Vending

South Korea moves to restrict minors from unmanned vape stores

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September 15, 2026

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South Korea is moving to prohibit minors from entering or working at unmanned stores that sell electronic cigarettes as the country addresses concerns about young people's access to tobacco products. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced an amendment to regulations governing businesses considered harmful to minors, according to a ChosunBiz report. The change would classify unattended e-cigarette stores as youth-restricted establishments.

Under the new rules, people under 19 would be prohibited from entering the stores or working in them. Operators would also be required to display signs indicating that minors are not permitted. The action follows concerns that unmanned tobacco stores can make it easier for young people to purchase e-cigarettes because the businesses operate without employees continuously present to verify customers' ages.

The move highlights a regulatory challenge for unattended retail as automated stores expand into categories involving age-restricted products. While unmanned stores can use identity and age-verification technology, regulators must determine whether those systems provide sufficient safeguards when no employee is present.