Citizens raise concerns as smoke from an open-air booth drifts directly onto a heavily trafficked pedestrian overpass.

DAEJEON — Commuters and pedestrians passing through the plaza in front of Sintanjin Station in Daedeok-gu are expressing growing frustration over secondhand smoke. The issue stems from an outdoor smoking booth situated directly beneath a pedestrian overpass, which allows cigarette smoke to drift upward into public walkways.

During a recent afternoon visit to the station square, thick smoke from the open booth was observed rising toward the overpass. Many pedestrians passing overhead were seen covering their noses or frowning in discomfort.

"The smoking booth is positioned right under the bridge, so all the smoke travels straight up," said Mr. Lee, a commuter in his 30s. "I literally have to hold my breath every time I walk through here."

Beyond the booth itself, smoking outside of the designated area remains a persistent problem. Numerous individuals were spotted lighting up near nearby bicycle racks and right in front of the overpass, despite the presence of the booth.

Another commuter, Mr. Jung in his 40s, pointed out that even though the booth is set back from the crosswalk and station entrance, the lingering odor is unpleasant. "A train station is a public space used by children and people of all ages," Jung said. "Not only does the smell linger, but it sets a bad example. I'd like to file a complaint, but I'm not even sure who to contact."

Observers noted a lack of clear signage or informational banners directing smokers to the booth or warning against smoking in surrounding public zones. In contrast, other major transit hubs like Daejeon Station and Seodaejeon Station feature prominent banners and warning stickers alerting the public to fines for smoking outside designated areas. Such guidance is currently missing around the Sintanjin Station booth.

While current health regulations dictate that outdoor smoking rooms must allow for natural ventilation, experts argue that proper placement is just as crucial as airflow. When a booth's layout causes smoke to infiltrate pedestrian pathways, authorities must re-evaluate its location. Urban planners stress that future placement decisions should carefully account for pedestrian traffic patterns, surrounding architecture, and wind or smoke dispersion directions to protect citizens from secondhand smoke.

An official from the Daejeon-Chungnam Headquarters of the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) acknowledged the issue. "We are well aware of the public feedback and complaints regarding smoke drifting toward the overpass," the official stated. "We are currently reviewing the surrounding conditions at Sintanjin Station to determine whether relocating the smoking booth is necessary."

Regarding enforcement, the official added that station staff routinely patrol the plaza. However, because staff must balance these patrols with their primary railway duties and lack direct legal authority to issue fines, operations are largely limited to verbal warnings and public education.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]