Hwangsa (황사) or Yellow Sand / Asian Dust is a phenomenon which affects much of East Asia. The dust originates in Mongolia and Western China where winds kick up clouds of fine sand. These clouds are then carried eastward by prevailing winds that pass over China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan--even making the journey to the United States. Recently, it has become a serious problem due to the increase of industrial pollutants contained in the dust and deforestation of Chinese woodlands causing longer and more frequent storms.
Areas affected by the dust experience decreased visibility and the dust is known to cause health problems. Often, people are advised to avoid or minimize outdoor activities, depending on severity of storms.
In 2007, South Korea sent several thousand trees to help block the migration of the yellow sand and reverse deforestation. These trees, however, were planted along highways because the People's Republic of China would only take the trees if they could decide where the trees would be planted.
A Korean website and a US military website that monitors Yellow Sand conditions.
