Weed in Jeju City: Laws, Culture, and Risks
Jeju City, the capital of Jeju Island, is one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations. Known for its volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, Jeju feels very different from the rest of the country. However, when it comes to weed (cannabis), Jeju follows the same strict laws as the rest of South Korea. Despite its reputation as a laid-back getaway, cannabis use, possession, and distribution are illegal and carry severe penalties.
Is Weed Legal in Jeju City?
No, weed is completely illegal in Jeju City and all of South Korea. The country has some of the world’s strictest drug policies, and marijuana is classified as a dangerous narcotic under the Narcotics Control Act. Even small amounts of cannabis can result in prison sentences, large fines, and lifelong consequences.
Penalties include:
- Possession or use: Up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW (~$38,000 USD).
- Selling or trafficking: Life imprisonment or even the death penalty in extreme cases.
Even CBD products are restricted, and bringing them into the country without approval can lead to legal trouble.
Can Tourists or Expats Use Weed in Jeju?
Many tourists from countries where cannabis is legal, such as Canada, Thailand, or the U.S., might assume Jeju’s relaxed environment means different rules apply. This is not true. The laws are the same across all of South Korea, and even foreign visitors can face arrest and deportation if caught with cannabis.
For South Korean citizens, the government takes things even further. Even if they use cannabis in another country where it is legal, they can still be arrested when they return to Korea. Authorities actively monitor travel history, social media, and conduct random drug tests.
Medical Cannabis in Jeju City
In 2018, South Korea made a small exception for medical cannabis, becoming the first East Asian country to allow limited use. However, this does not mean medical marijuana is widely available. Only a few prescription drugs are legal under very strict government regulations, including:
- Epidiolex (for epilepsy)
- Sativex (for multiple sclerosis)
- Marinol & Cesamet (for chemotherapy-related nausea)
To obtain these, patients must receive special approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and even then, the process is difficult. Recreational cannabis remains completely banned.
How Do People Get Weed in Jeju City?
Despite strict laws, some people still try to obtain cannabis illegally. The most common methods include:
- Black Market Dealers – Some individuals take the risk of buying from underground sources, but the police actively crack down on these networks.
- Dark Web & Online Orders – Some attempt to buy weed online, but cyber police are constantly monitoring for illegal drug transactions.
- Smuggling – Some travelers try to bring cannabis from abroad, but Jeju International Airport has strict customs checks.
Law enforcement agencies conduct undercover operations, random inspections, and cyber tracking to catch offenders.
Who Uses Weed in Jeju City?
Since the penalties are so severe, weed use in Jeju City is rare, but some groups still take the risk:
- Foreign Tourists & Expats – Some international visitors may assume Jeju is more lenient and unknowingly break the law.
- Young Adults & University Students – A small number experiment with cannabis, but arrests and drug testing make it very risky.
- Celebrities & Public Figures – Several K-pop idols and actors have been caught using weed, leading to major scandals and career-ending consequences.
- Medical Patients – A small number of people qualify for government-approved cannabis medications.
The Future of Weed in Jeju City
Although Jeju Island has special autonomous laws for tourism and business, cannabis legalization is highly unlikely in the near future. The South Korean government remains strictly opposed to drug policy changes, and public opinion strongly supports tough enforcement.
While some advocates push for more medical cannabis access, the general attitude toward marijuana remains highly negative. For now, anyone considering using weed in Jeju City should be aware of the serious legal risks.