Weed in Jeongeup: South Korea’s Strict Cannabis Laws
Jeongeup, a small but historically rich city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea, is best known for its beautiful Naejangsan National Park and vibrant autumn foliage. However, when it comes to cannabis, Jeongeup—like the rest of South Korea—follows an extremely strict no-tolerance policy.
If you are a resident or visitor in Jeongeup, it’s crucial to understand that possessing, using, selling, or growing marijuana is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
Is Weed Legal in Jeongeup?
No, weed is completely illegal in Jeongeup and all of South Korea.
According to South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is considered highly dangerous with no accepted recreational use. The government has harsh penalties for anyone caught possessing or consuming cannabis, and even South Korean citizens who use weed legally in another country can be punished when they return home.
Penalties for Marijuana Use in Jeongeup
South Korea enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world, and breaking these laws in Jeongeup can have serious consequences. If caught, you could face:
- 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).
- Growing Cannabis → Severe penalties, including life imprisonment in extreme cases.
For foreigners, the consequences are even harsher. Deportation, blacklisting, and permanent entry bans are common punishments for those caught using or possessing cannabis.
Medical Marijuana in South Korea
In 2018, South Korea became the first East Asian country to legalize medical marijuana, but its use is extremely restricted. Only specific cannabis-based medicines, such as Epidiolex or Sativex, are allowed under strict government approval.
These medications are available only for certain medical conditions, such as severe epilepsy, and recreational marijuana remains strictly illegal.
Is There a Cannabis Scene in Jeongeup?
Jeongeup is a small and traditional city, and there is no known cannabis culture. Unlike bigger cities such as Seoul or Busan, where underground cannabis activity might exist, Jeongeup has very little to no tolerance for drug-related activities.
Attempting to buy weed online, through social media, or from unknown sources is extremely risky, as South Korean police actively monitor and investigate drug-related activity.
What Happens If You Get Caught?
If you are caught with marijuana in Jeongeup, the legal process is harsh and immediate:
- You will be arrested and detained while police investigate.
- You may face a criminal record, which can harm future job opportunities and travel plans.
- You will likely receive a severe punishment, even for first-time offenders.
- Foreigners risk deportation and a permanent ban from South Korea.
South Korean authorities also conduct random drug tests, and even social media activity related to cannabis can trigger an investigation.
Conclusion
If you are in Jeongeup, stay away from cannabis at all costs. South Korea enforces some of the harshest anti-drug laws in the world, and even a small mistake can lead to severe legal consequences, imprisonment, and lifelong restrictions.
Instead of taking risks, visitors and residents should enjoy Jeongeup’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful atmosphere—without any involvement with marijuana. Following South Korean law is the safest choice to avoid unnecessary trouble.