Ruth Haines
Smoking laws in South Korea are quite strict, with smoking in public places such as bars, cafes, subways, and schools prohibited since 2013. However, the enforcement of these laws varies, and some people continue to smoke in non-designated areas. Seoul's Incheon International Airport, a large and modern airport, provides designated smoking areas for travellers who wish to smoke before their flights. These areas are located inside the terminals, near the gates, and on the arrivals level. Additionally, the Matina Lounge in Terminal 2 offers a separate smoking area for its guests. Outside the airport, smoking is generally restricted to specific areas, such as alleys or smoking booths, and smokers are expected to be considerate and avoid smoking near open store doors or within 10 meters of subway stations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed in Seoul Airport | Yes, in designated smoking areas |
| Location of smoking areas | Inside the airport near all the gates, on the arrivals level, and outside the lounges |
| Smoking in Seoul | Allowed in certain places like alleys, smoking booths, noraebangs, clubs, and pubs |
| Illegality | Since 2013, it has been illegal to smoke in public places like bars, cafes, subways, and schools, and on the street |
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What You'll Learn
Smoking is banned in public spaces in South Korea
Despite this, South Korea has a high prevalence of smoking, with about 31% of Koreans over 15 years old being smokers. This has led to a mix of social acceptance and resistance to smoking in the country. While certain streets and areas in Seoul, such as Itaewon, allow smoking in alleys or backstreets, other parts of the city have clear no-smoking zones.
Additionally, some locals continue to smoke on sidewalks and in other public areas, despite the ban. This may be due to the lack of infrastructure to support cleaner smoking areas, as well as social and economic factors, and the low cost of cigarettes. However, public campaigns and smoke-free policies are working to change attitudes towards smoking in public places, with research indicating that smokers and non-smokers are increasingly viewing smoking as unacceptable behavior in public.
To comply with the law and local smoking etiquette, smokers should look for designated smoking areas, which are typically enclosed spaces with signage indicating "Smoking Area" or have multiple ashtrays. These can be found in noraebangs, clubs, pubs, and airports, including Seoul Airport, which has smoking booths near the taxi area and on the arrivals level.
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Seoul-Incheon International Airport has smoking areas
Incheon Terminal 2 has a separate smoking area outside the Matina Lounge, and there are also designated smoking areas across the rest of the terminal.
In South Korea, it has been illegal to smoke in public places such as bars, cafes, subways, and schools since 2013. However, smoking is permitted in noraebangs, clubs, and pubs. It can be difficult for expats to find designated smoking areas, which usually look like boxes or have multiple ashtrays. If you can't find a smoking area, some people recommend finding a small and discreet area to smoke in, or joining a group of locals smoking in a specific area.
In most cases, it is not recommended to follow the locals' example, as many people smoke where they shouldn't. In general, it is considered rude to smoke while walking on the sidewalk. There are certain streets in Seoul where smoking is not allowed, and no smoking areas are clearly marked. It is also important to be courteous and not smoke around other people or near open store doors.
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Smoking is allowed in some Seoul streets
Smoking laws in South Korea are very different from those in other countries. While it is illegal to smoke in public places like bars, cafes, and subways, there are designated smoking areas in noraebangs, clubs, and pubs. Since 2013, it has been illegal to smoke in the street, with offenders facing a fine if caught. However, some people report that they have seen others smoking on the street and that it is common to see people smoking where they shouldn't be.
In certain parts of Seoul, there are visibly no places to smoke without probably having to pay a fine. In other areas, like Itaewon, people report that it is acceptable to smoke in backstreet alleys, away from open store doors and passing pedestrians. It is recommended to follow the locals' example and look out for designated smoking areas. Some streets are also marked with signs indicating that smoking is prohibited.
There are also certain smoke-free areas designated by several cities, such as bus stops, areas around schools, and city parks. In Gyeonggi Province, apartment corridors, stairs, elevators, and car parks must be smoke-free if at least 60% of residents agree.
While smoking rates in South Korea have decreased overall, there is still a high prevalence of tobacco use, with 31.3% of men and 6.9% of women smokers in 2021. To combat this, the government has implemented measures such as mandatory warning pictures on cigarette packs, advertising bans, and financial incentives for quitting. Anyone can report a smoker by calling a government hotline, and disguised authorities also randomly check places for offending smokers.
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Locals smoke in alleys and backstreets
Seoul has a large number of smoke-free areas, and smoking is only allowed in certain places. While there are designated smoking booths, some people feel that there are not enough of them. This has resulted in people smoking in backstreets and alleys.
Some people have observed that there are certain areas where smoking is not allowed, and in those places, it is better to smoke in the streets and corners that do not have other people passing by. It is also recommended to smoke near a trash collection area so that cigarette butts can be disposed of properly.
In some parts of Seoul, there are visibly no places to smoke without risking a fine. However, in areas like Itaewon, people smoke in the backstreets and alleys. It is recommended to be considerate and not smoke in front of open store doors, within 10 meters of a subway station, or around people and children.
The lack of designated smoking areas has led to frustration among both smokers and non-smokers. Smokers feel that their rights are being ignored, while non-smokers complain about cigarette butts littering the streets and the unpleasant smell of smoke. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has no plans to install more tobacco zones but aims to create more smoke-free areas.
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Seoul has smoking areas near gates and arrivals
Seoul has strict regulations regarding smoking in public places. Since 2013, it has been illegal to smoke in public spaces, including bars, cafes, subways, and schools, with fines for those who do not comply. However, Seoul Incheon International Airport accommodates smokers with designated smoking areas inside the airport, near all the gates. These areas are located conveniently across Terminals 1 and 2, with Terminal 1 having smoking booths on the concrete islands near the taxi area. Terminal 2 also has separate smoking areas outside the lounges. Additionally, there are smoking areas on the arrivals level after you collect your bags.
While smoking is prohibited outside of these designated areas in the airport, Seoul's city landscape presents a different picture. Despite the existence of certain no-smoking streets and areas, such as within 10 meters of a subway station, smokers are often seen lighting up in various locations. Some smokers choose to follow the locals and smoke in alleys, backstreets, or near trash collection areas. Others opt for more discreet spots to avoid detection.
The lack of adequate infrastructure to support cleaner smoking areas in Seoul has resulted in a noticeable presence of smokers in various public spaces. This includes sidewalks, inside subway stations, and even during rush hour. As a result, non-smokers may find it challenging to avoid second-hand smoke in certain areas of the city.
It is recommended that smokers follow the designated smoking areas as much as possible and be considerate of others when smoking in public spaces. With a significant percentage of the population being smokers, Seoul presents a mixed landscape of smoking regulations and cultural norms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are designated smoking areas inside the airport near all of the gates. There are also smoking areas on the arrivals level after you come out with your bags.
They usually look like boxes and have a sign that says "Smoking Area" or have a lot of ashtrays.
Yes, there is a separate smoking area outside the Matina Lounge.
