The invention discloses a method for removing and recycling the mercury element from sulfur dioxide containing smoke, and belongs to the field of industrial smoke pollutant control. The method comprises the following steps that firstly, gas liquid contact washing is carried out; secondly, a scrubbing solution is deposited and separated; thirdly, iodine phase separation is carried out; and fourthly, electrolysis is carried out on the iodine mercury complex compound HgI42-, wherein the scrubbing solution is the mixed solution of the single substance iodine and monoiodide, and the monoiodide is potassium iodide or hydrogen iodide. The scrubbing solution can simultaneously and rapidly absorb high-concentration sulfur dioxide, and the interference of sulfur dioxide on the iodine removing efficiency in the common mercury absorption technology is avoided. The method is suitable for removing zero-valent iodine in ordinary sulfur containing smoke and is more suitable for recycling of high-concentration sulfur of smoke in the high-concentration sulfur dioxide containing non-ferrous metal metallurgy industry and controlling smoke mercury emission.