Weed in Jeonju: South Korea’s Strict Stance on Cannabis
Jeonju, the capital of North Jeolla Province, is famous for its rich history, Hanok Village, and delicious cuisine. However, when it comes to cannabis (weed), Jeonju follows the same strict drug laws as the rest of South Korea. The country has some of the harshest anti-drug policies in the world, making it extremely dangerous for anyone to possess, use, or distribute marijuana.
Is Weed Legal in Jeonju?
No, weed is completely illegal in Jeonju and across South Korea. The Narcotics Control Act classifies cannabis as a dangerous drug, and any involvement with marijuana—whether buying, selling, or using—can result in serious legal consequences.
Penalties for cannabis-related offenses include:
- Up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW (around $38,000 USD) for possession or use.
- Much longer sentences for large-scale distribution or smuggling, sometimes even life imprisonment.
One unique aspect of South Korea’s drug laws is its extraterritorial policy. This means that even if a South Korean citizen smokes weed in a country where it is legal (such as Canada or Thailand), they can still be arrested and prosecuted upon returning to Korea. The South Korean government has repeatedly warned citizens that they are subject to Korean law no matter where they are in the world.
Medical Marijuana in Jeonju
Although recreational cannabis remains completely illegal, South Korea legalized medical marijuana in 2018—but under very limited conditions. Patients can access only a few cannabis-based medications, including:
- Epidiolex (for epilepsy)
- Sativex (for multiple sclerosis)
- Marinol and Cesamet (for chemotherapy-induced nausea)
However, even for medical use, patients must receive special government approval through the Korea Orphan Drug Center. Doctors cannot freely prescribe marijuana, and possession without official authorization is still a crime.
How Do People Get Weed in Jeonju?
Despite strict laws, some people still attempt to access weed illegally. The most common methods include:
- Black Market Dealers – Some underground networks sell cannabis, but they operate in extreme secrecy.
- Foreign Connections – International students and expats sometimes seek weed, but the risks are very high.
- Smuggling – Some people try to bring cannabis from Canada, the U.S., or Thailand, but South Korean customs is highly strict.
- Dark Web Purchases – Some individuals attempt to order cannabis online, but police actively track and arrest people using this method.
South Korea’s law enforcement is extremely aggressive in catching and punishing drug offenders. The police conduct undercover operations, monitor social media, and use cyber surveillance to track down drug-related activities. Even a small amount of weed can lead to a criminal record, heavy fines, and prison time.
Who Uses Weed in Jeonju?
While cannabis use is rare due to strict laws and social stigma, a few groups are more likely to take risks:
- Foreign Tourists & Expats – Some visitors from countries where weed is legal might seek it out.
- University Students – A small number of students experiment with marijuana despite the harsh consequences.
- K-pop Idols & Celebrities – Several South Korean entertainers have been arrested for cannabis use, causing scandals and ruining careers.
- Medical Patients – Only a tiny number of approved patients can access government-regulated cannabis-based medications.
The Future of Cannabis in Jeonju
At the moment, there are no signs that South Korea will legalize recreational marijuana. While the country has taken small steps toward medical cannabis, public opinion is still largely against it.
In South Korean society, drug use is highly stigmatized, and the government continues to enforce strict anti-drug policies. Given the severe legal risks and strong cultural opposition, the chances of South Korea relaxing its cannabis laws anytime soon are extremely low.