South KoreaCan You Vape in South Korea? The Short Answer
Yes, vaping is legal but heavily regulated in South Korea:
- 19+ age requirement (Korean age)
- 20mg/mL nicotine limit
- Synthetic nicotine loophole closed (April 2026)
- Heavy taxation - Similar to cigarettes
- Indoor vaping banned in public spaces
- Heat-not-burn popular - IQOS widely used
South Korea has a large vaping market but treats it similarly to traditional tobacco, with strict regulations, high taxes, and limited marketing.
South Korea Vaping Laws: The Legal Framework
Key Legislation
| Law | Effect |
|---|---|
| National Health Promotion Act | Smoke-free zones, indoor bans |
| Tobacco Business Act | Licensing, product regulations |
| Special Excise Tax Act | Vape taxation |
| Youth Protection Act | Age restrictions |
| 2026 Amendments | Synthetic nicotine regulation |
Regulatory Bodies
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) - Health policy, smoking bans
- Ministry of Economy and Finance - Taxation
- Korea Customs Service - Import regulation
- Local governments - Enforcement of smoke-free zones
The Synthetic Nicotine Change (April 2026)
What Happened
Until April 2026, synthetic nicotine products existed in a regulatory gray area:
Before April 2026:
- Synthetic nicotine wasn't classified as tobacco
- Products avoided tobacco taxes
- Fewer advertising restrictions
- Easier retail access
After April 2026:
- All nicotine products regulated equally
- Same tax rates apply
- Same marketing restrictions
- Same age verification requirements
Why It Matters
The change significantly affects:
- Pricing - Synthetic nic products now face full taxes
- Availability - Must go through tobacco channels
- Marketing - Same restrictions as tobacco products
- Importation - Subject to tobacco import rules
What Can You Buy in South Korea?
Available Products
E-Cigarettes:
- Pod systems (JUUL, myblu)
- Disposable vapes (limited after 2026)
- Open systems (mods, tanks)
- E-liquids up to 20mg/mL
Heat-Not-Burn:
- IQOS (Philip Morris)
- glo (BAT)
- Ploom (JTI)
- lil (KT&G - Korean brand)
E-Liquids:
- Tobacco flavors
- Menthol/mint
- Fruit and dessert flavors available
- Maximum 20mg/mL nicotine
Pricing
High taxes make vaping relatively expensive:
| Product | Price (KRW) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable vape | ₩10,000-20,000 | $7-15 |
| Pod system device | ₩35,000-60,000 | $25-45 |
| Pod refills (2-pack) | ₩12,000-18,000 | $9-13 |
| E-liquid 30mL | ₩15,000-25,000 | $11-19 |
| IQOS device | ₩80,000-150,000 | $60-110 |
| HEETS (20 sticks) | ₩4,500 | $3.30 |
Where to Buy
Seoul:
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) - IQOS, basic vapes
- IQOS boutiques (Gangnam, Myeongdong)
- Vape shops in Hongdae, Itaewon
- Online retailers (Korean ID required)
Other cities:
- Similar distribution
- Less specialty shop variety
Where Can You Vape in South Korea?
Where Vaping Is Prohibited
Under the National Health Promotion Act, vaping is banned in:
- All indoor public spaces
- Restaurants and cafes
- Bars and nightclubs (most)
- Workplaces
- Public transport (buses, subway, trains, taxis)
- Stations and airports (except designated areas)
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals
- Government buildings
- Large buildings (generally)
- Within 10 meters of building entrances (varies)
Designated Smoking Areas
Korea has dedicated smoking areas (흡연구역):
- Subway stations - Outdoor platform areas
- Office buildings - Often rooftop or designated floors
- Airports - Incheon has smoking rooms
- Shopping areas - Street-level designated spots
Where Vaping Is Generally Permitted
- Outdoor areas (away from entrances)
- Designated smoking zones
- Private residences
- Some bars with smoking rooms (rare, declining)
- PC bangs (some have smoking sections - check)
Seoul Vaping Guide
Gangnam/Apgujeong:
- Strict enforcement
- Limited outdoor options
- Designated areas near major buildings
Hongdae/Sinchon:
- More relaxed outdoor areas
- Vape shops nearby
- Popular with younger vapers
Itaewon:
- More permissive vibe
- Some bars allow vaping
- International crowd
Myeongdong:
- Very crowded, be discreet
- Designated areas available
- Near IQOS boutique
Penalties
Consumer Violations
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Vaping in smoke-free zone | ₩100,000 fine (~$75) |
| Repeat violations | Higher fines |
| Providing to minors | Criminal charges |
Business Violations
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Selling to minors | Up to ₩3,000,000 (~$2,200) |
| Illegal advertising | Fines + license issues |
| Tax evasion | Criminal prosecution |
Enforcement
Enforcement varies:
- Active in Seoul - Inspectors patrol smoke-free zones
- Less strict in rural areas
- Citizen reporting encouraged
- On-the-spot fines issued
For Tourists
Bringing Vapes to South Korea
Allowed:
- Personal vaping devices
- E-liquid up to 20mg/mL (personal use quantity)
- Batteries in carry-on
- IQOS and HEETS
Tips:
- Keep original packaging
- Reasonable quantities only
- Declare if asked
- Higher nicotine may be questioned
Incheon Airport
- Smoking rooms available in terminals
- Duty-free sells IQOS, limited vape products
- No vaping in general terminal areas
- After security - Look for designated smoking rooms
Buying Supplies in Korea
As a tourist, you can purchase:
- Convenience store vapes (basic options)
- Vape shop products (no Korean ID needed for most)
- IQOS and HEETS at boutiques
Online purchases typically require Korean phone number and ID.
South Korea vs. Japan Comparison
| Aspect | South Korea | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine e-liquid sale | Legal | Banned |
| Nicotine limit | 20mg/mL | N/A (import only) |
| Heat-not-burn | Legal, popular | Legal, dominant |
| Indoor vaping | Banned | Banned |
| Taxation | Heavy | Heavy |
| Age | 19+ | 20+ |
| Flavors | Available | Available (0mg) |
South Korea actually has more accessible nicotine vaping than Japan.
The Heat-Not-Burn Market
Market Share
South Korea has one of the world's highest heat-not-burn penetration rates:
- IQOS - Leading brand
- glo - Strong second
- lil - Korean brand (KT&G)
- Ploom - Smaller share
Why It's Popular
- Legal retail sales - Convenience stores
- Lower smell - Important in Korean culture
- Social acceptance - Seen as more considerate
- Marketing - Heavy investment by tobacco companies
IQOS in Korea
- IQOS boutiques in major cities
- Device registration - Link to Korean phone number for warranty
- HEETS availability - Most convenience stores
- Accessories - Cases, chargers widely available
South Korea Vaping Laws: Key Takeaways
- Vaping is legal but heavily regulated as tobacco
- 19+ age requirement (Korean age system)
- 20mg/mL nicotine limit for e-liquids
- Synthetic nicotine loophole closed in April 2026
- Indoor vaping banned in all public spaces
- Heavy taxation - Prices similar to cigarettes
- Heat-not-burn popular - IQOS widely available
- Designated smoking areas exist in most areas
- Tourists can buy from convenience stores and vape shops
- Fines enforced - ₩100,000 for smoke-free zone violations
References
- Ministry of Health and Welfare – Tobacco Control
- National Health Promotion Act – Korean Law Information Center
- Korea Customs Service – Tobacco Regulations
- Tobacco Business Act – Korea Legislation Research Institute
Looking for vaping laws in other countries? Check our complete vaping laws guide for more destinations.