South Korea - more smokers in 2009 than in 2008..

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January 6, 2010 - According to the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, the smoking rate for people aged 19 or older increased by 1 percentage point, going up to 23.3 percent at the end of last year.

The ministry surveyed 3,000 people by phone across the nation. The rate for males went up to 43.1 percent, from 40.9 percent, while that for females decreased to 3.9 percent from 4.1 percent over the same period. Asked what caused them to smoke, 59.1 percent said they smoke due to their long-term habits and 32.6 percent pointed to stress. Of those surveyed, 68.8 percent replied that they have attempted to quit smoking at least once.

In response to the rising smoking rate, the ministry plans to intensify anti-smoking efforts by designating more parks, hospitals and other public facilities as smoking-free areas.

Closely related news brief: July 24, 2009 - Korea - slight increase in men smoking..

Reference: More Koreans Smoke, kswho@koreatimes.co.kr, The Korean Times, 1/5/2010.

South Korea - some related news briefs:
South Korea - remote island going smoke-free, car-free and night lights-free..;
South Korea - Stressed-out Koreans smoking more..;
South Korea - to ban smoking in public places from 2011..;
Korea - BAT - winning the hearts and minds of customers based on tactics tailored to local tastes..;
Korea - sets target to reduce smoking 10% in 5-years..;
Korea - stricter regulation of the tobacco industry coming..;
South Korea - tobacco imports surge 396-fold over 10-years..;
Korea - slight increase in men smoking.. ;
South Korea - anti-tobacco campaign - body painting..;
Korea - smoking ban just about everywhere by end of 2009..;
Tobacco marketing in South Korea has been deliberately aimed at girls and young women..;
Korea - smoking rates fall for men and women...