South Korea eyes doubling of cigarette prices to curb smoking

South Korea proposed a tax rise as early as next year that would nearly double cigarette prices as the government tries to reduce one of the world's highest smoking rates among adult males.

The plan, which needs parliamentary approval, sent shares in the dominant tobacco maker, government-backed KT&G Corp, down more than 5 per cent.

It was also criticised by the main opposition party, highlighting the difficulty in introducing anti-smoking regulations in a country where the health risks associated with smoking are not widely publicised.

The proposal calls for a more than 100 per cent tax rise on a pack of cigarettes, which would double current prices that range from US$1.90 to US$2.40 - far less than the US$12 a pack smokers pay in Australia, which recently toughened its anti-smoking laws.

The initiative also suggested banning cigarette advertisements in convenience stores and making graphic warning labels on cigarette packs mandatory.

KT&G, which sells 60 per cent of all cigarettes bought in the country, declined to comment.