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Stronger warnings, pictograms on alcohol next year to discourage drunk driving

Published: 29 Nov. 2025, 11:27 Updated: 30 Nov. 2025, 18:28

CHO JUNG-WOO
[email protected]

A worker picks up a bottle of soju at a restaurant in Jongno District, central Seoul, on July 8. [NEWS1]

Beginning next September, labels on alcoholic beverages in Korea will feature new pictograms and stronger warnings against drunk driving.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Saturday that all alcoholic beverages, from soju to beer, will be required to carry a warning on drunk driving, which can be displayed either as an image or as text, under a revised enforcement rule of the National Health Promotion Act.

The current label warnings, which do not mention drunk driving, read: “Warning: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause stroke, memory loss, or dementia. Drinking during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects.”

The measure follows an amendment to the National Health Promotion Act announced in March and will take effect on Sept. 19 of next year, giving the alcohol companies time to prepare.

Correction, Nov. 29: Manufacturers are required to display a warning about drunk driving but may choose to present it either as a pictogram or as text.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [[email protected]]