Full-Scale Enforcement from the 17th under the National Health Promotion Act
Starting from the 17th, a fine of up to 100,000 KRW will be imposed for smoking within 30 meters of the boundaries of daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary, middle, and high schools.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, from this day forward, areas within 30 meters of the boundaries of daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary, middle, and high schools will be designated as non-smoking zones, and a fine of up to 100,000 KRW will be imposed for smoking in these areas. Previously, non-smoking zones were limited to within 10 meters of daycare and kindergarten facility boundaries and inside elementary, middle, and high school facilities.
According to the revised National Health Promotion Act enacted last August, the non-smoking zone around kindergartens and daycare centers has been expanded to 30 meters, and areas within 30 meters of school facilities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act have also been newly designated as non-smoking zones. This expansion and establishment of non-smoking zones near educational facilities will be fully enforced after a one-year grace period.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Promotion Institute plan to produce promotional materials such as posters, covers, and banners to distribute to local governments and conduct nationwide public awareness campaigns to ensure wide community notification.
Kim Heon-ju, President of the Korea Health Promotion Institute, stated, "We expect that the expansion of non-smoking zones around educational facilities will reduce harm to children and adolescents caused by secondhand smoke."
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