Seoul’s Gangnam District began rolling out newly designed “separated smoking booths” along major commercial streets to curb secondhand smoke and reduce friction between smokers and pedestrians, officials said today (January 22). The first installations physically separate smokers from passersby and also distinguish between conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, assigning each to different structures. Fully enclosed cigarette booths feature smoke-control systems, air purifiers, and air curtains, while semi-open e-cigarette booths emphasize ventilation and filtration. District officials said the initiative aims to improve street cleanliness and walkability in high-traffic areas, with expansion to be considered based on public response.
