With the implementation of South Korea’s revised Tobacco Business Act on April 24. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will impose fines for the use of all tobacco products, including Vapes, within designated smoke-free zones. Under the new regulations, smoking in a smoke-free zone is punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 KRW (approximately 2,300 USD).
Key Points at a Glance
- Effective April 24, the use of any tobacco product, including Vapes, within designated smoke-free zones in Seoul, South Korea, will incur a fine of up to 100,000 KRW (approximately 2,300 USD).
- From April 13 to April 23, two weeks of public awareness and guidance will be conducted to intensively inform citizens and tobacco retailers about the details of the legislative amendments.
- From April 24 to May 15, officials will carry out three weeks of targeted inspections, focusing on unmanned Vape vending outlets and designated tobacco retailers.
Seoul Enforces Revised Tobacco Law Starting April 24
April 9, 2026. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with the revised Tobacco Business Act taking effect on April 24, fines will be imposed for smoking any tobacco product, including Vapes, within designated smoke-free zones. The city government stated that it will actively inform citizens about the details of the amendments and officially proceed with on-site inspections.
Vapes Now Subject to Smoke-Free Zone Penalties
Reports indicate that, previously, Vapes utilizing synthetic nicotine as their primary ingredient were not classified as statutory “tobacco products.” Consequently, even if individuals were caught using them within a smoke-free zone, fines were sometimes waived once it was confirmed that the product in question was a Vape.
Closing Regulatory Loopholes for Synthetic Nicotine Products
These types of products were sold and advertised with virtually no restrictions in both online and offline retail outlets, and they have long been cited as falling within a regulatory blind spot.
Following the recent legislative amendments, such exceptions will no longer apply.
Fines of Up to 100,000 KRW for Violations
Going forward, the use of any tobacco product, including Vapes, within designated smoke-free zones will be punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 KRW (approximately 2,300 USD).
Two-Week Public Awareness Campaign Before Enforcement
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that, to minimize confusion during the initial phase of the new regulations’ implementation, it will intensify its pre-implementation public awareness efforts.
From April 13 to April 23, the city government plans to conduct a public awareness and guidance campaign spanning approximately two weeks. During this period, posters detailing the legislative amendments will be distributed, and concentrated briefings regarding the changes will be held for tobacco retailers and the general public.
Three-Week Targeted Inspection Campaign
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that, following these preparatory measures, it will conduct a three-week official inspection campaign from April 24 to May 15. The inspections will focus on verifying whether unmanned e-cigarette sales outlets, as well as designated, authorized e-cigarette retailers, comply with the law.
Inspection Focus: Vending Machines, Minors, and Advertising Compliance
Key inspection areas will include the operational status of tobacco vending machines, adherence to regulations prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors, and compliance with standards for tobacco advertising and signage.
Joint Inspection Teams Across City and District Levels
To enhance the effectiveness of these inspections. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will form a joint inspection team comprising both city and district-level officials.
This inspection team is staffed by representatives from the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Health Management Division. Youth Policy Division, Fair Economy Division, and Economic Investigation Division, in collaboration with various autonomous districts, will consist of 16 separate units totaling 32 personnel tasked with conducting on-site, field-based inspections.
Focus on Youth Protection and Age Verification Systems
The Seoul Metropolitan Government emphasized that, with a particular focus on protecting minors, inspections will specifically verify whether e-cigarettes or harmful substances are being sold to youths. Furthermore, inspectors will check whether unmanned e-cigarette vending machines are equipped with adult age-verification systems and whether signage prohibiting sales to minors is clearly displayed.
Seoul Strengthens Smoking Cessation Support Efforts
The report also noted that, alongside the ongoing intensification of regulations within designated non-smoking zones. Seoul continues to maintain a high standard of public health management regarding both smoking prevalence rates and attempts to quit smoking.
Seoul Smoking Rates Below National Average
According to the 2025 Community Health Survey published by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Seoul’s current smoking rate stands at 14.90%, which is lower than the national average of 17.90%. Additionally, the rate of smoking cessation attempts among current smokers in Seoul is 43.90%, exceeding the national average of 40.60%.
