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A2 noun #6,500 most common 9 min read

금연

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 금연 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 금연 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to recognize '금연' as a sign. If you see this word on a wall, a door, or a sticker in Korea, it means 'Do Not Smoke.' It is one of the most important 'survival' words for navigating public spaces. You don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that '금연' = 'No Smoking.' You might see it paired with a picture of a cigarette with a red line through it. At this stage, you should also be able to say '금연 구역' (no smoking zone) to identify where you are. It is a simple noun that helps you follow local laws and social etiquette without needing to speak full sentences.

At the A2 level, you should start using '금연' in simple sentences. You can talk about your habits or intentions. For example, '저는 금연해요' (I am quitting smoking/I don't smoke). You should also be able to understand simple instructions or advice, such as '여기서 금연하세요' (Please don't smoke here). At this level, you are learning how to combine nouns with basic verbs like '하다' (to do) and '이다' (to be). You should also recognize the word in common locations like restaurants, parks, and bus stops, and understand that it is a polite but firm rule in Korean society.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the reasons for '금연.' You might talk about health benefits, such as '금연은 건강에 아주 좋아요' (Quitting smoking is very good for health). You can use more specific verbs like '결심하다' (to decide) or '시작하다' (to start). You should also be able to understand basic news clips or health brochures that explain why the government promotes '금연.' At this stage, you can distinguish between the formal '금연' and the informal '담배를 끊다.' You might also start using particles more accurately, like '금연을 위해' (for the sake of quitting smoking).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '금연' in professional or academic contexts. You can discuss '금연 정책' (anti-smoking policies) or '금연 캠페인' (anti-smoking campaigns). You understand the social implications of smoking in Korea and can express nuanced opinions on whether smoking bans should be even stricter. You can use advanced structures like '금연하는 것이 쉽지 않지만...' (Although quitting smoking is not easy...). You also understand related terms like '절연' (cutting down) and can explain the difference between them in a conversation about health and lifestyle.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word '금연' within the broader context of Korean public health history. You can discuss the evolution of '금연법' (anti-smoking laws) and how they have changed social norms over the decades. You can use the word in complex debates, perhaps touching on the balance between individual freedom and public health. Your vocabulary includes specific terms like '금연 보조제' (smoking cessation aids) and '간접흡연' (second-hand smoke). You can read long articles about the success rates of '금연 클리닉' and summarize the findings using sophisticated grammar and vocabulary.

At the C2 level, '금연' is a word you can use with absolute precision in any context, from legal documents to literary works. You might analyze how the concept of '금연' is portrayed in Korean literature as a metaphor for self-control or modernization. You understand the historical Hanja roots deeply and can even discuss historical '금연령' (prohibition orders) from the Joseon Dynasty. You can engage in high-level policy discussions, providing expert-level input on the efficacy of '금연' initiatives. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating it into complex rhetorical structures effortlessly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

금연 in 30 Seconds

금연 primarily means 'No Smoking' on signs and 'Quitting Smoking' as a personal action.
It is a Sino-Korean word (禁煙) where 'Geum' means forbid and 'Yeon' means smoke.
Commonly used in '금연 구역' (No Smoking Zone) and '금연 중' (Quitting smoking).
The word is essential for navigating public health rules and social etiquette in Korea.

The Korean word 금연 (禁煙 - Geum-yeon) is a foundational noun for anyone navigating public spaces in South Korea or discussing personal health. Etymologically derived from Hanja, it consists of 금 (禁) meaning 'prohibit' or 'forbid' and 연 (煙) meaning 'smoke' or 'tobacco.' Thus, the literal translation is 'prohibiting smoke.' In practical usage, it serves two primary functions: as a public directive (No Smoking) and as a personal health goal (Quitting Smoking). Understanding this word is crucial because Korea has implemented extremely strict public health laws over the last decade, making '금연' signs ubiquitous in cities like Seoul. Whether you are in a restaurant, a bus stop, or a public park, you will encounter this word. It is not just a sign; it is a social expectation. When a person says, "저는 금연 중이에요," they are communicating a significant lifestyle change, often associated with willpower and health consciousness.

