Understanding Korea's Smoking Culture: Essential Information!

Hello, visitors to Korea! Korea is a fascinating country brimming with vibrant cities and beautiful natural landscapes. However, Korea's smoking culture differs somewhat from other countries, so it's a good idea for smokers to be aware of it in advance.

1. Indoor Smoking is Absolutely Prohibited.

Since 2015, Korea has completely banned smoking in all public facilities and public places. This includes the following locations:

• All restaurants and bars, including eateries, cafes, and pubs
• Indoor entertainment facilities like PC bangs and noraebangs (karaoke rooms)
• Public institution buildings such as offices, schools, and hospitals
• Public transportation facilities (subways, buses, trains, etc.) and their stops
• Common areas in apartment complexes and other multi-unit dwellings

Please be especially careful, as fines may be imposed for smoking in these locations. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

2. Please refrain from Smoking on the Street.

In Korea, it is not common to smoke while walking on the street. Especially in bustling areas with high foot traffic or residential areas, there is a strong tendency to view street smoking very negatively. When smoking, please observe the following to avoid inconveniencing others:

• Whenever possible, use designated smoking booths. Many commercial districts and busy areas have smoking booths installed.
• Smoke in secluded alleys or out-of-the-way places. However, it's best to refrain near residential alleys or private property.
• Do not smoke while walking or litter cigarette butts. This is illegal and can result in a fine.
• After smoking, always use a portable ashtray or dispose of butts in a designated ashtray.

3. Finding and Using Smoking Booths

In Korea, there are often separate smoking booths or designated smoking areas for smokers. You can typically find them in places such as:

• Major transportation facilities like main train stations, airports, and terminals
• Outside large shopping malls and department stores
• Outside some university and corporate buildings
• In alleys of bustling commercial or office districts

While you can smoke relatively freely inside smoking booths, please be careful not to let smoke leak outside the booth and always keep the area clean to show consideration for others.

4. Regulations for Electronic Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco

Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are subject to the same regulations as regular cigarettes. Therefore, they cannot be used in indoor non-smoking areas or non-smoking streets, and must only be used in designated areas such as smoking booths.

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Korea is a country that values a clean and pleasant environment. When smoking, please understand and comply with Korea's smoking culture and regulations to ensure a pleasant and comfortable travel experience for everyone. Enjoy your trip to Korea!