Cigarette consumption in South Korea was expected to reach a record low during the first half of this year due to the introduction of stricter anti-smoking regulations and heightened health awareness among consumers, according to a story by Park Hyong-ki for The Korea Herald, quoting industry data.
But compared with some other markets, Korea’s is still relatively stable. Last year, cigarette sales amounted to 89.3 billion, down by less than 1 percent from 90 billion the previous year.
And some tobacco consumers might simply be turning to other tobacco products.
According to a piece by Jeyup S. Kwaak published in the Wall Street Journal Blogs, snus started appearing in South Korea earlier this year.
The snus is said to have been imported from Sweden and Denmark.