South Korea sees rise in e-cigarette use as traditional smoking declines

Data from the 2025 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reveals a significant shift in tobacco consumption patterns in South Korea. Over the past decade, traditional cigarette smoking rates among adults have declined by 29%, dropping from 23.9% in 2016 to 17.0% in 2025. Conversely, the use of liquid e-cigarettes has more than doubled, rising from 2.3% to 4.8% during the same period.

The survey highlights a notable increase in tobacco use among younger demographics. Specifically, women in their 30s saw a sharp rise in tobacco product usage, increasing by 6.4 percentage points in a single year. This group showed increases across all categories, including traditional cigarettes, liquid e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Usage also rose among men and women in their 20s.

While tobacco use and fat intake have increased among younger populations, other health indicators show mixed results. Binge drinking rates have decreased among those in their 20s and 30s, but physical activity levels, particularly aerobic exercise, have seen a significant decline in the 20s age group. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted that health policies may need to evolve to address the growing diversity of tobacco products beyond traditional cigarettes.