Osan City Designates Entire Osaeк Market Arcade District as Non-Smoking Zone

[Suwon Ilbo=Lee Su-won Reporter] Osan City announced on the 5th that it has designated the entire arcade district (1,225 m²) within Osaek Market as a non-smoking zone starting this month.

The city implemented the non-smoking zone designation in cooperation with the Osaek Market merchants' association, taking into consideration the prevention of secondhand smoke exposure for customers using the market and nearby merchants, as well as the market's environmental safety where discarded cigarette butts could potentially trigger large-scale fires.

To designate the non-smoking zone, the city conducted a vote among market merchants and opinion surveys targeting nearby residents and users before completing the designation last month.

From now until October 31st, promotional activities and guidance for smokers regarding the non-smoking zone will be carried out in the designated section, and starting November 1st, smokers in the arcade district will be subject to a fine of 50,000 won.

Additionally, to establish the non-smoking zone, a mobile smoking cessation clinic will be operated on the second floor of the Osaek Market Customer Support Center from mid-September to assist market merchants and users in quitting smoking.

Osan Mayor Lee Kwon-jae stated, "The designation of the non-smoking zone is expected to increase customer satisfaction for those visiting traditional markets and contribute to local economic revitalization," and added, "We will make active efforts to create a non-smoking environment to protect citizens from secondhand smoke and prevent fires."