The Ministry of Environment said it will expand from Nov. 24 limits on using plastic products at retail outlets. (Yonhap News)
By Aisylu Akhmetzianova
A ban on the sale of plastic bags at convenience stores will take effect on Nov. 24.
The Ministry of Environment on Nov. 1 said it will expand limits on using plastic products from Nov. 24.
Under the forthcoming rule, paper cups and plastic straws will be banned at restaurants. Plastic bags will no longer be sold at bakeries and general retail stores including convenience stores over 33 square m in area.
The current rule is that plastic bags are prohibited at huge stores over 3,000 square m in area and supermarkets over 165 square m.
Violators will face a fine of up to KRW 3 million.
To minimize any confusion or inconvenience caused by the ban, no fines will be imposed over a one-year grace period.
aisylu@korea.kr
