“Tobacco STOP”… 50,000 KRW Fine for Smoking Near Seocho-gu Children's Parks Starting the 19th

No Smoking on Public Roads Within 10m Radius of Park Boundaries
After 3 Months of Guidance, Full-Scale Intensive Crackdown Begins

Before the enforcement of the no-smoking zone within 10 meters of the boundary of Seocho-gu Children's Park starting on the 19th of this month, no-smoking inspectors are patrolling around the park. Provided by Seocho-gu.

Starting from the 19th of this month, a fine of 50,000 KRW will be imposed on those caught smoking in the non-smoking zones around children's parks in Seocho-gu. Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced on the 18th that it will begin full-scale enforcement of the non-smoking zones within a 10-meter radius from the boundary of children's parks starting that day.

The enforcement targets are public roads around 72 children's parks designated under the "Act on Urban Parks and Green Areas." Private properties around the parks are excluded. This measure reflects the opinions gathered from residents and others during January and February to prevent secondhand smoke exposure to children using the parks.

Seocho-gu is the first local government nationwide to expand the non-smoking zones beyond the children's parks to their surrounding areas. After designating these areas as non-smoking zones on March 18, the district underwent a three-month guidance period.

During the past three months, Seocho-gu conducted extensive publicity for the non-smoking zones. They inspected promotional banners, signage, and non-smoking floor markings installed around the children's parks, and enforcement officers carried out day and night guidance activities focusing on major smoking hotspots. As a result, 57 cases of smoking around the parks were guided to comply.

Focused publicity was also carried out through public-private cooperation. The "Seocho Non-Smoking Coaching Team," consisting of 36 female parents, toured the areas around children's parks to inform about the non-smoking zones and encourage participation in smoking cessation clinics. Additionally, 28 "Playground Security Guards," who ensure the safety of children using the parks, guided smokers outside the parks to comply.

Going forward, the district plans to form a mobile enforcement team to conduct focused crackdowns around children's parks with frequent smoking complaints. At the same time, they will continue to promote awareness of the non-smoking zones through groups like the "Seocho Non-Smoking Coaching Team."

In addition to enforcement, services to support smoking cessation will be provided. Using the "Seocho Smoking Cessation Education QR Code," smokers caught on-site will be immediately guided to apply for "smoking cessation education and support services." If they complete a 3-hour online course, 50% of the fine will be reduced, and if they complete a 6-month smoking cessation support program such as a smoking cessation clinic, the entire fine will be waived, encouraging effective smoking cessation.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su stated, "We will continue to implement resident-centered non-smoking policies that protect the health of future generations from secondhand smoke and create a 'Healthy City Seocho.'"

Meanwhile, according to the Disease Control and Prevention Agency's "Community Health Survey," last year Seocho-gu's smoking rate was 11.4%, lower than the Seoul average of 16.6%, ranking the lowest among the 25 autonomous districts. On the 31st of last month, Seocho-gu also received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award at the ceremony for the 37th World No Tobacco Day in recognition of its excellent community smoking cessation projects.