Gangbuk District Installs 16 No-Smoking Bells to Prevent Secondhand Smoke

No-Smoking Guidance at the Press of a Button
Participatory Budgeting Project Operates on Solar Power

On December 1, Gangbuk District in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Soonhee) announced that it has newly installed "no-smoking bells" to minimize residents' exposure to secondhand smoke and to create a smoke-free environment.

A no-smoking bell installed in the square in front of Gangbuk District Office. Provided by Gangbuk District Office.

This initiative was launched as a participatory budgeting project in response to the continuous increase in secondhand smoke damage. The main focus is to install no-smoking bells in areas with frequent complaints, providing immediate guidance and warning announcements.

The district selected installation sites based on field surveys and analysis of complaints, prioritizing areas with repeated reports of habitual smoking and locations with a high number of smoking-related fines. The no-smoking bells are powered by solar energy, eliminating the need for separate power connections and making installation and maintenance convenient.

The no-smoking bells can be used by anyone. When the button is pressed in situations where smoking causes discomfort, a no-smoking announcement is broadcast five seconds later. Additionally, automated announcements are played at specific times to naturally foster a smoke-free atmosphere in the area. A total of 16 no-smoking bells have been installed: 13 in designated no-smoking zones, such as within 10 meters of subway stations, and 3 in non-designated areas, including the square in front of the district office.

Meanwhile, the district is also implementing various initiatives to lower the local smoking rate and prevent secondhand smoke, such as maintaining no-smoking signs and operating a smoking cessation clinic year-round.

Lee Soonhee, Mayor of Gangbuk District, stated, "Installing no-smoking bells is a measure to protect residents' health and reduce secondhand smoke exposure in daily life," adding, "We will continue to strengthen management and support to create a smoke-free environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.