Government: "Currently Not Reviewing Tobacco Price Hike or Alcohol Levy"

Ministry: "Sufficient Social Discussion Needed"

Measures Were Already Included in the 5th Plan in 2021

On March 28, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that it is "not currently reviewing" a plan to raise the National Health Promotion Levy on tobacco or to newly impose a levy on alcoholic beverages.

Yonhap News

The ministry convened the National Health Promotion Policy Review Committee the previous day, where it deliberated and approved the 6th National Health Promotion Plan (2026–2030).

The 6th plan is a supplement to the 5th plan (2021–2030), which was announced in 2021. The review of the health promotion levy and the alcohol levy has been included since the 5th plan.

The ministry emphasized, "Reviewing an increase in tobacco prices and the imposition of a levy on alcoholic beverages are part of the mid- to long-term policy direction announced in the 10-year plan in 2021, and are not newly added measures," adding, "We are not currently reviewing them."

The ministry further stated, "Since reviewing these measures would have significant repercussions on the public and the national economy, it is necessary to have sufficient discussion and gather public opinion. We will consider them after collecting expert and social feedback in the future."

The price of cigarettes in Korea has remained frozen since it was increased from 2,500 won to 4,500 won in 2015. Currently, the National Health Promotion Levy is imposed and collected only on tobacco products (specifically, 841 won per 20 cigarettes).

At the time of the 5th plan’s announcement in 2021, when the media speculated about a potential increase in tobacco prices, the ministry clarified that such matters would not be pursued in the short term and that research and discussions would be prioritized.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.