South Korea’s government has proposed nearly doubling the price of cigarettes to lower the country’s smoking rate.
Under its plan, the average price per pack would go up to 4,500 won (£2.70, $4.35) by the start of next year. It is currently 2,500 won.
But the proposal may undergo changes in parliament as it is facing significant opposition, reports Yonhap news agency.
The government is hoping to cut the smoking rate among men, which is among the highest in the developed world.
About 41% of South Korean men smoke, according to 2012 figures from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development – higher than the 26% OECD average.
South Korea’s overall smoking rate, at 23%, is also higher than the OECD average of 21%.
