Smoking Guidelines
Although smoking is legal in South Korea, like in many other countries, there are particular areas where it is and is not permitted to minimize disturbances for non-smokers. Koreans were formerly allowed to smoke in restaurants with liquor licenses that provided separate rooms for smokers.
However, on January 1st, 2015, South Korea altogether prohibited smoking in all bars, restaurants, and cafés, regardless of their size. In South Korea now, just like in the West, smoking rooms are no longer necessary. At least there aren’t any new restrictions to learn when you visit South Korea.