Weed in Masan: Laws, Risks, and Social Perception
Masan, a major district of Changwon in South Korea, is known for its coastal beauty, seafood markets, and rich history. However, like the rest of South Korea, weed (cannabis) remains strictly illegal in Masan, and the government enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world.
Despite changing attitudes toward cannabis in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Thailand, South Korea continues to maintain a zero-tolerance policy. Even small amounts of weed can lead to severe legal consequences, including prison sentences, fines, and deportation for foreigners.
Is Weed Legal in Masan?
No, weed is completely illegal in Masan and all of South Korea.
Under the Narcotics Control Act, cannabis is classified as a Category 1 narcotic, meaning it is treated as seriously as drugs like meth and cocaine. Possession, sale, or use of marijuana—whether for recreational or medical purposes—can result in harsh penalties.
Legal Penalties for Cannabis in Masan:
- Possession or use: Up to five years in prison or a fine of 50 million KRW (~$38,000 USD).
- Selling or trafficking: Life imprisonment, or even the death penalty in extreme cases.
- Foreigners caught with cannabis: Immediate deportation and a lifetime ban from South Korea.
South Korean authorities regularly conduct drug tests and monitor social media and online activity to catch those using or attempting to buy weed.
Can Foreigners Use Weed in Masan?
Many tourists and expats assume that as long as they use weed outside of Korea, they won’t face any trouble. This is false.
South Korea enforces extraterritorial drug laws, meaning that if a Korean citizen smokes weed legally in Canada, the U.S., or Thailand, they can still be arrested when they return to Korea.
For foreigners, even the suspicion of drug use can lead to:
- Arrest and detention
- Deportation without trial
- A permanent ban from South Korea
The South Korean government takes drug enforcement very seriously, and police conduct random drug tests on people suspected of using cannabis.
Medical Marijuana in Masan
In 2018, South Korea legalized a limited form of medical cannabis, making it the first country in East Asia to do so. However, this does not mean medical marijuana is widely available.
Only a few cannabis-based medications are approved, such as:
- Epidiolex (for epilepsy)
- Sativex (for multiple sclerosis)
- Marinol & Cesamet (for chemotherapy-related nausea)
These medications can only be prescribed in rare cases and require approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Recreational cannabis remains completely illegal.
How Do People Get Weed in Masan?
Despite the risks, some people still attempt to obtain cannabis illegally in Masan. The most common methods include:
- Black Market Dealers – Some small networks exist, but police frequently conduct drug busts.
- Online Orders & Dark Web – Authorities closely monitor online transactions and seize shipments at customs.
- Connections with Foreigners or Military Personnel – Some people mistakenly believe that U.S. military bases provide access to cannabis, but the U.S. military has strict drug policies, and anyone caught faces severe consequences.
South Korean law enforcement uses cyber surveillance, undercover operations, and customs inspections to track down cannabis users and dealers.
Who Uses Weed in Masan?
Weed use is rare in Masan due to the strict penalties and cultural stigma, but certain groups have been caught using cannabis:
- Foreigners & Expats – Some tourists and foreign workers underestimate the seriousness of South Korea’s drug laws.
- University Students & Young Adults – A small number of students experiment with weed, but the risk is extremely high.
- Celebrities & K-Pop Idols – Several South Korean actors, idols, and influencers have been arrested and blacklisted due to drug scandals.
For South Koreans, being caught with cannabis can destroy careers, reputations, and even family relationships.
Future of Weed in Masan
While many countries are moving toward legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis, South Korea has no plans to change its strict drug laws. Public opinion remains strongly against legalization, and the government continues to crack down on drug use.
For now, anyone in Masan should completely avoid cannabis. The risk of arrest, imprisonment, and deportation is far too high, and South Korean law enforcement takes a zero-tolerance approach to weed.