Gangnam-gu Installs Two "Separated Smoking Booths" on Teheran-ro

Fully Enclosed for Conventional Cigarettes, Semi-Open for Electronic Cigarettes

On January 22, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Cho Sungmyung) announced that it has installed "separated smoking booths" in the areas of the DB Financial Center on Teheran-ro (Teheran-ro 424) and Samwon Tower at Kukkiwon Intersection (Teheran-ro 124).

A separated smoking booth installed by Gangnam-gu in the area of 124 Teheran-ro. Provided by Gangnam-gu.

The district analyzed perceived differences between users of conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, as well as non-smokers' awareness of secondhand smoke exposure, through a public-private governance living lab involving residents, police, partner organizations, and relevant departments. Based on this analysis, it developed a separated solution. The "separated smoking booth" is characterized by spatially separating the paths of smokers and non-smokers, and by distinguishing between areas for conventional cigarette use and electronic cigarette use.

The booth for conventional cigarette smokers is fully enclosed, equipped with smoke extraction and air purification systems, as well as an air curtain to prevent smoke from escaping outside. The booth for electronic cigarette smokers is semi-open, with a structure focused on smoke extraction and purification functions. For the first time among public institutions, "swaller fans" for smoke collection and "electrostatic precipitator filters" have been installed, enabling air purification without the need for separate filter replacement.

The booths are approximately 10 meters in length, with a 60:40 ratio of space allocated for conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, respectively, and can accommodate 15 to 20 people. Operating hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Starting January 20, the district designated the areas surrounding the smoking booths as no-smoking zones. The designated sections are the west side of Teheran-ro (from Cambridge Building to Exit 2 of Yeoksam Station, 625 meters) and the east side of Teheran-ro (from Exit 2 of Seolleung Station to POSCO Intersection, 700 meters). After a three-month period of promotion and guidance, full-scale enforcement will begin.

Cho Sungmyung, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, stated, "By installing these booths, we will separate the movement of smokers, minimize the harm caused by secondhand smoke on the streets, and create a pleasant and walkable environment."

Inside the separated smoking booth in Gangnam-gu. Provided by Gangnam-gu.