Public Signage: In public contexts, 금연 indicates a legal prohibition. You will see '금연 구역' (No Smoking Zone) stickers on building entrances. Violating these can result in fines of up to 100,000 KRW.
Personal Resolution: As a personal act, 금연 refers to the process of giving up cigarettes. It is a common New Year's resolution (새해 다짐) in Korea, supported by government-funded '금연 클리닉' (smoking cessation clinics).

이 건물 전체는 금연 구역입니다. (This entire building is a no-smoking area.)

Historically, smoking was very common in Korean indoor spaces, but since the mid-2010s, the culture has shifted dramatically. Today, '금연' is the default state for almost all indoor public facilities, including bars and cafes. The word also carries a connotation of self-discipline. Successfully achieving '금연' is seen as a sign of strong character. In social settings, if someone offers you a cigarette and you have quit, saying "금연하고 있습니다" (I am practicing no-smoking/I have quit) is a polite and firm way to decline. It signals that you are taking care of your health, which is generally respected in modern Korean society.

건강을 위해서 금연을 결심했습니다. (I decided to quit smoking for my health.)

Linguistic Nuance: While '담배를 끊다' (to quit cigarettes) is a common idiomatic expression, '금연' is the formal, clinical, and official term used in medical contexts and public policy.

버스 정류장에서 10미터 이내는 금연입니다. (Smoking is prohibited within 10 meters of the bus stop.)

Using '금연' correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that often combines with specific verbs like 하다 (to do), 성공하다 (to succeed), or 결심하다 (to decide). Because it is a Sino-Korean noun, it functions very logically within Korean sentence structures. At the A2 level, you should focus on identifying it in public notices and using it to describe simple habits or intentions. For example, the phrase "금연 구역" (No Smoking Zone) is a compound noun you will see everywhere. Here, '금연' acts as a modifier for '구역' (zone/area).

As a Direct Object: When you treat the act of quitting as a goal, use the object marker 을/를. Example: "금연을 시작했어요" (I started quitting smoking).
As a Predicate with '이다': On signs, you often see "이곳은 금연입니다" (This place is no-smoking). This is the most direct way to state a prohibition.

새해에는 꼭 금연하세요! (Please make sure to quit smoking in the New Year!)

In more advanced contexts, you might hear '금연 보조제' (smoking cessation aids like nicotine patches) or '금연 캠페인' (anti-smoking campaign). Note that '금연' is strictly about tobacco smoke. For other types of 'quitting' (like alcohol), different words like '단주' are used. When discussing the difficulty of quitting, Koreans often say, "금연은 정말 힘들어요" (Quitting smoking is really hard). If someone has successfully quit for a long time, they are said to have '금연에 성공했다' (succeeded in no-smoking).

정부는 금연 정책을 강화하고 있습니다. (The government is strengthening anti-smoking policies.)

Another common pattern is '금연 중' (in the middle of quitting). The particle '중' indicates an ongoing state. If a friend offers you a light, you might reply, "아니요, 저 금연 중이에요" (No, I'm in the middle of quitting). This is a very natural, conversational way to express your current status. Furthermore, in formal writing or news reports, '금연' is often paired with '구역 지정' (designation of no-smoking zones) or '금연 교육' (anti-smoking education).

식당 안에서는 금연이 의무화되었습니다. (Smoking has become mandatory prohibited inside restaurants.)

Common Collocations: 금연 구역 (No smoking zone), 금연 결심 (Resolution to quit), 금연 성공 (Success in quitting), 금연 스티커 (No smoking sticker).

If you visit South Korea, you will hear '금연' in various settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. One of the most common places is on public transportation. Subway announcements often remind passengers that all areas of the station and the trains themselves are '금연 구역.' You might hear a recorded voice saying, "역사 내 모든 구역은 금연 구역입니다" (All areas within the station are no-smoking zones). Similarly, on airplanes, the flight attendants will always announce the prohibition of smoking, including electronic cigarettes, using this specific term.

안내 말씀 드립니다. 본 열차는 전 객실 금연 열차입니다. (This is an announcement. This train is a non-smoking train in all cabins.)

