Tobacco was introduced to Korea by ship from Japan roughly 430 years ago. During the Imjin War, Koreans began smoking after observing Japanese soldiers. Tobacco’s botanical origin is the Americas; the Portuguese recorded the indigenous name as "tabaco." In Joseon, commoners called it dambagwi, while the literate elite—referring to the smoke—used names like yeoncho, namcho, or namryeongcho; some referred to it as waecho because it arrived from Japan. Joseon became a tobacco haven. In 1653, the Dutchman Hamel—whose trading ship wrecked in a storm and who spent time detained in Joseon—wrote that tobacco had become wildly popular among Koreans, with children as young as four or five taking it up. Senior officials apparently even smoked in the king’s presence. When King Gwanghae, who disliked tobacco smoke, showed displeasure, they refrained from smoking before him; the rumor spread and people came to avoid smoking in front of elders.
In 2024, South Koreans purchased about 3.53 billion packs of cigarettes. The government collected 11.7 trillion KRW (approximately 8.78 billion USD) in tobacco taxes—nearly double Kia’s operating profit last year, which was 5.954 trillion KRW (approximately 4.466 billion USD). Guilty pleasures inevitably carry costs. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the social and economic cost of smoking in 2023 reached 14.9517 trillion KRW (approximately 11.214 billion USD), an 8.8% increase from 2022. Productivity losses from premature death and medical expenses far outstrip revenue raised from tobacco taxes.
On the 23rd, the U.K. Parliament passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would permanently bar people born in 2009 and later from buying tobacco. If it receives royal assent, the U.K. will be among the world’s most stringent anti-smoking nations. The measure reflects a judgment by lawmakers that many people cannot quit by willpower alone and that legal intervention is therefore warranted. Online communities in Korea are split—some call for adopting a similar policy, while others see it as an infringement on personal choice. We welcome readers’ opinions.
- In one month, '50 billion KRW (approximately 37.5 million USD) → 900 billion KRW (approximately 675 million USD)' explosion…Where did retail investors who dumped U.S. stocks rush?
- '190 billion KRW (approximately 142.5 million USD) illicit gains' puts Bang Si-hyuk at risk of arrest…“Market manipulation” [Case Plus]
- “Where did my taxes go?” Public education spending rose 2.5 times, but academic performance slid
- 'This could shake Samsung'...Foreign press warns of an unprecedented crisis at Samsung
- BTS 'The City'—73% of visitors to Sungnyemun were foreigners…Seoul tourism surges
- China also says “Samsung Electronics will hit 350,000 KRW (approximately $262.50)”…First analysis sets its highest target
- “Why don't you put food for our Neukgu in a bowl?”…O-World explains amid 'floor feeding' controversy
- Allegations of 102 days of inadequate service…Prosecutors seek 1 year, 6 months for Song Min-ho [Case Plus]
- As airfares rise, regional destinations gain…Domestic resort bookings surge
- 'My daughter should go to Daechi-dong'…Which school you attend affected CSAT results
