smoking in South Korea

Overview of Tobacco Use and Regulations

Smoking in South Korea remains a significant public health challenge, despite recent declines in smoking rates. The country has seen major reductions in smoking prevalence due to strong tobacco control policies and public health campaigns, yet the tobacco epidemic persists, posing severe health and economic burdens. According to the Tobacco Atlas, South Korea is making strides but still faces high rates of tobacco use and related deaths.

Current Smoking Rates and Impact

Smoking Prevalence

• Adult Smoking: As of 2019, the adult smoking prevalence in South Korea was 24%, with 42.5% of men and 5.2% of women identified as smokers. This equates to over 11 million adult smokers in the country.
• Youth Smoking: Smoking among youth aged 10-14 years stands at 7%, with 8.9% of boys and 5.6% of girls smoking. This high prevalence among young people is a critical public health concern.

Health and Economic Costs

• Annual Deaths: Smoking is responsible for approximately 54,508 deaths each year in South Korea, accounting for 17% of all deaths.
• Economic Burden: The economic cost of smoking in South Korea is staggering, totaling around 28.4 trillion won annually. This includes healthcare costs and lost productivity due to illness and premature death.

Tobacco Control Policies

South Korea has implemented several tobacco control measures to address this epidemic:

Designated Smoke-Free Areas

• Smoking is banned in healthcare facilities, public transport, and other indoor public places, but not uniformly in educational facilities, universities, government offices, indoor offices, restaurants, or bars. Read our Guide on Smoking in Incheon Airport with designated smoking areas.

Tobacco Packaging and Advertising

• Packaging: Cigarette packs in South Korea must have graphic warning labels covering 50% of the pack. There is no requirement for plain packaging.
• Advertising Restrictions: South Korea enforces bans on tobacco advertising on national and international TV and radio, billboards, and the internet. However, other forms of advertising, such as in local magazines, newspapers, and point-of-sale promotions, are less regulated.

Cessation Support

• South Korea provides cessation services, including a national quit line and coverage for nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and other cessation services.

Tax Policies

• The country has made efforts to increase cigarette prices through taxation. The overall cigarette tax score is 2.5 out of 5, with a strong emphasis on high tax shares and structured tax policies aimed at reducing tobacco affordability over time.

Environmental and Societal Harms

Environmental Impact

• Cigarette butts are a significant environmental pollutant, with an estimated 14,305 tons of butts discarded annually in South Korea. This equates to a substantial environmental burden, contributing to toxic waste.

Societal Impact

• Smoking diverts resources from essential needs, exacerbating poverty. On average, a South Korean smoker spends 1.23% of GDP per capita annually on cigarettes.

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)

• Smoking is a major risk factor for the four largest NCDs: cancer, heart diseases, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Individuals with mental illness are nearly twice as likely to smoke, highlighting the intersection of tobacco use and mental health issues.

Where to Buy Cigarettes as a New Visitor in South Korea

As a new visitor to South Korea, you can purchase cigarettes from several types of establishments. Here are some of the most common places where you can buy cigarettes:

1. Convenience Stores

• Locations: Convenience stores such as GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 are ubiquitous throughout South Korea. They are often found in urban areas, near tourist attractions, and in residential neighborhoods.
• Availability: Cigarettes are available at the counter. You may need to show ID to prove your age, as the legal smoking age in South Korea is 19.

2. Supermarkets

• Locations: Large supermarkets like Lotte Mart, Emart, and Homeplus also sell cigarettes. These stores are typically located in major shopping districts and suburban areas.
• Availability: Cigarettes are usually sold at a dedicated kiosk or the customer service counter.

3. Duty-Free Shops

• Locations: Duty-free shops are located in international airports, such as Incheon International Airport (ICN), and in major tourist areas like Myeongdong in Seoul or the duty-free zones on Jeju Island.
• Availability: Duty-free shops offer a wide selection of cigarette brands at tax-free prices. You need to show your passport and boarding pass to purchase cigarettes at duty-free shops.

4. Tobacco Shops

• Locations: Specialized tobacco shops, though less common, can be found in some urban areas and larger cities.
• Availability: These shops often carry a wider variety of tobacco products, including imported and premium brands.

5. Vending Machines

• Locations: Cigarette vending machines are relatively rare and are typically found in bars, clubs, and certain public places.
• Availability: These machines may require an age verification card (such as the Korean “T-Money” card) to ensure that the purchaser is of legal smoking age.

6. Hotels and Guesthouses

• Locations: Some hotels and guesthouses may sell cigarettes at their front desks or gift shops.
• Availability: This can be convenient for tourists staying at these establishments, especially in more remote locations.

Important Considerations

• Legal Age: The legal age to purchase cigarettes in South Korea is 19. Always carry a valid ID as you may be required to show it.
• Language: While many store employees speak some English, knowing basic Korean phrases like “담배 주세요” (dambaeyo juseyo – “cigarettes, please”) can be helpful.
• Smoking Areas: Be aware that smoking is restricted in many public places in South Korea. Look for designated smoking areas to avoid fines.

By understanding where to buy cigarettes and the legal requirements, new visitors to South Korea can navigate the purchase process smoothly.

Summary of Smoking Statistics in South Korea

While South Korea has achieved notable progress in reducing smoking rates through rigorous tobacco control policies, challenges remain, particularly in addressing the rise of heated tobacco products and e-cigarette use among youth. Continued efforts and strengthened measures are essential to further decrease smoking prevalence and mitigate its health and economic impacts.

