[Seoul, Now] Seocho-gu’s Anti-Smoking Policy That Changed the Law

Positive Response to QR Code-Based Smoking Cessation Program
An Innovative Approach: Guiding Smokers to Designated Areas for the Benefit of Non-Smokers
Leading the Way in Establishing No-Smoking Zones Around Children's Parks

Everyone knows that smoking is harmful to health. Yet, cigarettes are hard to quit. They both cause illness and provide medicine. The government, almost monopolizing cigarette sales, fills the treasury while continuously promoting and spending money on anti-smoking policies. It is ironic but can be understood as a necessary evil.

The smoking rate in Seoul has been steadily decreasing. A significant factor in raising awareness is the frontline policies. Seocho-gu’s anti-smoking initiatives have some unique features. Seocho-gu is promoting a ‘QR Code Utilization Anti-Smoking Program’ that can be easily accessed via mobile phones. The program is not just about imposing fines on violators but also focuses on protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke and guaranteeing the rights of smokers.

Seocho-gu included a ‘Smoking Cessation Education QR Code’ on the paper-issued violation confirmation notices for those fined for smoking. This was to allow smokers caught in the act to conveniently and immediately apply for smoking cessation education through the QR code. If a person fined for smoking in a non-smoking area completes a 3-hour online smoking cessation course, they receive a 50% reduction in the fine. Completing a 6-month smoking cessation support service, such as a smoking cessation clinic, results in a full waiver of the fine.

This ‘Smoking Cessation Education and Support Service’ was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in June 2020. Seocho-gu improved the violation confirmation form and developed its own mobile web page for education applications. When a fined smoker accesses the QR code with a smartphone, they can easily apply, attend, and submit a certificate of completion all in one place. As a result, the application rate for education soared about fourfold from 10.4% before the program was introduced. This demonstrated the importance of what and how something is done.

The ‘QR Map Guide for Smoking (and Non-Smoking) Areas’ also received positive reviews. Public places usually only indicate non-smoking areas, but Seocho-gu separately guides smoking areas. Scanning the QR code on the guide sign shows a web map of outdoor smoking and non-smoking zones within a 200-meter radius. This approach considers smokers’ perspectives, reduces smoking in non-smoking zones, and compensates for the limitations of enforcement personnel. Statistics near the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, where many smokers gather, showed a 25% decrease in enforcement cases after the QR guide signs were introduced. This was possible because they did not overlook the fact that 7 out of 10 smokers caught were under 40 and familiar with digital environments.

Last March, Seocho-gu designated areas within 10 meters of the boundaries of 72 children’s parks as non-smoking zones. This was also the first in the nation. According to research by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 10 meters is the distance at which children are not exposed to the harms of secondhand smoke. Seocho-gu was also the originator of the policy designating non-smoking zones within 10 meters of daycare centers and kindergartens. Seocho-gu established this restriction through a public notice in 2012. This regulation was only specified in the National Health Promotion Act in December 2017. Following the amendment of the National Health Promotion Act, the non-smoking zone boundary for daycare centers and kindergartens was extended to 30 meters, and from August 17, a fine of 100,000 KRW has been imposed for smoking within this zone. School facility boundaries were also newly set at within 30 meters.

On the mom cafes ‘Gangnam Mom’ and ‘Mokdong Mom,’ which have 440,000 members, a comment appeared calling Seocho-gu ‘the hell for smokers.’ As of the end of last year, Seocho-gu’s smoking rate was 11.4%, significantly lower than the Seoul average of 16.6%. Seocho-gu Mayor Jeon Seong-su also quit smoking earlier this year after more than 40 years. The smoking rate is expected to decrease further this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.