Once the revised bill on preventing second-hand smoke passes, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will designate 1,662 subway exits and five streets that have over eight lanes as non-smoking areas. (Image : Kobizmedia / Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Korea Bizwire) - Smoking will be forbidden within 10 meters of subway exits starting in April 2016.
Once the revised bill on preventing second-hand smoke passes, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will designate 1,662 subway exits and five streets that have over eight lanes as non-smoking areas.
Furthermore, penalties that used to range from 50,000 won to 100,000 won in different districts will be set at 100,000 won across the board, and signs for non-smoking areas will be standardized.
Five districts in Seoul, including Dongjak-gu, Seocho-gu and Gangnam-gu, have already established non-smoking areas near subway exits. As well, among the 18 streets that have more than 8 lanes, Assembly Hall boulevard, Gangnam boulevard, Youngdong boulevard and parts of Chunho boulevard are already designated as non-smoking areas.
The metropolitan government has mandated that all restaurants in the city be smoke-free from January of this year. Also, government office buildings, internet cafés, bus stops, city parks and areas near preschools have been established as non-smoking areas.
Smoking will be forbidden within 10 meters of subway exits starting in April 2016. (Image : Yonhap)
Seoul city authorities plan to spread the smoke-free atmosphere by displaying posters around schools and places that sell cigarettes to promote a healthy lifestyle free of smoking. Also, they will expand non-smoking areas outdoors to protect the health of citizens from second-hand smoke.
By M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
