Weed in Jinju: South Korea’s Strict Drug Laws
Jinju, a historic city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, is known for its cultural heritage, scenic Nam River, and the famous Jinju Lantern Festival. However, when it comes to weed (cannabis), Jinju—like the rest of South Korea—follows strict anti-drug laws with severe penalties for possession, use, sale, and cultivation.
Unlike some Western countries where cannabis is being legalized or decriminalized, South Korea enforces a zero-tolerance policy. Even Koreans who consume weed abroad can be punished when they return home.
Is Weed Legal in Jinju?
No. Weed is completely illegal in Jinju and all of South Korea.
Under the Narcotics Control Act, cannabis is classified as a highly dangerous drug, on par with substances like methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.
One of the most unique aspects of South Korea’s drug laws is that even using weed in another country where it is legal can result in punishment back home. This means that a South Korean who smokes marijuana in Canada, Thailand, or the U.S. can still be arrested and charged when they return to Korea.
Punishments for Weed in Jinju
The South Korean legal system treats all drug-related crimes very seriously. Here’s what someone caught with weed in Jinju might face:
- Possession or Use → Up to 5 years in prison or a fine of 50 million KRW (~$38,000 USD).
- Selling or Trafficking → Life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, the death penalty.
- Growing Cannabis → Even for personal use, strictly illegal.
- Foreigners Caught with Weed → Immediate deportation and a permanent ban from South Korea.
South Korean law enforcement actively monitors social media, online transactions, and university campuses for drug activity. Random drug tests are also conducted at airports, targeting both citizens and foreign visitors.
What About Medical Marijuana?
While South Korea remains opposed to recreational cannabis, there was a small exception in 2018 when the government approved the use of certain cannabis-derived medicines such as:
- Epidiolex (for epilepsy)
- Sativex (for multiple sclerosis)
However, these medicines require strict government approval, and regular cannabis remains 100% illegal.
How Do People Try to Get Weed in Jinju?
Despite strict laws and harsh penalties, some people still attempt to access cannabis in Jinju. Common methods include:
- Buying on the Black Market – Dealers operate in secret, but undercover police operations frequently lead to arrests.
- Ordering from the Dark Web – South Korean customs officials closely inspect international packages and often seize drug shipments.
- Using Expat and University Networks – Some foreigners or students at Gyeongsang National University might attempt to source weed, but police keep a close eye on these groups.
Who Gets Caught?
Although drug use is much lower in South Korea compared to Western countries, some individuals still get caught. Most commonly, they include:
- University students experimenting with drugs.
- Expats unaware of Korea’s strict drug policies.
- K-pop idols and celebrities, some of whom have ruined their careers after being caught with cannabis.
Jinju is a smaller city, meaning law enforcement can focus more intensely on drug-related activities.
Future of Cannabis in Jinju
With many countries legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, some have wondered if South Korea might follow. However, the government remains strongly against any relaxation of drug laws.
For now, anyone in Jinju should avoid weed entirely. The risk of arrest, imprisonment, and deportation is simply not worth it. South Korea’s zero-tolerance policy is not likely to change anytime soon.