Smoking at bus stations to cost 100,000 won

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday it will impose a 100,000 won ($90) fine on those caught smoking at bus stops in the capital from March.

Smoking at 339 major bus stops, including at Seoul Station and Gangnam will be completely banned.

The city government designated public bus stops as non-smoking areas in December as part of efforts to protect citizens from second-hand smoke, but has campaigned for three months without imposing fines.

Officials said it will remind citizens of the smoking fine during rush hour from Tuesday to next Wednesday.

It plans to expand the number of non-smoking spots to 1,910 public parks by 2012, 5,716 minor bus stops by 2013 and 1,305 school zones by 2014, which will cover about 21 percent of the city area.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)