High-risk drinking was most prevalent in Gangwon at 15.7 percent, while Sejong recorded the lowest rate at 7 percent. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — Cigarette smoking among South Korean adults has fallen over the past year, but the use of e-cigarettes has increased, underscoring shifting consumption habits amid persistent public health concerns, according to new national survey data released Monday.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) analyzed findings from its 2025 Community Health Survey, which examined the health behaviors of residents in 258 municipalities. The survey covers adults aged 19 and older and was conducted between May and July.
This year’s traditional cigarette smoking rate dropped to 17.9 percent, down one percentage point from 2024, while e-cigarette use rose to 9.3 percent, up 0.6 points. As a result, the combined use of all tobacco products edged down to 22.1 percent.
Tobacco use varied widely by region: Chungcheongbuk-do recorded the highest usage at 24.7 percent, followed by Gangwon and Chungcheongnam-do. The lowest rate was found in Sejong at 17.3 percent, with Seoul and Jeonbuk also reporting lower-than-average usage.
Cigarette display racks at a convenience store in downtown Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Health officials said the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes calls for more targeted education and prevention programs, particularly for younger consumers.
Alcohol consumption showed modest improvement. Monthly drinking prevalence fell to 57.1 percent, down 1.2 points from a year earlier, while high-risk drinking — defined as frequent heavy consumption — decreased to 12 percent, down 0.6 points. Yet both trends remain higher than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown restrictions sharply reduced social drinking.
High-risk drinking was most prevalent in Gangwon at 15.7 percent, while Sejong recorded the lowest rate at 7 percent.
Obesity, however, continues to worsen despite a sharp rise in weight management efforts. The obesity rate climbed to 35.4 percent, up one point from last year, the highest level since records began. Although 68.5 percent of adults reported trying to lose or maintain weight, interventions have not kept pace with the rising prevalence.
Health experts emphasize that obesity is no longer merely a lifestyle or cosmetic issue but a serious medical condition requiring prevention and treatment. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)
Ulsan and Jeonnam reported the highest obesity rates, while Sejong and Daejeon recorded the lowest.
Other health indicators showed gradual shifts. Physical activity slightly declined, with walking participation at 49.2 percent and moderate-to-vigorous exercise at 26 percent. Diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes inched upward, but treatment rates held steady at more than 93 percent.
Public awareness of early symptoms of heart attack and stroke improved, though recognition of myocardial infarction remains in the low 50 percent range, well behind stroke awareness, which exceeded 60 percent.
Mental health trends were mixed: reported depressive symptoms fell to 5.9 percent, while stress perception rose marginally to 23.9 percent.
The survey also noted everyday safety and hygiene habits, including a 47.3 percent breakfast participation rate, a 29.5 percent rear seatbelt usage rate, and a 92.2 percent post-outing handwashing rate.
The KDCA said the findings will support tailored local health policies and will be made publicly available on the agency’s online community health statistics portal.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