In a social context, you will hear '금연' during health check-ups at the doctor's office. A doctor might ask, "금연할 생각이 있으신가요?" (Do you have any intention of quitting smoking?). On television, especially during the month of January, there are countless advertisements and talk show segments dedicated to '금연.' Celebrities often go on variety shows and talk about their '금연 도전' (challenge to quit smoking), sharing tips or the difficulties they face. This makes the word part of the shared cultural struggle for better health.

Workplace environments also frequently use this word. Many Korean companies promote a '금연 문화' (non-smoking culture) as part of their corporate wellness programs. You might hear HR announcements about '금연 지원금' (subsidies for quitting smoking) provided to employees who successfully quit. In apartment complexes, there are often heated discussions or announcements over the intercom about '실내 금연' (indoor no-smoking) due to smoke traveling through vents to other units. Hearing "아파트 단지 내 금연을 협조해 주시기 바랍니다" (Please cooperate with the no-smoking policy within the apartment complex) is common for residents.

저희 아버지는 10년째 금연을 유지하고 계십니다. (My father has been maintaining his non-smoking status for 10 years.)

In K-Dramas: Characters often struggle with quitting. You might hear a partner say, "금연한다고 했잖아!" (You said you were quitting!), showing the interpersonal weight of the word.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing '금연' (no smoking) with '흡연' (smoking). Because they both contain the '연' (smoke) syllable, learners often swap them. This can lead to awkward situations, like asking for a smoking area by saying "금연 구역이 어디예요?" (Where is the no-smoking zone?) when you actually want to smoke. Remember: 금 (Geum) means Forbidden, while 흡 (Heup) means Inhale.

Wrong: 여기서 금연해도 돼요? (Can I [no-smoke] here? - Meaningless)
Right: 여기서 흡연해도 돼요? (Can I smoke here?)

Another common error is using '금연' when you mean 'stopping' something else. '금연' is specifically for tobacco. If you are quitting drinking, you must use '단주' or '금주.' If you are quitting a job, use '퇴사.' If you are quitting a hobby, use '그만두다.' Using '금연' for anything other than smoking sounds very strange to native speakers. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that '금연' is a noun. While you can say "금연해요" as a short form of "금연하세요," in most formal sentences, it needs a verb like '하다' or '이다' to function correctly.

Grammatically, pay attention to particles. When you say "I succeeded in quitting," you should use the particle '에' with '성공하다.' Many learners mistakenly use the object marker '을.' So, "금연에 성공했다" is correct, whereas "금연을 성공했다" is less natural, though sometimes heard in casual speech. Finally, be careful with the word '비흡연' (non-smoking). '금연' is an action or a rule, while '비흡연' is a status. You are a '비흡연자' (non-smoker), but you practice '금연' (quitting smoking).

Incorrect: 저는 금연자입니다. (I am a [no-smoking-person].)
Correct: 저는 비흡연자입니다. (I am a non-smoker.)

Pronunciation Pitfall: Make sure to pronounce the 'ㅁ' in '금' clearly before moving to '연'. If you slur them, it might sound like '그면' which is not a word.

While '금연' is the most standard term for quitting smoking, there are several related words that offer different nuances. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and better comprehend various contexts. The most common alternative is the phrase 담배를 끊다. This is the idiomatic, everyday way to say 'quit smoking.' While '금연' sounds clinical or official, '담배를 끊다' sounds personal and conversational. For example, you'd tell a friend, "나 담배 끊었어" (I quit cigarettes) rather than "나는 금연했다."

단연 (斷煙): This is a much stronger term than 금연. The '단' (斷) means to cut off or sever. '단연' implies a complete and total cessation, often used in medical or recovery contexts to emphasize the finality of the act.
절연 (節煙): The '절' (節) means to moderate or economize. '절연' refers to cutting down on smoking rather than quitting entirely. If someone is trying to quit gradually, they might say they are practicing '절연'.

갑자기 금연하는 것이 힘들면 절연부터 시작해 보세요. (If quitting smoking suddenly is hard, try starting by cutting down first.)

