Starting from February 15, 2026. South Korea will ban vape vending machines within 200m of schools to protect youth from nicotine products.
Key Points
- Starting from February 15, 2026, South Korea will ban the installation of vape vending machines within 200 meters of schools.
- The ban will also extend to all nicotine products, including heated tobacco and vape products.
- Existing vending machines must be removed by 2029.
- The age at which teenagers first try vapes has decreased to 13.7 years old, leading to an increase in usage rates.
South Korea to ban vape vending machines near schools from February 15, 2026
In a report by the Ulsan Daily News on October 14, 2025. The South Korean Ministry of Education announced that starting on February 15, 2026. The setting up of vape vending machines within a 200-meter radius of schools and kindergartens nationwide will be prohibited. This measure is aimed at preventing easy access to nicotine products by young people.
The support department conducted inspections in 40 schools
The Education Support Bureau of North Ulsan recently conducted inspections at 40 out of 180 schools and confirmed that there are currently no vape vending machines near school campuses. The education department stated that they will continue to conduct comprehensive investigations and implement a reporting system to reduce opportunities for teenagers to access vapes.
The scope of prohibition for vape vending machines
According to the revised “Education Environmental Protection Law,” the ban on vape vending machines has been expanded from traditional cigarettes to include all nicotine-containing products, including heated tobacco and vapes. The restricted areas have also been expanded from primary, middle, and high schools to include areas around kindergartens.
It is strictly prohibited to place vending machines within 50 meters of the school
According to current regulations. Vending machines are strictly prohibited within 50 meters of schools, and the Education Environment Protection Committee must approve their placement within 200 meters.
Vape vending machines that are already installed must undergo review by February 14, 2027, or they will be shut down and removed by 2029.
Conclusion
According to data from the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The average age of adolescents trying vapes for the first time has decreased from 14.4 years in 2021 to 13.7 years in 2024. The usage rate of vapes has also increased from 1.9% in 2020 to 3.0% in 2024.
