Smoking in South Korea
In South Korea, smoking is legal but subject to a range of regulatory measures. Cigarette sales are permitted to be purchased through vending machines, however, buying them online is not allowed. Importing cigarettes for trade is allowed with appropriate documentations. Additionally, health warnings on their packaging are mandatory, the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products including cigarettes is 19 years, and smoking is restricted in public places under national smoke-free legislation. Tobacco advertising is regulated, but a complete ban on all forms of advertising is not in place. Cigarettes are taxed with a total taxation rate of 73.85%, including an excise tax component of 64.76%. As of 2024, South Korea had approximately 8.1 million current smokers, representing an adult current smoking prevalence of 17.6%. Among adult males, the prevalence was substantially higher with 30.2%, compared to 5.1% among adult females. This prevalence was reported to be 18.9% overall in 2022. In 2021, an estimated 44,308 deaths were attributed to tobacco smoking in South Korea, including 35,471 male and 8,837 female deaths. This makes approximately 13.38% of all deaths in the country—19.9% among males and 5.78% among females.
Read articles from South Korea
February 05, 2026 by thestar.com.my
South Korea to regulate e-cigarettes by classifying them as tobacco products
The South Korean government will reclassify all nicotine-based products as tobacco to regulate e-cigarettes and liquid vape sales starting April 24. The revised law includes health warnings, advertising restrictions, and penalties for violations. Vending machines must be in adult-only areas, and flavored products aimed at youth are banned. Concerns over underage access to e-cigarettes have prompted stricter regulations due to minors using liquid e-cigarettes more than traditional cigarettes. Unmanned e-cigarette shops have exploited loopholes in tobacco laws, lacking age-verification systems and youth restrictions.
February 04, 2026 by chosun.com
South Korea regulates synthetic nicotine vapes as tobacco starting April
Starting April 24, liquid e-cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine will be regulated the same as conventional cigarettes. Individuals who use such e-cigarettes in no-smoking areas may face fines of up to 100,000 won. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated on the 3rd that, following the recent revision of the Tobacco Business Act, it will implement related regulations under the National Health Promotion Act, including these measures, beginning April 24. As a result, tobacco manufacturers and importers will be required to include warning images and statements on the packaging and advertising of all tobacco products.
December 04, 2025 by prnewswire.com
Pusan National University Researchers Identify the Brain Enzyme That Drives Nicotine Addiction and Smoking Dependence
Researchers have found that astrocytes, overlooked glial cells in the brain, actively influence nicotine addiction and behavior changes. By regulating glutamine synthetase, an enzyme linked to sensitized behavior, astrocytes play a significant role in nicotine-induced brain changes. This discovery sheds new light on the complex mechanisms of nicotine addiction, emphasizing the communication between neurons and glial cells. While the study is preclinical, it suggests potential therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation efforts. Led by Professor Eun Sang Choe, the research team at Pusan National University highlights the importance of considering both neurons and glia in addiction research.
August 06, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
Experts Urge South Korea’s Government to Raise Cigarette Prices
Anti-smoking experts are calling on South Korea’s new government to double cigarette prices and strengthen tobacco regulations to curb smoking rates and protect public health. In a new report, Professor Cho Hong-joon of Ulsan University and Lee Sung-kyu of the Korea Tobacco Control Research Education Center outlined seven key policy recommendations, including raising (...)
February 14, 2025 by themalaysianreserve.com
South Korea to ban power banks in overhead bins on domestic flights
Starting March 1, South Korean airlines will ban passengers from storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead compartments, requiring them to be kept in seat or coat pockets with proper protection. This safety measure follows a recent fire incident on an Air Busan aircraft and aims to prevent battery-related fire risks.
February 13, 2025 by koreatimes.co.kr
Korea tightens rules on carrying batteries on flight
Passengers flying on Korean-owned airlines are now required to store power banks in protective pouches or bags. Storing batteries and e-cigarettes in overhead bins is prohibited due to safety concerns following a cabin fire on an Air Busan aircraft. The government plans stricter regulations, limiting battery quantities per passenger and enhancing security checks. Airlines are implementing preemptive safety measures, with some already adopting stricter rules. Plastic bags will be provided for battery storage, and special approval is needed for carrying additional batteries.
February 13, 2025 by scmp.com
South Korea to ban in-flight power bank charging after plane fire
South Korea's transport ministry introduced new aviation safety measures after a fire on an Air Busan plane. Effective March 1, passengers are restricted to carrying five 100 watt-hours portable batteries, with those over 160 watt-hours banned. Security checks will verify battery types, and inflight battery charging is prohibited. Additionally, power banks and e-cigarettes are not allowed in overhead bins. The ministry aims to prevent battery fires, pending investigation into the Air Busan incident's cause.
November 27, 2024 by koreatimes.co.kr
Korea moves to restrict use of synthetic nicotine vapes
Korea plans to tighten regulations on synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes, considering their harmful health effects. The government aims to redefine tobacco products to include vapes using synthetic nicotine, as currently, only those made from tobacco leaves are regulated. Recent bills proposed at the National Assembly seek to bridge legal loopholes regarding such products. The Ministry of Health supports these efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of synthetic nicotine, known to be as addictive as heroin.
November 27, 2024 by straitstimes.com
South Korean Bill proposed to mandate anti-smoking warnings on e-cigarettes
The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Seoul supports a legislative proposal for health warnings on e-cigarettes. Various Bills aim to amend tobacco regulations to include e-cigarettes, addressing marketing and tax loopholes. Proposed changes include warning labels on devices and advertising restrictions to reduce appeal to youth. Despite e-cigarettes' popularity, regulations struggle to keep pace. Youth e-cigarette use has increased, with many transitioning to regular cigarettes. The Ministry's endorsement signifies a move towards stricter controls on new tobacco products.
November 25, 2024 by koreaherald.com
Bill proposed to mandate antismoking warnings on e-cigarettes
The Ministry of Health and Welfare supports a legislative proposal for health warnings on e-cigarettes. Various bills aim to amend the National Health Promotion Act regarding e-cigarettes and tobacco products, proposing warnings and advertising restrictions. E-cigarette regulations lag behind their increasing usage, and they are not taxed like traditional tobacco products. Studies show a rise in youth e-cigarette use, with many transitioning to regular cigarettes. Warning labels and restrictions are proposed to combat their appeal to young people, as they are sold with fewer regulations compared to traditional tobacco products.
- Page 1 of 4