Weed in Gyeongju: South Korea’s Historic City and Its Strict Cannabis Laws
Gyeongju, often called “the museum without walls,” is one of South Korea’s most famous historical cities, home to ancient temples, tombs, and relics from the Silla Dynasty. However, despite its reputation as a cultural and tourist destination, Gyeongju follows the same strict drug laws as the rest of South Korea, making cannabis completely illegal.
Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or foreign traveler, possessing or using weed in Gyeongju can lead to serious legal consequences.
Is Weed Legal in Gyeongju?
No. Weed is completely illegal in Gyeongju and throughout South Korea.
Under the Narcotics Control Act, marijuana is considered a highly illegal substance, and any form of possession, use, sale, or cultivation is strictly prohibited. Unlike some Western countries where marijuana laws are more relaxed, South Korea enforces a zero-tolerance policy.
Even if you legally consume weed in another country, South Korean citizens can still face legal action upon their return. The government has made it clear that Korean nationals are subject to South Korean laws no matter where they are.
Penalties for Marijuana Use in Gyeongju
South Korea has some of the harshest drug laws in the world, and breaking them can result in:
- Possession or Use → Up to 5 years in prison or a fine of 50 million KRW (~$37,000).
- Selling or Distributing → Up to 10 years in prison or a fine of 100 million KRW (~$74,000).
- Cultivating Cannabis → Could lead to life imprisonment in extreme cases.
For foreigners, the consequences include deportation, blacklisting, and permanent entry bans.
Medical Marijuana in South Korea
In 2018, South Korea became the first East Asian country to legalize medical marijuana, but with extremely strict conditions. Only certain CBD-based medications (such as Epidiolex and Sativex) are allowed, and patients must receive government approval before use.
However, this does not mean marijuana is legal in Gyeongju or anywhere else for recreational use. Even with a medical prescription, access to cannabis-based medicine is highly restricted.
Is There a Cannabis Scene in Gyeongju?
Unlike major cities like Seoul or Busan, Gyeongju is a quieter, historical city with little to no underground cannabis culture. The city is known for its traditional sites, temples, and tourism—not nightlife or drug-related activities.
There are no cannabis dispensaries, cafes, or public smoking spots, and police in Gyeongju closely monitor any illegal activity. Online discussions or attempts to buy weed through social media or dark web sources can also lead to police investigations.
What Happens if You Get Caught?
South Korean authorities frequently test suspects for drug use, especially if someone is arrested for other crimes or reported by informants. If caught with weed in Gyeongju, you could face:
- Immediate arrest and possible jail time.
- A criminal record, affecting future jobs, travel, and opportunities.
- For foreigners: deportation and a permanent ban from South Korea.
Even if you’re a first-time offender, South Korean courts do not take drug crimes lightly.
Conclusion
If you are in Gyeongju, avoid all involvement with cannabis. South Korea has one of the strictest anti-drug policies in the world, and being caught with marijuana can result in harsh legal consequences, imprisonment, and deportation.
Gyeongju is a city best enjoyed for its history, temples, and scenic beauty—not for cannabis. To stay out of trouble, respect the law and avoid any connection to weed while in South Korea.