The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Friday it is pushing to gradually impose a smoking ban for all restaurants in the country by 2016.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government also said it will enforce the all-out ban from 2014.
Currently, restaurants bigger than 150 square meters are required to allocate half of their space to smoking-free areas.
A large exhibition hall is established in downtown Seoul Friday to promote the government’s drive against smoking. (Yonhap News)
The announcement came on the same day that a law imposing 100,000 won ($86) fines on those caught smoking at 1,950 public spots in the capital came into effect. Underage violators will be fined half the amount.
Places where smoking is banned include Seoul, Gwanghwamun and Cheonggye plazas in downtown Seoul as well as large boulevards in southern Seoul, bus stops and parks.
According to the health authorities, a total of 85 local administrations have issued a smoking ban at outdoor spots as of Friday.
By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)