Smoking Laws in Korea - FAQ

Yes, smoking on the street is prohibited in designated non-smoking zones throughout Seoul and other major cities. Under Article 9 of the National Health Promotion Act, local governments can designate outdoor areas as non-smoking zones. In Seoul, most major streets, especially near subway stations and commercial areas, are non-smoking zones.

The fine for smoking in designated non-smoking areas is 100,000 KRW (approximately $75 USD). This fine applies equally to both Korean citizens and foreign tourists. Under Article 34 of the National Health Promotion Act, local government officers actively patrol popular areas and can issue on-the-spot fines.

Smoking is prohibited in: (1) All indoor public places including restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping malls, (2) Within 10 meters of subway station entrances/exits, (3) Bus stops and taxi stands, (4) Public parks and children's playgrounds, (5) School zones (within 50 meters of schools), (6) Hospital premises, (7) Government buildings. Most commercial streets in Seoul are also designated non-smoking zones.

Yes, you can bring cigarettes duty-free when entering Korea. The duty-free allowance is 200 cigarettes (1 carton), 50 cigars, or 250g of other tobacco products per adult. Amounts exceeding this limit are subject to customs duties. You must be 19 years or older to bring tobacco into Korea.

Cigarettes are sold at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24), supermarkets, and dedicated tobacco shops. You must show ID proving you are 19 or older to purchase. Most international cigarette brands are available, along with Korean brands like Esse and Raison. Prices range from 4,500-5,500 KRW per pack.

The legal age to purchase and smoke tobacco in Korea is 19 years old (Korean age 20). This is strictly enforced, and retailers must check ID. Selling tobacco to minors is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million KRW.

Yes, under Korean law, e-cigarettes (including IQOS, glo, and liquid vapes) are regulated identically to traditional cigarettes. Article 9-4 of the National Health Promotion Act explicitly includes electronic smoking devices. You cannot use e-cigarettes in non-smoking zones, and the same 100,000 KRW fine applies.

No. Heated tobacco products like IQOS and glo are classified as tobacco products under Korean law and are subject to the same restrictions as cigarettes. Using them indoors in public places is prohibited and subject to the standard 100,000 KRW fine.

Yes, enforcement applies equally to tourists and locals. District officers regularly patrol popular tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam. They can issue on-the-spot fines and may ask for your passport. Payment can be made at convenience stores or banks. Unpaid fines can cause issues when leaving Korea.

If you receive a fine, you'll get a payment slip. You can pay at: (1) Any convenience store using the barcode, (2) Banks, (3) Online through the Wetax system (wetax.go.kr). The fine must be paid within 30 days. Failure to pay can result in additional penalties and may affect future visa applications.

Incheon Airport has designated smoking rooms in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Before security: smoking rooms are located on the 1st floor (arrivals) and outside the terminal building. After security (airside): smoking rooms are available in the transit area on the 4th floor. Look for the smoking room signs or ask airport staff. Note that all outdoor areas directly in front of the terminal are non-smoking zones.

In most parts of Seoul, smoking on the street is prohibited. Major commercial districts like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon are designated non-smoking zones. You must use designated smoking booths or areas, usually marked with signs. Enforcement officers patrol these areas and can issue ₩100,000 fines on the spot. Use our map to find the nearest designated smoking area.

Most large hospitals in Korea have designated outdoor smoking areas, usually located at the edges of the hospital grounds. Under the National Health Promotion Act, the entire premises of medical facilities are non-smoking zones. However, hospitals are required to provide designated smoking areas for patients and visitors. Look for signs or ask the information desk. Major hospitals like Asan Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital have clearly marked outdoor smoking zones.

The easiest way is to use our map at smokearea.kr. It shows 1,200+ verified smoking areas across Korea with real-time location. You can also: (1) Look for blue smoking booth signs on the street, (2) Check near subway exits — many stations have smoking areas within 50-100 meters, (3) Ask convenience store staff, (4) Look for ashtrays or smoking booth structures. Add our site to your home screen for quick access anytime.

Yes, you can use e-cigarettes, IQOS, glo, and other vaping devices in designated smoking areas. These devices are classified as tobacco products under Korean law, so they follow the same rules: prohibited in non-smoking zones, but permitted in designated smoking areas. The same ₩100,000 fine applies if you use them outside designated areas.