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Smoking Etiquette in South Korea: what actually matters to know

Short answer
Smoking in South Korea is generally restricted to designated outdoor areas, alleyways, or specifically marked zones at establishments like PC bangs. When booking accommodation, use search filters to identify hotels that offer dedicated smoking rooms.

From real experience

Smoking in public areas in South Korea can be challenging due to a lack of designated ashtrays and visible smokers.
It is advisable to seek out designated smoking areas or smoke in alleys, particularly in residential zones. While smoking might be more common on bustling streets in the evening, there's a risk of being reported to the authorities by locals. Therefore, exercising caution and smoking only where explicitly permitted or where others are smoking is recommended.
✓ 3 reports from chats
Dedicated smoking rooms within cafes are extremely rare in South Korea.
Most establishments require patrons to step outside to designated smoking areas. Smoking facilities are typically found in PC bangs (internet cafes). Some pubs in areas like Itaewon, Gangnam, or Dongdaemun may have designated smoking areas, but these are exceptions. Be prepared to smoke outdoors when visiting most cafes.
✓ 1 report from chats
To find hotels in South Korea with smoking rooms, utilize the search filters provided by booking platforms.
Many hotels offer designated smoking rooms, but this option may not be immediately apparent without applying specific search criteria.
✓ 1 report from chats

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