze across the Korean Peninsula.

Jeonju's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by East Asian monsoons and temperature patterns. In winter, from December to February, cold, stagnant air often settles in the city's basin, creating frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, leading to the year's worst air quality; sensitive groups like asthmatics and the elderly should limit outdoor exertion during these months. Spring, particularly March and April, sees a mix of improving conditions as temperatures rise and winds increase, though this season can bring 'yellow dust' storms from the Gobi Desert, carrying fine particulate matter that exacerbates respiratory issues—residents are advised to monitor forecasts and use air purifiers. Summer, from June to August, offers the cleanest air due to the East Asian monsoon, with southerly winds from the Yellow Sea dispersing pollutants and frequent rainfall scrubbing the atmosphere; this is the ideal time for outdoor activities, though high humidity can occasionally trap ozone. Autumn, spanning September to November, begins with relatively good air quality but deteriorates toward late fall as temperatures drop and atmospheric stability returns, compounded by agricultural burning in surrounding rural areas; planning outdoor events earlier in the season is wise. Throughout the year, weather hazards like fog can intensify pollution episodes by enhancing particulate formation, making real-time air quality monitoring essential for vulnerable populations.