Foreign tourists wearing masks look around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, March 12. Yonhap

Dust storms were predicted to deteriorate air quality in Korea on Thursday, weather officials said.

The density of fine dust particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter, known as PM 10, is expected to rise to the "bad" level across the country from later in the day, the Korea Meteorological Administration said.

Currently, the "yellow dust" storm that blew into Korea has stayed in the lower middle part of the atmosphere, thereby not affecting the air quality to a great extent.

This photo shows the hazy view of the city from Mount Inwang in Seoul, March 13. Yonhap

The fine dust concentration levels reported "normal" levels in all 17 cities and provinces.

However, as temperatures rise in the day, the dust storms were expected to impact parts of the country, before northeasterly wind helps recover the air quality to normal levels on Friday. (Yonhap)