weed in Gunsan

Weed in Gunsan: South Korea’s Strict Cannabis Laws

Gunsan, a port city in North Jeolla Province, is known for its rich history, industrial significance, and connection to the Yellow Sea. While many parts of the world are legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, South Korea—including Gunsan—maintains one of the strictest anti-drug policies globally.

Whether you are a local, an expatriate, or a tourist, understanding South Korea’s cannabis laws is crucial to avoid serious legal trouble.

Is Weed Legal in Gunsan?

No. Cannabis is completely illegal in Gunsan and throughout South Korea.

Under the Narcotics Control Act, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is fully banned for recreational use. The government considers cannabis consumption a serious offense, and even Koreans who legally use marijuana in other countries can be arrested upon returning to South Korea.

Unlike some Asian nations that have varying degrees of drug enforcement, South Korea has a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana.

Penalties for Cannabis Use in Gunsan

The legal consequences for possessing or consuming weed in Gunsan are severe:

Personal Use or Possession → Up to 5 years in prison or a fine of 50 million KRW (~$38,000 USD).
Selling or Distributing → Much harsher punishments, including life imprisonment in extreme cases.
Growing Cannabis → Strictly prohibited, with offenders facing heavy prison sentences.
Foreigners Caught with Weed → Deportation and blacklisting, often resulting in a permanent ban from South Korea.

Even small traces of THC in a drug test can lead to legal action. The authorities conduct random drug tests in workplaces, universities, and entertainment industries, making it extremely risky to consume cannabis in South Korea.

Medical Marijuana in South Korea

Despite strict recreational cannabis laws, South Korea took a small step toward medical marijuana legalization in 2018. However, medical cannabis access is highly restricted and is only permitted for a few severe medical conditions. The only approved cannabis-based medications include:

Epidiolex – For severe epilepsy.
Sativex – Used for multiple sclerosis treatment.
Marinol – Helps cancer patients manage nausea.

Patients must obtain government approval, and even with a prescription, they cannot use raw cannabis or typical marijuana products.

How Do People Obtain Weed in Gunsan?

Despite severe penalties, some individuals still attempt to obtain cannabis illegally. Common methods include:

Black Market Dealers – Cannabis is available through underground networks, but the police actively monitor and crack down on illegal drug sales.
Dark Web & Mail Orders – Some people attempt to order cannabis through online black markets, but South Korean customs agents are highly vigilant.
Connections in Expat Circles – Some foreigners or students attempt to find cannabis through private groups, but police frequently monitor such activities.

The risks of getting caught far outweigh any potential benefits, making cannabis use in Gunsan extremely dangerous.

In South Korea, public perception of drug use is extremely negative. Those caught with cannabis often face:

Job termination and blacklisting from future employment.
Public disgrace, particularly for celebrities, athletes, and professionals.
Expulsion from universities and difficulty obtaining visas.

For foreigners, a single drug offense results in immediate deportation and a lifetime ban from South Korea.

Will South Korea Legalize Cannabis in the Future?

Unlike many Western countries, South Korea has no plans to legalize or decriminalize cannabis. The government continues to view drug enforcement as a national security and public safety issue.

For now, anyone in Gunsan—or anywhere in South Korea—should completely avoid cannabis, as one mistake could lead to devastating legal and personal consequences.