Smoking to be completely banned at national parks next year

Published : Feb. 17, 2012 - 09:41

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The government said Friday it will designate a non-smoking zone for the country's national parks starting in 2013 as part of efforts to protect the environment and promote public health.

Currently, smoking is allowed in several spots within the national parks, including restrooms, parking lots and snack bars.

According to the Korea National Park Service, smoking will be completely banned in national parks starting next year, and violators will face a fine of 100,000 won (US$88.9).

"We plan to launch 'smoking-zero' campaigns in major parts of the national parks across the country," an official of the agency said. "Voluntary and active cooperation by the public is needed to allow everyone to enjoy fresh air and the beauty of nature."

A total of 20 mountains in the country have been designated as national parks since 1967, covering 3.7 percent of the country's territory, according to government data. (Yonhap News)

<한글기사>

국립공원 내년부터 전면 금연

국립공원관리공단은 내년부터 국립공원 내 모든 구역에서 흡연을 금지할 계획이라고 17일 밝혔다.

국립공원은 현재 휴게소와 화장실ㆍ주차장ㆍ대피소 등이 흡연구역으로 정해져 있다.

공단은 올해 공원 입구나 주요 거점 등지에서 '흡연 제로화 운동'을 벌일 계획 이다.

국립공원 안 금연구역에서 담배를 피우다가 걸리면 자연공원법에 따라 과태료 1 0만원을 물어야 한다. 지난해 적발 건수는 374건이었다.

공단 관계자는 "모두가 맑은 공기를 마시며 국립공원의 아름다움을 즐길 수 있 도록 협조해달라"고 말했다.

Smoking to be completely banned at national parks next year

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