The smoking rate in South Korea has been dropping in the past few years. Despite recent declines, the country's percentage remains higher than the average rate among the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, particularly among men.

It's no secret that smoking is one of the most harmful habits, with severe consequences for our health. Continued use of tobacco or other smoking-related products can lead to deep regret—or worse, fatal outcomes.

Fortunately, companies and public health centers in South Korea have discovered a way for people to quit smoking effectively. Keep reading to find out more about their strategy that's helping people change their lives for the better.

 

2024 Smoking Rate in South Korea

Before we go through South Korea's approach to helping local smokers quit, let's take a closer look at recent data showing the country's percentage of tobacco product usage.

According to the 2024 health survey by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), tobacco-related product consumption among the South Korean population stands at 22.6%, marking a 0.4% rise from 2023. The rate among men dropped by 0.2% to 39.7%, while it rose among women by 0.3% to 5.2%.

How Are Companies In South Korea Making It Easier For Locals To Quit Smoking?

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The overall smoking rate among men has declined from 41.6% in 2015 to 34.0% in 2024. On the contrary, the rate among women grew from 2.7% to 3.9%.

The usage of e-cigarettes in South Korea has also risen. It jumped from 5.1% in 2019 to 8.7% in 2024. The percentages o