Another related term is 비흡연 (非吸煙). As mentioned before, this refers to the state of being a non-smoker. You will often see '비흡연 구역' used interchangeably with '금연 구역' in some contexts, though '금연 구역' is the legal standard. There is also 금욕 (禁欲), which means abstaining from desires in general. While not specific to smoking, it shares the same '금' (prohibit) prefix and is used in broader discussions about self-control and discipline.

의사 선생님이 금연과 금주를 권고하셨습니다. (The doctor recommended both no-smoking and no-drinking.)

Finally, consider 금연령 (禁煙令). This is a historical or very formal term meaning a 'smoking ban' or 'prohibition order.' You might see this in history books referring to times when kings or governments strictly banned tobacco. In modern everyday life, '금연' remains the most versatile and essential word to know among all these options.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Joseon Dynasty, there were periods where tobacco was so expensive that '금연' was actually a way to save the national economy rather than just for health.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡum.jʌn/

US /ɡum.jʌn/

The stress is equal on both syllables, though the first syllable '금' may feel slightly more emphasized due to the initial consonant.

Rhymes With

공연 (Gong-yeon) 주연 (Ju-yeon) 조연 (Jo-yeon) 훈련 (Hul-lyeon) 인연 (In-yeon) 자연 (Ja-yeon) 강연 (Gang-yeon) 미련 (Mi-ryeon)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '금' as 'geum' with a hard English 'G' like 'Game'. It should be softer.
Merging the two syllables into 'gum-yun'.
Confusing it with '공연' (gong-yeon).
Dropping the final 'n' sound.
Slurring the 'm' and 'y' into a 'my' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize on signs due to its short length and frequent appearance.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the Hanja-based spelling, but follow standard noun patterns.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as the 'm' and 'y' are distinct.

Listening 2/5

Easy to pick out in public announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

담배 (cigarette) 하다 (to do) 구역 (area) 건강 (health) 아니요 (no)

Learn Next

흡연 (smoking) 보건소 (health center) 중독 (addiction) 성공 (success) 결심 (resolution)

Advanced

간접흡연 (second-hand smoke) 금단 증상 (withdrawal symptoms) 니코틴 의존도 (nicotine dependence)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 중이다

저는 금연 중입니다. (I am in the middle of quitting.)

Noun + 을/를 위해

금연을 위해 노력해요. (I try for the sake of quitting.)

Noun + 에 성공하다

금연에 성공했어요. (I succeeded in quitting.)

Noun + 으로 인해

금연으로 인해 건강이 좋아졌어요. (Health improved due to quitting.)

Noun + (이)다

여기는 금연이다. (This place is no-smoking.)

Examples by Level

금연 구역입니다.

It is a no-smoking zone.

Noun + 입니다 (is).

여기 금연?

No smoking here?

Casual question with rising intonation.

금연하세요.

Please don't smoke.

Noun + 하세요 (please do).

식당은 금연이에요.

The restaurant is no-smoking.

Noun + 이에요 (is).

금연 스티커

No smoking sticker

Compound noun.

저기 금연 표시가 있어요.

There is a no-smoking sign over there.

Noun + 표시 (sign) + 가 있어요 (there is).

금연 건물

No-smoking building

Noun modifying noun.

오늘부터 금연!

No smoking starting today!

Noun + 부터 (from).

저는 금연 중입니다.

I am in the middle of quitting smoking.

Noun + 중 (middle/process) + 입니다.

새해 다짐은 금연이에요.

My New Year's resolution is quitting smoking.

Topic marker 은/는 + noun + 이다.

금연이 너무 힘들어요.

Quitting smoking is so hard.

Subject marker 이/가 + adjective.

남편이 금연을 시작했어요.

My husband started quitting smoking.

Object marker 을 + 시작하다.

금연 구역에서 담배를 피우지 마세요.

Please do not smoke in the no-smoking zone.

-지 마세요 (prohibition).

우리 아빠는 금연하셨어요.

My dad quit smoking (honorific).

Honorific suffix -시-.

금연하면 건강이 좋아져요.

If you quit smoking, your health gets better.

-(으)면 (if).

보건소에서 금연 상담을 받아요.

Receive smoking cessation counseling at the health center.

Place marker 에서.

금연을 결심한 이유가 뭐예요?