Tobacco Market Overview

South Korea’s tobacco market has been predominantly cigarette-based, with conventional cigarettes contributing to over 99% of total tobacco product sales until 2016. The introduction of heated tobacco products (HTPs) in 2017 has started to shift this landscape, although cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product.

Cigarette Sales Trends

From 2014 to 2020, domestic cigarette sales in South Korea have seen a general decline, largely influenced by a significant tobacco price increase in 2015. Despite this, there was a slight uptick in sales in 2020, with a 5% increase compared to the previous year. The yearly sales volumes in billion packs are as follows:

• 2014: 4.36
• 2015: 3.33
• 2016: 3.66
• 2017: 3.44
• 2018: 3.14
• 2019: 3.21
• 2020: 3.06
• 2021: 3.15
• 2022: 3.09

Market Share by Tobacco Product (2017-2027)

The market share for HTPs is expected to continue rising, while the share for conventional cigarettes is projected to decline:

• 2017: E-Cigarettes 0.6%, HTPs 3.0%, Cigarettes 96.4%
• 2022: E-Cigarettes 0.5%, HTPs 14.6%, Cigarettes 84.9%
• 2027 (estimate): E-Cigarettes 0.5%, HTPs 18.8%, Cigarettes 80.7%

Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking

Adult Smoking Rates (19+ years) Enforcement of strong tobacco controls has significantly reduced smoking rates among adults:

• 2011: Overall 27.1%, Men 47.3%, Women 6.8%
• 2021: Overall 19.3%, Men 31.3%, Women 6.9% This decrease in male smoking rates from 47.3% to 31.3% over a decade places South Korea among the countries with the most significant recent decreases in smoking rates.

Youth Smoking Rates (13-18 years) Youth smoking has also decreased, though recent years show stagnation, especially among girls:

• 2012: Overall 11.4%, Boys 16.3%, Girls 5.9%
• 2021: Overall 4.5%, Boys 6.0%, Girls 2.9%

Prevalence of E-Cigarette and HTP Use

E-Cigarette Use Rates (19+ years) E-cigarette usage among adults has been regulated similarly to conventional cigarettes, leading to a prevalence rate of under 5%:

• 2013: Overall 1.1%, Men 2.0%, Women 0.3%
• 2021: Overall 3.2%, Men 5.0%, Women 1.2%

HTP Use Rates (19+ years) The use of heated tobacco products among adults shows a recent decline:

• 2019: Overall 6.2%, Men 10.3%, Women 1.9%
• 2021: Overall 4.6%, Men 7.3%, Women 1.7%

Youth Use of E-Cigarettes and HTPs Despite preventive measures, youth usage of e-cigarettes and HTPs has shown concerning trends:

• E-Cigarettes 2022: Overall 3.3%, Boys 4.5%, Girls 2.2%
• HTPs 2022: Overall 2.3%, Boys 3.2%, Girls 1.3%

Tobacco Control Measures

South Korea has implemented several tobacco control measures to curb smoking:

• Smoke-Free Areas: Designated in healthcare facilities and other public places.
• Packaging Regulations: Cigarette packs must include graphic warning labels covering 50% of the pack.
• Advertising Restrictions: Comprehensive bans on various forms of tobacco advertising.
• Cessation Support: National quit line and coverage for nicotine replacement therapies and cessation services.
• Tax Policies: Efforts to increase cigarette prices through taxation have been partially successful.

Cultural Sentiments Attached to Smoking in S. Korea

Cultural sentiments towards smoking in Korea are shifting. While historically accepted among men, smoking faces increasing stigma and regulatory control, driven by health campaigns and changing societal norms. The rise of smoke-free environments and the growing awareness of health risks are contributing to a decline in smoking prevalence and changing public attitudes.

Historical Context

• Men: Smoking has been a common social and business practice among men, seen as a symbol of masculinity and a way to bond.
• Women: Historically stigmatized for smoking, women still face more scrutiny, though attitudes are slowly changing.

Youth and Smoking

• Smoking rates among youth have decreased due to anti-smoking campaigns, but e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are becoming popular, raising new concerns.

Changing Attitudes

• Public Health Campaigns: Aggressive campaigns and government initiatives, like increased taxes and graphic warning labels, have shifted public perception towards recognizing smoking as a health hazard.
• Work and Social Environments: Smoking is now restricted to designated areas in workplaces and public spaces, reflecting a move towards healthier environments.

Tobacco Control Policies

• Compliance and Enforcement: Stricter regulations and designated smoking areas have helped manage smoking behavior, though enforcement can be challenging.
• Economic Impact: Smoking imposes a financial burden on lower-income families, diverting funds from essential needs.

Social Stigma

• Growing social stigma, especially in urban areas, as health-conscious lifestyles gain popularity. Smokers are increasingly viewed as inconsiderate in shared spaces, with strong public support for smoke-free environments.

Key Takeaways

South Korea has made significant strides in tobacco control, resulting in notable decreases in smoking rates. However, the high prevalence of smoking among youth and the substantial health and economic impacts underscore the need for continued and enhanced efforts.

Strengthening smoke-free policies, improving access to cessation services, and increasing taxes on tobacco products are critical steps toward reducing tobacco use and mitigating its harmful effects on society and the environment. The government’s proactive measures and ongoing public health campaigns play a crucial role in shaping a healthier future for South Korea.