Seoul Station Plaza and Nearby Roads Designated as Non-Smoking Areas... 100,000 Won Fine from June

Intensive Crackdown Planned in Cooperation with Yongsan District from June to July

Junggu District in Seoul announced on May 29 that starting June 1, Seoul Station Plaza and the surrounding roads will be designated as non-smoking areas. Anyone caught smoking in these areas will be fined 100,000 won.

Banner at Seoul Station Plaza. Provided by Junggu District.

The non-smoking zone covers a total area of 56,800 square meters, including approximately 43,000 square meters around Seoul Station Plaza and the station, and about 13,800 square meters at the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center. Smokers must use the designated smoking booths operated by Korea Railroad Corporation.

The district has operated a guidance period since March, and will begin full-scale enforcement in June. In particular, for two months from June to July, a dedicated non-smoking enforcement team will be formed in cooperation with Yongsan District Office and Seoul Namdaemun Police Station to conduct intensive crackdowns.

To raise awareness about the designation of the non-smoking area, a "Non-Smoking Area Designation Notification" campaign will be held at Seoul Station Plaza on June 5, with participation from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yongsan District, Seoul Smoking Cessation Support Center, and other related organizations. Various experiential events will also be available on site.

Junggu District plans to use a variety of media, including electronic displays, media boards, and pavement stickers, to inform the public about the non-smoking area and encourage voluntary participation from citizens. Kim Gilseong, Mayor of Junggu District, stated, "The designation of Seoul Station Plaza as a non-smoking area is a measure to protect public health and establish a proper non-smoking culture in public places," and added, "We ask for the active interest and cooperation of citizens in operating the non-smoking area."

Meanwhile, Junggu District is working to reduce the local smoking rate not only by expanding non-smoking areas, but also through various initiatives such as smoking cessation clinics, youth smoking prevention education, and mobile smoking cessation clinics.