Weed in Pohang: Laws, Culture, and Consequences
Pohang, a coastal city in South Korea, is known for its steel industry, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. However, when it comes to weed (cannabis), Pohang—like the rest of South Korea—has strict laws and severe penalties for possession, use, and distribution. Unlike some countries where cannabis is becoming more accepted, South Korea continues to treat it as a serious criminal offense.
Is Weed Legal in Pohang?
No, weed is completely illegal in Pohang and all of South Korea. The country has some of the harshest anti-drug laws in the world. Under the Narcotics Control Act, cannabis is classified as a dangerous drug, similar to substances like cocaine and methamphetamine.
If caught with even a small amount of weed, the consequences can be severe:
- Possession or use: Up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW (~$38,000 USD).
- Distribution or trafficking: Life imprisonment or even the death penalty in extreme cases.
Unlike many Western countries that have started decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana, South Korea strictly enforces these laws. Even being in possession of a cannabis-related product, such as CBD oil, could lead to legal trouble.
Can South Koreans Smoke Weed Abroad?
Even if a South Korean citizen uses cannabis in a country where it is legal, such as Canada, Thailand, or the United States, they can still be arrested when they return to Korea. The government has issued strict warnings, telling citizens that “Korean law follows you everywhere.”
South Korean authorities regularly monitor social media and conduct random drug tests on individuals returning from countries where cannabis is legal.
Medical Cannabis in Pohang
In 2018, South Korea became the first East Asian country to legalize limited medical cannabis. However, this does not mean medical marijuana is easily available. Only a few highly regulated cannabis-based medicines are allowed, such as:
- Epidiolex (for epilepsy)
- Sativex (for multiple sclerosis)
- Marinol & Cesamet (for chemotherapy-related nausea)
To access these medications, patients must get special approval from the government, and only a tiny number of cases qualify. Recreational cannabis use remains completely illegal.
How Do People Get Weed in Pohang?
Despite the strict laws, some individuals still try to obtain cannabis illegally. The most common methods include:
- Black Market Dealers – Some people risk buying from underground sources, but police frequently crack down on these networks.
- Dark Web & Online Orders – Some attempt to buy weed online, but South Korea’s cyber police are very active in monitoring suspicious activities.
- Smuggling – Some individuals try to bring cannabis from countries where it is legal, but customs officers are extremely strict, and penalties for drug smuggling are severe.
Authorities frequently conduct undercover operations, social media monitoring, and random drug tests to track and arrest offenders.
Who Uses Weed in Pohang?
Because of the severe consequences, cannabis use in Pohang is very rare. However, there are still some groups that take the risk, including:
- Foreigners & Expats – Some international residents may be unaware of South Korea’s strict laws and face arrest.
- University Students & Young Adults – A small number of young people experiment with weed, but law enforcement is strict.
- K-Pop Celebrities & Influencers – Some famous South Korean figures have been caught using cannabis, leading to major scandals and career destruction.
- Medical Patients – A very small number of patients can access government-approved cannabis medications.
The Future of Weed in Pohang
At this time, there are no signs that South Korea will legalize recreational cannabis. The government remains firmly opposed to any changes in the law, and public opinion largely supports strict drug enforcement.
While medical cannabis laws have slightly evolved, full legalization is highly unlikely in the near future. Anyone considering using cannabis in Pohang should be aware of the serious legal risks involved.