Possibility of Increasing Cigarette Tax in South Korea

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jan.17.2024

Possibility of Increasing Cigarette Tax in South Korea

South Korea considers raising cigarette taxes as prices have remained stagnant for 9 years, prompting widespread discussions.

According to recent reports from South Korean media, cigarette prices in the country have remained stagnant at 4,500 Korean won (approximately 27 Chinese yuan) for nine consecutive years, sparking widespread discussions on increasing tobacco taxes.

Despite Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Zhao Sang-hun, stating at a personnel hearing recently that "there are no plans to increase it," it appears that the current cigarette prices are actually trending downward when compared to the soaring inflation. Therefore, it seems that an increase in tobacco tax is only a matter of time.

In addition, due to the rising costs, the profits of the cigarette industry are also shrinking, hence the possibility of increasing tobacco taxes is quite high. In this regard, the academic community has proposed a plan to gradually increase tobacco taxes each year, aiming to raise cigarette prices to a range of 10,000 to 20,000 Korean won per pack by 2030.

In the debate on the increase in tobacco taxes, some arguments suggest that a price of 10,000 Korean won is too high, and 8,000 Korean won is an acceptable level, which also aligns with the average cigarette prices in OECD countries.

References:

[1] '담뱃값, 정말 1만 원까지?'.. 4,500원이 8,000원 vs 1만 원 인상설, 나오는 이유는

Also Read:

[1] Challenges Ahead for South Korea's Anti-Smoking Plan

[2] HAKA Introduces Four New Disposable E-cigarette Flavors

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Asia #South Korea #E-cigarette Taxes

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Special Report｜China’s Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Goes Global: A Supply Chain Reshaped and Redirected

China’s nicotine pouch manufacturing expanded rapidly in 2024 but cooled sharply in 2025. Meanwhile, global demand continued to grow strongly, with multinational tobacco companies increasing investment, prompting some Chinese manufacturers to accelerate the shift of production to Southeast Asia and Europe.

Nov.21

Morocco Lawmakers Propose Excise Taxes on Vapes, Hookah, and Nicotine Alternatives

Members of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) have submitted amendments to Article 7 of the Finance Bill, introducing new excise taxes on e-cigarette liquids, hookah accessories, and non-tobacco nicotine products. The proposal also revises VAT exemptions and insurance tax rates to enhance fiscal fairness and revenue clarity.

Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Hounslow Crackdown Seizes £33,000 of Illegal Vapes and Combustible Cigarettes

Hounslow Council’s Trading Standards team, working with Metropolitan Police units, conducted test purchases across the borough and found seven premises selling illegal tobacco. Subsequent raids at 16 premises in Chiswick, Feltham and Hounslow High Street seized 4,859 illegal vapes (≈£30,000), 3,806 combustible cigarettes (≈£3,000), 16kg of shisha and 11kg of chewing tobacco. Offences included oversized tanks, over-strength nicotine, and unregistered products.

Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Lithuanian Schools Install Vape Detectors as Teen Vaping Surges

Over 30 Lithuanian schools have installed smart vape detectors to curb rising teen e-cigarette use. WHO data show Lithuania ranks worst among 44 countries, with 60% of 15-year-olds having tried vaping. The system alerts staff to smoke and noise changes, helping schools reduce on-campus vaping cases.