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Nestled in the southern part of South Korea's Jeollanam-do province, Suncheon occupies a strategic position within the Suncheon Bay region, where the Yeosu-Suncheon Industrial Complex to the south and expansive agricultural plains to the north create a distinctive urban–rural gradient. The city lies at coordinates 34.9506°N, 127.4875°E, approximately 15 kilometers inland from Suncheon Bay, which opens into the South Sea. This coastal proximity moderates temperatures but also exposes the area to maritime influences that can trap pollutants under certain conditions. The terrain is characterized by low-lying plains surrounded by the Nagan Mountains to the west and the Seungju Mountains to the east, with elevations generally below 100 meters, creating a basin-like topography that occasionally fosters temperature inversions, particularly in winter. Suncheon's urban core, home to over 265,000 residents, blends with surrounding rice paddies and wetlands, including the renowned Suncheon Bay Ecological Park, a UNESCO-designated wetland. The city's location within the broader Yeosu-Suncheon Industrial Belt—a hub for petrochemicals, steel, and shipbuilding—means it experiences transboundary pollution from industrial emissions, especially when prevailing winds from the south carry pollutants from Yeosu. Additionally, agricultural burning in rural areas during planting and harvest seasons contributes to seasonal particulate matter spikes. The urban–rural interface, combined with industrial proximity and topographic constraints, creates a complex air quality dynamic where local emissions interact with regional pollution flows, making Suncheon's air quality sensitive to both meteorological patterns and economic activities in southwestern Korea.

Suncheon's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by the East Asian monsoon, topography, and regional pollution sources. In spring (March to May), increasing temperatures and occasional dust storms from China, known as 'hwangsa,' can elevate particulate levels, particularly in April; however, frequent rain showers help cleanse the air, making late spring favourable for outdoor activities. Summer (June to August) brings the humid monsoon season, with heavy rainfall from the southwesterly winds significantly reducing pollution, though high humidity can occasionally trap ozone precursors, leading to brief smog episodes on stagnant days. This season generally offers the cleanest air, ideal for exploring Suncheon Bay's wetlands. Autumn (September to November) sees stable, clear weather, but agricultural burning in surrounding rural areas after the harvest in October and November can cause sharp spikes in fine particulate matter, making this a period to monitor for sensitive groups like asthmatics. Winter (December to February) presents the greatest challenges: cold, dry conditions from the northwest, combined with temperature inversions in Suncheon's basin-like terrain, trap pollutants from heating sources and industrial emissions, leading to prolonged poor air quality episodes, especially in January and February. Sensitive individuals should limit outdoor exertion during winter mornings when inversions are strongest and consider indoor air purifiers. Overall, summer and late spring are optimal for outdoor pursuits, while winter requires heightened awareness and protective measures.