Market Report: E-cigarette Market Slightly Rises in South Korea

Aug.06.2022
Market Report: E-cigarette Market Slightly Rises in South Korea
Market report: Traditional cigarette market share decreases while e-cigarettes increase in South Korea, according to a new report.

The report titled "Market Report: South Korea - Traditional cigarette market shares continue to decline, while e-cigarettes witness slight growth" has been added to the archives of ResearchAndMarkets.com. While the report notes a decrease in smoking rates and an increase in the use of safer alternatives to tobacco, it highlights that pending legislation could have negative implications for the market.


A report indicates that South Korea's electronic cigarette imports and exports are expected to decline in 2021. It also notes that China is the most important import market and Russia is the main export destination. As online sales of e-liquids are banned in South Korea, physical electronic cigarette stores remain the primary sales point for these products.


A few years ago, South Korea was among the world's fastest-growing markets for e-cigarettes, attracting the attention of major international manufacturers such as Juul Labs. However, in 2020, the government urged the public not to use e-cigarettes, and the industry took a hit when the major convenience store chain GS25 stopped selling flavored e-cigarette products from Juul Labs and local company KT&G.


Following this, the South Korean army announced a ban on the use and possession of electronic devices in its bases, sending a clear message to the public about strict regulation of electronic cigarettes. Additionally, a CNBC article at the time explained that this move was significant as South Korea has a large military of approximately 600,000 soldiers, primarily consisting of men, and Korean men still rank among the highest smokers in the world. Click to see the original report link.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is for industry exchange and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness or accuracy of the article's content. The translation of this article is solely intended for industry communications and research purposes.


Due to the limitations of our translation abilities, the translated article may not convey the exact same meaning as the original. Please refer to the original article for more accurate information.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on all statements and positions related to domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign issues.


The rights to compile information belong to the original media and authors, and if there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the government would not ease its action against e-cigarettes and illicit tobacco and would continue strengthening regulation, legislation, and enforcement. Speaking at the launch of a new program to help young people quit vaping, she said reducing tobacco excise would not materially reduce profits in the illicit tobacco market.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Authorizes Glas Vape but Flavor Hopes Fall Short
FDA Authorizes Glas Vape but Flavor Hopes Fall Short
The FDA has added Glas products to its authorized electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) list, granting Marketing Granted Orders (MGOs) to the Glas G DEVICE and a BLONDE TOBACCO pod. The decision expands the number of FDA-authorized ENDS products to 41, marking the first new authorization since Juul’s approvals in July 2025. However, widely anticipated non-tobacco flavored products were not approved.
Mar.13
Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
The EPO Technical Board of Appeal 3.2.02 (T 1319/24) revoked VMR Products LLC’s EP3613453 “VAPORIZER” patent after finding that a 2012 YouTube video of the Innokin iTaste VV (D3) disclosed the claimed electrical contact arrangement. Opponents Nicoventures Trading Ltd (BAT subsidiary) and Philip Morris Products S.A. prevailed.
BATPMI
Feb.17
Philippine Lawmakers Push Bill to Close Vape Tax Loopholes
Philippine Lawmakers Push Bill to Close Vape Tax Loopholes
Lawmakers in the Philippines are pushing House Bill 5207 (HB 5207), which seeks to harmonize excise tax rates on vapor products and address disparities between nicotine salt and freebase nicotine taxation. The bill, supported by more than 40 lawmakers including Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan, would raise taxes on freebase nicotine products to align them with nicotine salt rates.
Regulations
Feb.22
UK OPSS launches vape safety campaign focusing on use, charging and disposal
UK OPSS launches vape safety campaign focusing on use, charging and disposal
The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published information on March 4, 2026, launching a new campaign to raise awareness among young people about safety issues linked to using, charging and disposing of vapes.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Deputy Mikhail Ivanov delivers a lesson on the harms of vapes to Sormovo school students
Deputy Mikhail Ivanov delivers a lesson on the harms of vapes to Sormovo school students
According to the United Russia Nizhny Novgorod branch website, Nizhny Novgorod City Duma deputy chair Mikhail Ivanov (Mikhail Ivanov) spoke to students at School No. 78 about the harms of vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and nicotine-free liquids, stressing that such topics should be discussed with children “honestly” and “only with facts.”
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai