Weed in Ulsan: Understanding Cannabis Laws in South Korea
Ulsan, a major industrial city and home to Hyundai’s global headquarters, is one of South Korea’s economic powerhouses. Despite its modern and progressive image, the city, like the rest of South Korea, has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, including cannabis (weed). South Korea enforces some of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world, and possession, consumption, or distribution of marijuana is strictly illegal.
Is Weed Legal in Ulsan?
No, weed is completely illegal in Ulsan and throughout South Korea. The Narcotics Control Act classifies cannabis as a highly restricted drug, making its use a serious offense with harsh legal consequences.
Anyone caught in possession of marijuana—even in small amounts—can face:
- Up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW (approximately $38,000 USD) for possession or consumption.
- Longer prison sentences, including life imprisonment, for large-scale trafficking or smuggling.
Additionally, South Korean law applies to its citizens even when they are abroad. This means that if a 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 South Korea. The government frequently warns its citizens that using cannabis overseas does not exempt them from punishment at home.
Is Medical Cannabis Allowed in Ulsan?
In 2018, South Korea became the first East Asian country to legalize medical cannabis, but only in highly restricted cases. The law allows the use of a few specific cannabis-derived medications, such as:
- 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 from the Korea Orphan Drug Center. Recreational cannabis use remains strictly illegal.
How Do People Get Weed in Ulsan?
Despite strict laws, some individuals still attempt to access cannabis illegally. Common methods include:
- Black Market Dealers – Some operate discreetly, often using encrypted messaging apps.
- Foreign Connections – Some expats or international students attempt to bring cannabis from abroad.
- Smuggling from Overseas – Authorities frequently seize shipments from countries like Canada, the United States, and Thailand.
- Dark Web Transactions – Some people try to buy weed online, but law enforcement closely monitors these platforms.
Police in Ulsan, like in the rest of South Korea, take drug-related crimes very seriously. The authorities conduct undercover stings, cyber surveillance, and strict airport and customs checks to catch violators.
Who Uses Weed in Ulsan?
Although cannabis use is rare due to strict laws and strong social stigma, some groups still take the risk, including:
- Expats and Foreigners – Some international residents, especially those from countries where weed is legal, may seek access.
- College Students and Young Adults – A few individuals experiment with cannabis, despite the risks.
- K-pop Idols and Celebrities – Several South Korean entertainers have been arrested for cannabis use, leading to major scandals and career-ending consequences.
- Medical Cannabis Patients – A small number of individuals use government-approved cannabis-based medications under strict regulations.
The Future of Weed in Ulsan
As of now, there is no indication that South Korea will legalize recreational cannabis anytime soon. While the country has made a small step forward by allowing limited medical cannabis use, the government maintains a strong anti-drug stance.
Public opinion in South Korea largely supports strict drug laws, and most citizens do not favor legalization. The risks associated with cannabis use in Ulsan—including severe legal penalties, police surveillance, and social stigma—make it not worth the trouble for anyone considering using it.