weed in Seogwipo

Weed in Seogwipo: South Korea’s Strict Stance on Cannabis

Seogwipo, a beautiful coastal city on Jeju Island, is famous for its waterfalls, beaches, and lush natural scenery. Tourists visit Seogwipo for its relaxed island atmosphere, but one thing that is far from relaxed in South Korea is its strict stance on marijuana.

While cannabis laws around the world are changing, South Korea remains one of the toughest countries when it comes to drug enforcement. Whether you are a local, tourist, or foreign resident, the penalties for using or possessing weed in Seogwipo are severe.

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Is Weed Legal in Seogwipo?

No. Cannabis is strictly illegal in Seogwipo and all of South Korea.

Under South Korean law, marijuana is classified as a dangerous narcotic. This means that any form of involvement—possession, use, distribution, or cultivation—is punishable by law. Unlike some countries that treat marijuana as a “soft drug,” South Korea does not make any such distinction.

One of the most extreme rules is that even if a South Korean citizen legally consumes cannabis in another country (such as Canada, the U.S., or Thailand), they can still be punished upon their return to South Korea. The government has made it clear: “You will be punished even if you smoke weed abroad.”

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Penalties for Marijuana Use in Seogwipo

Anyone caught with weed in Seogwipo could face serious legal consequences, including:

• 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 or Producing Cannabis → Could result in a life sentence in extreme cases.

South Korean law applies to both locals and foreigners. If a foreigner is caught with weed, they could face deportation and a permanent ban from re-entering South Korea.

Authorities actively monitor drug use, conducting random drug tests at airports, workplaces, universities, and even nightclubs. Social media and online activity are also watched for any mention of illegal drug use.

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Medical Marijuana in South Korea

Although South Korea has one of the strictest cannabis policies in the world, the country legalized medical marijuana in 2018—but under very limited conditions.

Only a few CBD-based prescription drugs (such as Epidiolex and Sativex) are legal, and patients must get government approval before use. This means that importing or possessing CBD products without permission is still illegal.

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Does Seogwipo Have a Cannabis Scene?

Compared to larger cities like Seoul or Busan, Seogwipo has very little cannabis activity. The city is more relaxed and tourist-friendly, but that does not mean marijuana is tolerated. The risk of police enforcement, heavy fines, and social stigma makes weed nearly non-existent in Seogwipo’s public scene.

Even on Jeju Island, which has more autonomy than mainland South Korea, marijuana remains illegal, and there are no legal dispensaries or coffee shops like in countries where weed is decriminalized.

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Conclusion

Despite its laid-back island vibe, Seogwipo follows South Korea’s harsh drug laws. Whether you’re a local, expat, or tourist, getting caught with marijuana in Seogwipo can result in serious criminal charges, imprisonment, or deportation.

As the world moves toward cannabis legalization, South Korea remains firm in its zero-tolerance policy. If you’re visiting or living in Seogwipo, it’s best to avoid any involvement with marijuana to stay out of legal trouble.