Prevalence and Patterns of Smoking in South Korea

Oct.24.2022
Prevalence and Patterns of Smoking in South Korea
Researchers at Seoul National University Hospital found that South Korean men are using more heated tobacco products than e-cigarettes.

A team led by Professor Cheol-Min Lee of the Department of Family Medicine at Seoul National University Hospital conducted a study surveying 6,188 adult males and females aged 19 and over who participated in the 2019 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The overall usage rate (smoking rate) of traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated cigarettes among adults was 19% (1,181 people). Of each type of cigarette use, traditional cigarettes (34.7% for males, 5.9% for females) had the highest usage rate, followed by heated cigarettes (8.8% for males, 1.5% for females) and electronic cigarettes (4.3% for males, 1.0% for females).


The usage of heated tobacco products in South Korea, which were introduced in 2017, is almost double the usage of e-cigarettes, which were first introduced in 2003. Among heated tobacco product users, only 23.6% use one type, while 58.0% use two types (regular cigarettes or e-cigarettes) and 18.4% use all three types. Since their introduction, e-cigarettes have posed various potential risks to human health. Heated tobacco products, which were first launched in 2014, are rapidly gaining market share. According to Euromonitor International's 2019 data, the largest heated tobacco product markets in the world are Japan ($8.6 billion), South Korea ($1.6 billion), and Italy ($1 billion). Although users claim a lower dependence and poorer health status compared to smokers, many facts about their impact on human health remain unknown.


The findings of this study were published in the latest English journal of the Korean Society of Family Medicine and presented at the Korea Food Exchange Forum (KOFRUM).


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party sources for industry professionals to exchange and learn from.


This article does not express the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness or accuracy of the article's content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry-related communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the translator's ability, the translated article may not fully reflect the original. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


4. 2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign-related statements and positions.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author(s). If there is an infringement, please contact us to request 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.

China Boton Group Announces Temporary Trading Halt Pending Major Disposal Announcement
China Boton Group Announces Temporary Trading Halt Pending Major Disposal Announcement
China Boton Group Company Limited (Stock Code: 3318) announced that trading in its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) was temporarily suspended at 9 a.m. on December 8, 2025. The suspension was requested by the company pending the release of an announcement related to a “very substantial disposal.”
Dec.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Argentine province of Santa Fe passes bill expanding smoking regulations to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
Argentine province of Santa Fe passes bill expanding smoking regulations to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
The Santa Fe Provincial Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill amending the 2005 Provincial Anti-Smoking Law (No. 12,432) to include e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products. Lawmaker Sonia Martorano, who authored the initiative, said the reform aims to strengthen prevention policies amid growing youth use, stressing that “even without nicotine, these devices are toxic.”
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Study: TikTok Content Frames Nicotine Pouches as “Trendy Accessories,” Diluting Risk Perception Among Youth
Study: TikTok Content Frames Nicotine Pouches as “Trendy Accessories,” Diluting Risk Perception Among Youth
A study published in JMIR Formative Research analyzed 132 TikTok videos related to nicotine pouches and found that platform content predominantly presents these products as a “youthful trend” rather than as smoking cessation tools. Health risks are underrepresented, the user base appears largely male, and this portrayal may influence how adolescents perceive the risks associated with nicotine products.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Feature | The “Pink Tax” in Vaping: How Women-Centric Design and Pricing Are Recasting the Competitive Landscape
2Firsts Feature | The “Pink Tax” in Vaping: How Women-Centric Design and Pricing Are Recasting the Competitive Landscape
Overseas e-cig brands are embracing “for her” designs, turning devices into fashion accessories. 2Firsts notes a new “pink tax” emerging through design and pricing, reflecting shifting gender and branding strategies.
Oct.20
2Firsts Investigation | China–U.S. E-cigarette Shipping Costs Surge: Sea Freight Up Over 200%, Air Cargo Inspection Rate Exceeds 50%
2Firsts Investigation | China–U.S. E-cigarette Shipping Costs Surge: Sea Freight Up Over 200%, Air Cargo Inspection Rate Exceeds 50%
Since late July, China–U.S. e-cigarette shipping costs have surged — sea freight up over 200%, air cargo inspection rates exceeding 50%. 2Firsts investigates the key drivers behind the spike and how the industry is responding.
Oct.15
Philippines Moves to Ban Open-System Vape Cartridges and Uncertified E-Liquids, Removes Several Devices from Compliance List
Philippines Moves to Ban Open-System Vape Cartridges and Uncertified E-Liquids, Removes Several Devices from Compliance List
DTI plans nationwide ban on open system pods and unlicensed e-liquids to ensure consumer safety and health.
Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai