Figure 1Comparison of cigarette prices among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. From World Health Organization. Global health observatory data repository [12].
Table 1.Evidence-based tobacco control policies
Demand reduction measures |
Supply reduction measures |
Price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco |
Illicit trade in tobacco products |
Non-price measures to reduce the demand for tobacco |
Sales to and by minors |
Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke |
Provision of support for economically viable alternative activities |
Regulation of the contents of tobacco products |
|
Regulation of tobacco product disclosures |
|
Packaging and labeling of tobacco products |
|
Education, communication, training, and public awareness |
|
Tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship |
|
Demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and smoking cessation |
|
Table 2.Principal governmental tobacco control polices in Korea
Calendar year |
Government policy |
1976 |
Health warnings on cigarette packs via the Tobacco Monopoly Act |
1988 |
Cigarette market opened to multinational tobacco companies |
1995 |
Enactment of the Health Promotion Act |
|
Restricted smoking in some public places |
|
Banned cigarette sales to minors |
1998 |
Establishment of the National Health Promotion Fund |
2001 |
Privatization of KT & G, the leading tobacco company in Korea |
2003 |
Signing of the WHO FCTC |
2004 |
Large tobacco tax increase of 500 Korean won (0.5 US dollar) per pack (29% price increase) |
2005 |
Nationwide Smoking Cessation Program started in 253 health centers |
2006 |
Nationwide Quitline Services started |
2009 |
Elimination of tax-free cigarettes for soldiers |
2010 |
Delegation of powers to local government to make ordinances on outdoor smoking restrictions |
2011 |
Designation of some indoor public places as completely smoke free |