Republic of Korea Quitline — 금연상담전화 (Korea National Quitline) 1544-9030

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national quitline in South Korea?

Yes. The 금연상담전화 (Quitline) on 1544-9030 is South Korea's national stop-smoking counselling line. It has operated since April 2006 and is run by the National Cancer Center under the Ministry of Health and Welfare. A single, easy-to-remember number works nationwide, and you can register for counselling by phone or through the 금연길라잡이 website.

Source: National Cancer Center — Quitline (국립암센터 금연상담전화) , Ministry of Health and Welfare — Quitline operation (보건복지부 금연상담전화 운영)

Is the counselling free, and how much does calling 1544-9030 cost?

The counselling is free — there is no charge for the programme itself. The number 1544-9030 is a nationwide representative number, so the call is billed at your own standard rate by your phone provider rather than as a free 080 line. From a landline it is typically charged as a local call, and mobile users pay according to their plan. Many plans with unlimited minutes cover it.

Source: 금연길라잡이 — 금연상담전화 (1544-9030) , Korea Health Promotion Institute — 금연두드림 금연상담전화

What does the quitline offer?

A dedicated counsellor agrees a quit schedule with you and then phones you back at booked times — an appointment-based call-back system. There are tailored programmes lasting 7 days, 30 days, 100 days or a full year, covering withdrawal symptoms, stress management, dealing with cravings and preventing relapse. The service also provides ongoing support through SMS text messages, email and online chat.

Source: 금연길라잡이 — 금연상담전화 (1544-9030) , National Cancer Center — Quitline (국립암센터 금연상담전화)

What is the 금연길라잡이 app and online help?

금연길라잡이 ("Quit Smoking Guide") is the government's online quit-smoking portal and a free mobile app. It lets you register for the 1544-9030 counselling programme, track your progress and read self-help material. The Android app is available on Google Play (com.mgaon.nosmokeguide).

Source: 금연길라잡이 — 금연상담전화 (1544-9030) , National Cancer Center — Quitline (국립암센터 금연상담전화)

Who runs the quitline, and when can I call?

The Quitline is operated by the National Cancer Center under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, with the Korea Health Promotion Institute coordinating national tobacco-control programmes. You can call 1544-9030 Monday to Friday from 9am to 10pm and on weekends and public holidays from 9am to 6pm. Counselling is provided in Korean.

Source: 금연길라잡이 — 금연상담전화 (1544-9030) , Ministry of Health and Welfare — Quitline operation (보건복지부 금연상담전화 운영)