South Korea 2024 Health Survey: Trends in Tobacco And E-Cigarette Usage

In 2024, the prevalence of tobacco product use among South Koreans stood at 22.6%, marking a 0.4% increase from 2023. Breaking it down by gender, the usage rate among males decreased by 0.2% to 39.7%, while among females, it increased by 0.3% to 5.2%.

A closer look at the data reveals that the regular smoking rate among males has declined from 41.6% in 2015 to 34.0% in 2024, indicating a significant downward trend. In contrast, the regular smoking rate among females has risen from 2.7% in 2015 to 3.9% in 2024, showing a slight upward movement.

Regarding e-cigarettes, the usage rate has increased from 5.1% in 2019 to 8.7% in 2024. Specifically, the rate among males has risen from 9.4% in 2019 to 14.8%, and among females from 1.0% to 2.5%. This upward trend suggests a growing acceptance and adoption of e-cigarettes within certain demographics, particularly among younger adults and some segments of the male population.
The 2024 health survey in South Korea indicates a nuanced picture of tobacco and e-cigarette usage. While the overall tobacco usage rate has seen a slight increase, the regular smoking rate among males continues to decline, whereas it has marginally increased among females. Additionally, the significant rise in e-cigarette usage reflects the expanding presence of alternative tobacco products in the South Korean market. These insights are crucial for developing more effective public health policies and tobacco control strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of smoking and mitigating associated health risks.