What is the reason you decided to quit smoking?

Noun-modifying form -ㄴ.

금연에 성공하면 선물을 줄게요.

If you succeed in quitting smoking, I'll give you a gift.

금연 + 에 성공하다.

요즘은 대부분의 카페가 금연입니다.

These days, most cafes are no-smoking.

Adverb 요즘 (these days).

금연을 위해 사탕을 먹고 있어요.

I am eating candy to quit smoking.

-을 위해 (for the sake of).

그는 금연한 지 3년이 넘었습니다.

It has been over 3 years since he quit smoking.

-(으)ㄴ 지 (time since).

정부는 금연 캠페인을 진행하고 있습니다.

The government is conducting an anti-smoking campaign.

-고 있다 (progressive).

금연은 자신과의 싸움입니다.

Quitting smoking is a fight with oneself.

Abstract noun usage.

친구들과 함께 금연하기로 했어요.

I decided to quit smoking together with my friends.

-기로 하다 (to decide to).

금연 구역이 확대되면서 흡연자들이 불편해합니다.

As no-smoking zones expand, smokers are feeling inconvenienced.

-면서 (while/as).

금연 보조제의 도움을 받는 것도 좋은 방법입니다.

Taking help from smoking cessation aids is also a good method.

Gerund form -는 것.

공공장소에서의 금연은 타인에 대한 배려입니다.

No-smoking in public places is consideration for others.

-에 대한 (regarding).

금연에 실패하더라도 포기하지 마세요.

Even if you fail at quitting smoking, don't give up.

-더라도 (even if).

많은 사람들이 금연의 필요성을 절감하고 있습니다.

Many people are keenly feeling the necessity of quitting smoking.

Abstract object '필요성'.

금연을 장려하기 위해 담배 가격이 인상되었습니다.

Tobacco prices were raised to encourage quitting smoking.

Passive voice 인상되다.

그는 건강 악화로 인해 금연을 강요받았습니다.

He was forced to quit smoking due to deteriorating health.

-로 인해 (due to).

금연 교육은 청소년기부터 이루어져야 합니다.

Anti-smoking education should be carried out from adolescence.

-어야 하다 (must/should).

금연 정책의 실효성에 대해 논란이 일고 있습니다.

Controversy is arising over the effectiveness of anti-smoking policies.

Formal noun '실효성'.

금연은 단순한 개인의 선택을 넘어 사회적 책임입니다.

Quitting smoking is a social responsibility beyond simple individual choice.

-을 넘어 (beyond).

지속적인 금연을 위해서는 주변의 정서적 지지가 필수적입니다.

For continuous non-smoking, emotional support from those around is essential.

Sino-Korean vocabulary '필수적'.

금연 클리닉의 맞춤형 프로그램이 큰 호응을 얻고 있습니다.

Tailored programs at smoking cessation clinics are receiving a great response.

Compound word '맞춤형'.

간접흡연의 피해를 줄이기 위해 금연 구역 지정이 강화되었습니다.

To reduce the damage of second-hand smoke, the designation of no-smoking zones has been strengthened.

Causality with -기 위해.

금연을 시도하는 사람들에게는 니코틴 의존도가 가장 큰 장벽입니다.

Nicotine dependence is the biggest barrier for those attempting to quit smoking.

Noun '의존도' (degree of dependence).

금연 성공률을 높이기 위한 다각적인 노력이 필요합니다.

Multifaceted efforts are needed to increase the success rate of quitting smoking.

Adjective '다각적인'.

그는 금연을 통해 삶의 질이 향상되었다고 고백했습니다.

He confessed that his quality of life improved through quitting smoking.

Quoted speech -다고 고백하다.

금연은 중독이라는 거대한 사슬을 끊어내는 숭고한 투쟁입니다.

Quitting smoking is a noble struggle to break the giant chain of addiction.

Metaphorical usage.

국가적 차원의 금연 운동은 국민 건강 증진의 초석이 됩니다.

Anti-smoking movements at the national level become the cornerstone of promoting public health.

Idiomatic '초석이 되다'.

과거의 금연령과 현대의 금연법은 그 목적과 취지에서 궤를 같이합니다.

