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.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece have opposed Ireland’s proposed nicotine product regulations, arguing that the measures could affect EU market coordination and the free movement of products. Ireland plans to introduce stricter rules covering nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches, with measures involving packaging, marketing and sales controls. The dispute highlights differences among EU member states between stronger public health protections and maintaining regulatory consistency within the bloc’s single market.
Jul.29
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, has launched an investigation into flavored vape policy changes and requested records from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Reynolds American and Botanic Tonics. The investigation focuses on a timeline involving Reynolds American’s $5 million donation to MAGA Inc. in April 2026 and subsequent vape policy developments. Wyden said the review aims to examine potential links between political donations, corporate communications and government decisions. The investigation does not represent a finding of wrongdoing.
Innovation
Aug.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
CCPIT Says Trade Friction Index for China-Related Electronics Sector Remains High, With Vape Products Among Areas of Focus
CCPIT Says Trade Friction Index for China-Related Electronics Sector Remains High, With Vape Products Among Areas of Focus
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) held its July regular press conference on July 31, 2026, releasing the May 2026 Global Economic and Trade Friction Index. CCPIT spokesperson Yang Fan said the global trade friction index stood at 95 in May, remaining at a medium-to-high level. By industry, the electronics sector recorded the highest trade friction index among 13 monitored industries. In China-related trade frictions, the index stood at 93, with electronics products including drones, chips and vape products among areas where friction remained elevated.
Aug.03
BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
Based on public records reviewed by 2Firsts, this is the first time China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has publicly announced regulatory talks with an e-cigarette company.
Jul.29
Product | IVG Launches NEXiO Prefilled Pod System, Expanding Beyond Disposable Vapes
Product | IVG Launches NEXiO Prefilled Pod System, Expanding Beyond Disposable Vapes
UK vape brand IVG has launched the NEXiO reusable prefilled pod system, expanding its product portfolio beyond disposable vape products. The device features a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, prefilled pods with a refill reservoir structure and a claimed capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. Officially launched in the UK on July 9, 2026, NEXiO debuted with 17 flavor options, reflecting IVG’s move into reusable pod formats.
Aug.19
PMI CEO Attends Opening of IQOS Global Flagship in Tokyo’s Ginza as 1,814 Limited ILUMA i PRIME Sets Launch
PMI CEO Attends Opening of IQOS Global Flagship in Tokyo’s Ginza as 1,814 Limited ILUMA i PRIME Sets Launch
IQOS opened its first global flagship, IQOS Flagship Ginza, in Tokyo on September 4, 2026, replacing the former IQOS Store Ginza after nearly a decade of operation. The new location expands conventional product retail into member lounges, digital experiences, art installations and brand programming. IQOS also launched a Ginza-exclusive IQOS ILUMA i PRIME set limited to 1,814 individually numbered units, priced at JPY11,980, or about US$77. PMI Sales Strategy Consultant Yuji M. later said on LinkedIn that more than 500 people had lined up from the night before the opening.
Sep.07