The rate for females, which rose to 4.6 percent last year, dropped to 3.7 percent in the first half of the year.
The tapering of male adult smoking was attributed largely to an increase in cigarette prices. In December 2004, the government slapped an additional 500 won tax ($0.53) per cigarette pack. Currently, most cigarettes in South Korea cost between 2,000 won ($1.87) and 3,000 won ($2.82) per pack.
The ministry added that its continued anti-smoking ad campaign and counseling programs have contributed to raising public awareness about smoking's negative effects on health.
Reference: Smoking Rate Among Male Adults Falls to 40%, The Korea Times, 8/21/2008.
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) - the global anti-tobacco treaty.
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