SEOUL - FIZZY soft drinks will be banned in schools in the South Korean capital Seoul this year as part of a campaign against obesity, officials said on Monday.

The Seoul education office said it would ban the sale of carbonated soft drinks at schools and libraries following the education ministry's recommendation last year.

'All soda drinks will be completely banned at concessions and vending machines at Seoul schools this year,' a spokesman said.

'The ban began last year to address the obesity problem among school students, but it was not fully implemented due to contract problems.'

Yonhap news agency said on Sunday a recent survey found that 11.2 per cent of elementary students, 10.6 per cent of middle school students and 15.8 per cent of high school students in Seoul are obese.