Korea - Seoul for Non-Smokers?

I am a non-smoker and fairly sensitive to cigarette smoke -- I can tolerate it outdoors, but don't do so well in smoky indoor environments.

I will be traveling to Seoul and understand the smoking laws are pretty lax there, and lots of people smoke. I'm hoping some non-smokers can give me some firsthand input on how it is from a non-smoker's perspective. Fortunately, I have a non-smoking room at the JW Marriott, but am concerned about eating out, shopping, etc. A few specific concerns:

-Is smoking allowed in malls and department stores, or will I be OK there?
-Any smoke-free restaurants (or at least places where you don't notice it as much) that people can recommend?
-Are subways and buses non-smoking?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

they smoke everywhere and dont be upset to find your room stinking of smoke

I am a non-smoker and fairly sensitive to cigarette smoke -- I can tolerate it outdoors, but don't do so well in smoky indoor environments.

I will be traveling to Seoul and understand the smoking laws are pretty lax there, and lots of people smoke. I'm hoping some non-smokers can give me some firsthand input on how it is from a non-smoker's perspective. Fortunately, I have a non-smoking room at the JW Marriott, but am concerned about eating out, shopping, etc. A few specific concerns:

-Is smoking allowed in malls and department stores, or will I be OK there?
-Any smoke-free restaurants (or at least places where you don't notice it as much) that people can recommend?
-Are subways and buses non-smoking?

Thanks in advance for any advice.



Don't know where you got those understandings. I cannot say whether the smoking laws are lax or not since I don't know their smoking regulations and even if I knew I have no basis for comparison. Lots of people smoke there? How do you know that and what is your subject for making comparison?

I, as a non-smoker, find Seoul to be not bad for non-smokers. I, just like you, am fairly sensitive to smoke because of my not-so-healthy lung.

You'll not find anyone smoking within any mall or department store. Also, I'm pretty sure smoking-permitted restaurants are very rare, not that I have seen. Lastly, subways and buses are 100% non-smoking for sure.

Lastly, even if Seoul might have more percentage smokers than where you live, you'll perhaps find less people smoking in public area because female smokers hide themselves when they smoke. :D Once I asked a friend of mine why there are hardly any female smokers there, and he answered female smokers hide themselves whenever they smoke.

Thanks for the reply -- very helpful.

I didn't mean to offend with my comments, but I found information about smoking prevalence and laws in some articles and travel guides.

I understand that random comments in articles and travel guides aren't always accurate -- that's why I came here to ask for some first-hand info. The bottom line is that's all not terribly relevant to me as long as it doesn't impact non-smokers. Your comments about subways, stores, malls and restaurants were exactly what I was hoping for.^

Thanks again -- I'm looking forward to a great trip!!!

I am a non-smoker and fairly sensitive to cigarette smoke -- I can tolerate it outdoors, but don't do so well in smoky indoor environments.

I will be traveling to Seoul and understand the smoking laws are pretty lax there, and lots of people smoke. I'm hoping some non-smokers can give me some firsthand input on how it is from a non-smoker's perspective. Fortunately, I have a non-smoking room at the JW Marriott, but am concerned about eating out, shopping, etc. A few specific concerns:

-Is smoking allowed in malls and department stores, or will I be OK there?
-Any smoke-free restaurants (or at least places where you don't notice it as much) that people can recommend?
-Are subways and buses non-smoking?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Not to worry. I was there in July. Seoul has strict smoking laws. No smoking is allowed in indoor areas such as malls, department stores, hotel lobbies and restaurants, although some of the out-of-the-way smaller local restaurants don't really enforce the ban. Smoking is also banned on all subways and buses. There are enclosed smoking rooms at the airport.