The smoking bans of the past and the anti-smoking laws of today share the same trajectory in their purpose and intent.

Idiom '궤를 같이하다'.

금연을 실천함으로써 얻는 심리적 해방감은 형언할 수 없습니다.

The psychological sense of liberation obtained by practicing no-smoking is indescribable.

Advanced '형언할 수 없다'.

담배 연기 없는 사회를 구현하기 위한 금연의 가치는 지대합니다.

The value of quitting smoking to realize a society without tobacco smoke is enormous.

Formal adjective '지대하다'.

금연 과정에서 겪는 금단 현상은 인간 의지의 한계를 시험합니다.

The withdrawal symptoms experienced during the process of quitting smoking test the limits of human will.

Subject '금단 현상' (withdrawal).

금연은 단순히 행위를 멈추는 것이 아니라 새로운 자아를 정립하는 과정입니다.

Quitting smoking is not simply stopping an action, but a process of establishing a new self.

Not A but B structure.

흡연권과 혐연권 사이의 갈등 속에서 금연 구역의 정당성이 옹호됩니다.

Amidst the conflict between the right to smoke and the right to avoid smoke, the legitimacy of no-smoking zones is defended.

Legal terminology.

Common Collocations

금연 구역

금연 결심

금연 성공

금연 캠페인

금연 보조제

금연 클리닉

금연 스티커

실내 금연

금연 중

금연 광고

Common Phrases

금연 구역입니다

— It is a no-smoking area. Used to inform someone of the rule.

죄송하지만 여기는 금연 구역입니다.

금연하세요

— Please quit smoking or please don't smoke. A common piece of advice.

건강을 위해 이제 금연하세요.

금연 중이에요

— I am in the process of quitting. Used to decline a cigarette.

아니요, 괜찮습니다. 저 금연 중이에요.

금연에 성공하다

— To succeed in quitting smoking. A major health achievement.

드디어 금연에 성공했어요!

금연을 결심하다

— To decide to quit smoking. Usually said at the start of a year.

올해는 꼭 금연을 결심했어요.

금연이 목표다

— Quitting smoking is the goal. Used when discussing plans.

제 이번 달 목표는 금연입니다.

금연 건물

— A smoke-free building. Refers to the entire premises.

이 건물은 금연 건물입니다.

금연 교육

— Anti-smoking education. Usually for students or employees.

오늘 학교에서 금연 교육을 받았어요.

금연 보조기구

— Smoking cessation tools. Like electronic pipes or patches.

금연 보조기구의 도움을 받으세요.

금연 안내문

— No-smoking notice. A written sign or announcement.

벽에 금연 안내문이 붙어 있어요.

Often Confused With

금연 vs 흡연

The exact opposite (smoking). Don't mix them up!

금연 vs 금주

Quitting alcohol. Both start with '금' (prohibit).

금연 vs 공연

A performance. Sounds similar but unrelated.

Idioms & Expressions

"담배를 끊다"

— To quit smoking (literally: to cut the cigarette).

그는 독하게 담배를 끊었다.

Casual

"금연은 평생 하는 것이다"

— Quitting smoking is a lifelong task (meaning you always have to resist the urge).

금연은 평생 하는 것이라더니 정말이네요.

Proverbial

"신선은 담배를 안 피운다"

— Immortals don't smoke (humorous way to say quitting makes you healthier/purer).

금연하고 신선이 되려고요?

Humorous

"담배 연기 없는 세상"

— A world without cigarette smoke (visionary phrase).

금연으로 담배 연기 없는 세상을 만듭시다.

Formal

"금연 초"

— A herbal cigarette used to help quit (literally: non-smoking grass).

금연 초를 피우며 버텼어요.

Neutral

"금연 선언"

— A declaration to quit smoking. Making a public promise.

가족들 앞에서 금연 선언을 했어요.

Neutral

"금연 열풍"

— A 'fever' or craze for quitting smoking. When many people quit at once.

새해를 맞아 금연 열풍이 불고 있다.

Journalistic

"금연 파트너"

— A non-smoking partner. Someone to quit with.

친구와 금연 파트너가 되었어요.

