South Korea Expands Vape-Only Smoking Lounges
Credit: Sayan
With the growing popularity of e-cigarettes, South Korea is increasingly accommodating users by introducing dedicated smoking spaces, reflecting a broader shift in attitudes toward smoking alternatives.
E-cigarette-exclusive lounges have emerged in places like Incheon International Airport and major commercial hubs, catering to smokers who wish to avoid the strong odors and cramped conditions of traditional smoking booths.
Incheon Airport, for instance, has operated three e-cigarette lounges since June—one each in Terminals 1, 2, and a concourse. These facilities, converted from existing smoking areas, have been redesigned to eliminate ashtrays and mitigate lingering odors from conventional cigarettes.
According to the airport, these lounges serve an average of 4,000 users daily, with a 4.2 out of 5 satisfaction rate, as measured by a September survey, state media reports.
The rise of e-cigarette smoking parallels shifting smoking trends in South Korea. While overall tobacco product usage increased marginally from 21.6% in 2019 to 22.2% in 2023, e-cigarette usage has grown significantly.
