Resolving Conflicts and Improving Urban Aesthetics Caused by Smoking Issues
Three New Models Enhance Public Interest and Practicality
Pilot Operation to Begin at Cheongnyangni Station Plaza on May 26
On May 19, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced three new "Seoul-Type Smoking Booth" designs, aiming to resolve social conflicts and improve urban aesthetics caused by smoking in downtown areas.
Previously, various parts of the city faced issues such as secondhand smoke exposure and the lack of standardized booth designs, which negatively affected the cityscape. In particular, downtown areas with clusters of high-rise buildings and a high volume of foreign tourists suffered from a shortage of appropriate smoking zones.
To address these issues, Seoul plans to standardize smoking booth designs by considering flexible structures tailored to different locations, as well as landscape, pedestrian flow, and technology. The goal is to prevent secondhand smoke exposure and establish a more orderly urban environment.
The three newly developed booth types are: open-type, semi-open-type, and enclosed-type. Each type is designed to be selectively installed based on the characteristics of the space and surrounding environment.
The open-type booth features a minimal structure, making it suitable for spaces where visual openness is important, such as parks or cultural venues. Its panel-based modular design allows for flexible assembly and installation according to on-site conditions. The semi-open-type booth balances visual screening with openness, making it appropriate for public offices or commercial districts. The enclosed-type booth is separated from the outside and features enhanced air circulation, making it ideal for densely populated areas. Both the semi-open and enclosed types are available in three width options (10m, 7m, 5m), allowing for flexible installation even in locations with space constraints.
The smoking booth designs are centered on the core value of "harmony with the urban environment." The exterior uses neutral colors to blend naturally with street architecture and pedestrian spaces, while glass and metal materials are used to minimize visual impact. The interior features anti-smoking promotional content, separate zones for different types of tobacco products, automatic doors, and cigarette butt disposal devices.
For the semi-open and enclosed booths, ashtrays utilizing recycling technology have been installed to reinforce the booths' public function in terms of resource circulation and environmental protection. The enclosed booth incorporates advanced air purification technology to minimize secondhand smoke exposure for pedestrians and reduce conflicts among citizens.
Additionally, the city has designed the smoking booths with a simple yet durable structure to facilitate easy cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. Major components are modularized for easy replacement, and a separate access route for administrators has been secured to further improve maintenance efficiency.
Starting May 26, Seoul will conduct a pilot operation of the enclosed-type "Seoul-Type Smoking Booth" at the Cheongnyangni Station plaza in Dongdaemun-gu. The city also plans to distribute the "Seoul-Type Smoking Booth Design Guidelines" within May to provide a standard reference for autonomous districts and private facilities wishing to install smoking booths independently. Choi Inkyu, Director of Design Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "Rather than simply ignoring or hiding smoking booths, we designed the Seoul-Type Smoking Booths with the hope of creating a more pleasant street environment." He added, "We ask for the active participation and cooperation of all citizens so that, as advanced citizens, everyone can help create a clean and orderly street culture together."
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