Casual

"금연 도시"

— A smoke-free city. A city with strict anti-smoking laws.

서울은 금연 도시를 지향합니다.

Formal

"금연 수당"

— A non-smoking bonus. Money given by companies to non-smokers.

우리 회사는 금연 수당을 줍니다.

Business

Easily Confused

금연 vs 흡연

Both end in '연' (smoke).

'Geum' is prohibit, 'Heup' is inhale. One is 'no smoking', the other is 'smoking'.

흡연 구역 (Smoking area) vs 금연 구역 (No smoking area).

금연 vs 금주

Both start with '금' (prohibit).

'Yeon' is smoke, 'Ju' is alcohol. One is for cigarettes, the other for drinks.

저는 금연과 금주를 동시에 시작했어요.

금연 vs 절연

Both involve reducing smoke.

'Geum' is stopping entirely, 'Jeol' is just cutting down.

금연이 어려우면 절연이라도 하세요.

금연 vs 단연

Both mean stopping smoking.

'Dan' is a stronger, more clinical term for cutting off the habit.

의사가 단연을 권고했다.

금연 vs 비흡연

Both mean not smoking.

'Geum-yeon' is the act or rule. 'Bi-heup-yeon' is the status of a person who doesn't smoke.

비흡연자 (Non-smoker) vs 금연 중 (Quitting).

Sentence Patterns

[Place]은/는 금연입니다.

식당은 금연입니다.

저는 [Time]부터 금연하고 있어요.

저는 오늘부터 금연하고 있어요.

[Reason] 때문에 금연을 결심했어요.

가족 때문에 금연을 결심했어요.

금연에 성공하려면 [Method]이/가 필요해요.

금연에 성공하려면 의지가 필요해요.

금연 정책이 [Result]에 기여하고 있습니다.

금연 정책이 건강 증진에 기여하고 있습니다.

금연의 사회적 가치는 [Value]에 있습니다.

금연의 사회적 가치는 공익 실현에 있습니다.

여기서 금연해 주세요.

금연한 지 [Time] 되었어요.

금연한 지 한 달 되었어요.

Word Family

Nouns

금연자 (person who has quit)

금연법 (anti-smoking law)

금연석 (non-smoking seat)

Verbs

금연하다 (to quit smoking/to prohibit smoking)

Adjectives

금연의 (non-smoking related)

흡연 (smoking)

담배 (cigarette)

라이터 (lighter)

건강 (health)

폐 (lungs)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily urban life in Korea.

Common Mistakes

Using '금연' to mean 'smoker'. → 흡연자
금연 is the act of stopping; a smoker is a 'heup-yeon-ja'.
Saying '금연을 끊다'. → 담배를 끊다
You quit 'cigarettes' (담배), not 'no-smoking'. '금연' already means the act of quitting.
Confusing '금연' with '공연'. → 금연
공연 is a performance. Don't tell people you are 'quitting performance' when you mean smoking.
Using '금연 구역' for a smoking room. → 흡연실
If you want to smoke, you need the 'Heup-yeon' room, not the 'Geum-yeon' zone.
Saying '저는 금연자입니다'. → 저는 비흡연자입니다
Native speakers use 'Bi-heup-yeon-ja' (non-smoker) to describe themselves.

Tips

Look at the Floor

In Seoul, '금연' signs are often painted directly on the sidewalk near bus stops. If you stand on one while smoking, you can be fined.

Hanja Roots

Learning that 'Yeon' (煙) means smoke will help you understand words like 'Yeon-gi' (smoke) and 'Heup-yeon' (smoking).

Free Resources

If you are in Korea and want to quit, search for '보건소 금연'. The services are excellent and often free for residents.

Polite Refusal

If someone offers you a cigarette, '금연 중입니다' is a very polite way to refuse that shows you have strong willpower.

The 'E' Particle

Always use '에' when saying you succeeded: '금연에 성공했다'. Using other particles sounds awkward.

Sticker Hunt

Next time you go to a Korean restaurant, look for the '금연' sticker near the door. It's usually required by law.

Changing Times

Remember that just 20 years ago, people smoked everywhere in Korea. The word '금연' represents a huge social revolution.

