Politics · South Korea · 4 hrs ago
South Korea reveals tobacco hazards, but cigarette prices remain unchanged
South Korea has published test results for 465 tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes sold in the country.
The results found carcinogens above the amounts printed on packs across all product types, but the government cautioned that lower levels do not necessarily mean lower health risks.
A new plan for 2027 to 2031 will broaden testing to products such as smokeless and waterpipe tobacco and strengthen reporting and inspection rules.
At the same time, the price of a leading cigarette pack has remained 4,500 won since 2015.
As the minimum wage rose, the time needed for a minimum-wage worker to earn that amount fell from about 48 minutes in 2015 to 26 minutes this year.
The price remains low compared with many other countries, and the World Health Organization identifies tax-driven price increases as an effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially among young and low-income people.
However, the government said in March that a price rise was a longer-term policy direction and that it was not considering an increase at that time.
South Korea released test results for harmful ingredients in 465 tobacco products sold in the country.
The government also approved a 2027–2031 plan to expand testing and strengthen tobacco ingredient reporting and inspection procedures.
The disclosure came as the price of leading cigarette brands remained at 4,500 won per pack, unchanged since 2015.
The article says tobacco is cheaper in South Korea than in several other countries and has become more affordable relative to the minimum wage.
The government has described price increases as a longer-term policy direction but said in March it was not then considering an increase.
- Who
- South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
- What
- The government published harmful-ingredient test results for 465 tobacco products and approved a plan to strengthen tobacco-hazard management.
- When
- The results and plan were announced on October 29; the article was published on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- To disclose information about tobacco hazards and strengthen testing and management as the tobacco market changes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The price of leading cigarette products rose from 2,500 won to 4,500 won per pack.
The government released test results for 465 tobacco products and approved its first tobacco-hazard management plan for 2027–2031.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said a tobacco-price increase was a long-term policy direction but was not then under consideration.
Hankyung published its report on tobacco-hazard disclosure and unchanged cigarette prices.
- Products tested
- 465
- Leading cigarette price
- 4,500 won per pack
- Price unchanged since
- 2015
- Management plan
- 2027–2031
- South Korean pack price in 2024 comparison
- US$3.25
- Minimum wage in 2026
- 10,320 won per hour