Did you know smoking is restricted in and around many public places and transportation hubs in Korea?

To minimize exposure to secondhand smoke, the government and local authorities enforce strict no-smoking polices near government buildings, schools and subway stations.

In August 2024, the Ministry of Health and Welfare expanded the smoke-free zone around schools, increasing the restriction from 10 meters to 30 meters for all buildings from kindergarten to high school.

Many major cities, including Seoul, have designated their own non-smoking zones, covering numerous streets, sidewalks, public parks and other public spaces. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has designated a total of 299,000 areas as non-smoking zones, including indoor public buildings, as of September 2024.

Many apartment complexes have also restricted smoking within their residential areas, leaving smokers with no choice but to smoke outside the premises.

How Do You Know If an Area Is a Non-Smoking Zone?

Non-smoking signs are usually attached or placed in the restricted areas, with a warning that violators may face fines of up to 100,000 won.

While smoking is allowed on streets and areas not designated as non-smoking zones, many non-smokers find smoking on sidewalks and crowded areas disruptive.