Geum-ju vs Geum-yeon

Many people try both at once. Learn them together to talk about health resolutions.

The M-Y bridge

Practice the transition from 'm' to 'y'. It should be smooth but the 'm' must be distinct.

CCTV Warning

Many '금연' signs also mention 'CCTV 녹화 중' (CCTV recording), reminding you that the ban is enforced.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'GEUM' as 'GUM'. If you chew GUM instead of smoking, you are practicing 금연.

Visual Association

Imagine a big red 'X' over a puff of smoke. The 'X' is the 'GEUM' (prohibit).

Word Web

건강 담배 금지 성공 구역 폐 가족 의지

Challenge

Go to a local park and try to find at least three different '금연' signs. Take a photo and translate the text around them.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 禁 (Geum) and 煙 (Yeon). This word has been used in the Korean language for centuries, mirroring Chinese medical and legal terminology.

Original meaning: To prohibit smoke or the act of prohibiting tobacco smoke.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).

Cultural Context

While '금연' is a positive word, be sensitive when pushing it on others. Smoking is still a common stress-relief tool for many workers in high-pressure Korean jobs.

In the US or UK, 'No Smoking' is often just a rule. In Korea, '금연' is often tied to 'manners' (매너) and consideration for others.

The 'No Smoking' campaigns featuring famous webtoon characters. Celebrities like Yoo Jae-suk who are famous for their successful '금연'. K-Dramas often show a character's growth by them deciding on '금연'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Transportation

금연 열차
역사 내 금연
금연 안내
금연 구역

Restaurants/Cafes

전면 금연
금연석 있나요?
여기 금연이죠?
금연 스티커

Medical/Health

금연 클리닉
금연 상담
금연 보조제
금연의 효과

New Year's Resolutions

금연 결심
올해는 금연
금연 시작
금연 성공

Apartment Living

실내 금연
금연 아파트
복도 금연
금연 협조

Conversation Starters

"혹시 금연 중이신가요? (By any chance, are you in the middle of quitting smoking?)"

"금연에 성공하는 비결이 뭐예요? (What is the secret to succeeding in quitting smoking?)"

"요즘 금연 구역이 정말 많아진 것 같아요. (It seems like there are so many no-smoking zones lately.)"

"금연을 시작한 지 얼마나 되셨어요? (How long has it been since you started quitting smoking?)"

"금연을 결심하게 된 특별한 계기가 있나요? (Is there a specific reason you decided to quit smoking?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 금연을 위해 내가 노력한 일들에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the efforts you made today to quit smoking.)

우리 동네에 금연 구역이 어디 어디 있는지 적어 보세요. (Write down where the no-smoking zones are in your neighborhood.)

금연에 성공한 후 내 몸이 어떻게 변할지 상상해 보세요. (Imagine how your body will change after succeeding in quitting smoking.)

금연을 힘들어하는 친구에게 해주고 싶은 말을 써 보세요. (Write what you want to say to a friend who is struggling with quitting smoking.)

정부의 금연 정책에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어 보세요. (Write about what you think of the government's anti-smoking policies.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It comes from the Hanja 禁, which means to forbid, prohibit, or ban. You see this same character in words like 'Geum-ji' (prohibition).

It is a noun, but it can be turned into a verb by adding '하다' (to do), making it '금연하다' (to quit smoking).

Yes, in Korea, the legal definition of '금연' in public areas includes all types of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.

The standard fine is usually 100,000 KRW, though it can vary slightly depending on the specific municipal laws.

You should say '나 담배 끊었어' (Na dambae kkeun-eosseo). It's more natural than using the formal word '금연'.

Almost all public buildings, restaurants, cafes, and offices are legally mandated to be 100% smoke-free indoors.

It is a government-funded clinic, usually located in local public health centers (보건소), that provides free help and patches to people trying to quit.

Yes, if a host doesn't want you to smoke, they might say '집안에서는 금연입니다' (It is no-smoking inside the house).

Because '금연' is the most popular New Year's resolution in South Korea, so ads and clinics are very active then.

Yes, the word is standard across the entire Korean peninsula, and North Korea has also recently increased its anti-smoking campaigns.