The typical spatio-temporal evolutions of large-scale weather patterns before and after high-concentration events of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM₁₀) (High-PM₁₀) over the Korean Peninsula were investigated. Using the K-means clustering method, five significant large-scale weather patterns associated with High-PM₁₀ events were identified. Among the 91 High-PM₁₀ events that occurred during winter/spring of 2007–2018, approximately 41% (38 cases) belonged to Cluster 1 and 5, characterized by upper-tropospheric downstream amplification of pressure anomaly originating from the Barents/Kara Sea of the Arctic Ocean. We refer to this pattern as the wave-train type. Concurrently with this pattern, southwesterly wind anomalies from southeastern China and significant descending air occurred over the Korean Peninsula, causing PM₁₀ accumulation. Despite its dominance of occurrence, the wave-train type exhibited a relatively shorter mean duration of 1–2 days owing to its rapid development and traveling characteristics. Cluster 2 corresponded to approximately 29% (27 cases) of the total cases, and was characterized by a stagnant anticyclone over the northeastern Eurasia region. In the lower atmosphere, southerly winds dominated the Korean Peninsula. Vertical diffusion of PM₁₀ was restricted by a vertically stable condition in the lower-to-mid-troposphere and a notably weak wind speed. Cluster 2 had the longest duration of 3 days and the highest mean PM₁₀ concentration compared to the other clusters. Cluster 3 corresponded to approximately 13% (12 cases) of the total cases and exhibited a stagnant anticyclone centered at the Kamchatka region. In this case, weakened westerly is observed resulting in the characteristics of a circulation pattern that easily accumulates pollutants. Cluster 4 accounted for approximately 15% (14 cases) of all cases, and is a pattern in which air of PM₁₀ inflows following the back of the cyclone located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. We emphasize that most of High-PM₁₀ events occurring over the Korean Peninsula are linked to the preceding upper-tropospheric large-scale circulation patterns. They control the low-level transports and accumulation of pollutants.