Where is smoking allowed in South Korea?

Where is smoking allowed in South Korea? - Free stock photo of adult, battle, boy

I heard on a few YouTube travel videos that there are "stricter than normal" restrictions on where smoking is allowed in South Korea, especially in Seoul.

Are there any signs that I should watch out for to determine where smoking is allowed or not?






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Where is smoking allowed in South Korea? - Building with brick wall and signboard with title indicating smoking area with symbol of cigarette
Where is smoking allowed in South Korea? - Blue Car on Road
Where is smoking allowed in South Korea? - A Man Smoking Cigar



Where can you smoke in South Korea?

Over the past decade, Korea has become more health conscious and smoking is now prohibited in closed public places such as offices, many restaurants, stores, underground passages and elsewhere. Look for the non-smoking sign. It is, however, possible to smoke in restaurants that serve alcohol as well as in some cafes.

Can I smoke on the street in Korea?

Korea has strong anti smoking laws and the city of Seoel even harsher. That's fine but on a day of sightseeing I would like to have a cigarette or 2-3. But smoking on the street, terasses or in bars is also prohibited.

When can you smoke cigarettes in Korea?

How old do you have to be to buy cigarettes in Korea? You have to be 19 years of age. Vendors are supposed to check ID.

Can you smoke inside in Seoul?

Smoking indoors in South Korea is also prohibited. Unless it is specifically stated that smoking is allowed like in some karaoke rooms (noraebang), or there is a designated smoking room like in some clubs and pubs, it's safe to assume that it is not okay to light one up indoors.



Smoking in Korea




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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