Weed in Wonju: Strict Laws and No Tolerance
Wonju, a peaceful city in Gangwon Province, South Korea, is known for its scenic mountains, vibrant student population, and cultural heritage. However, when it comes to weed (cannabis), South Korea, including Wonju, maintains one of the strictest anti-drug policies in the world.
Unlike some countries where attitudes toward cannabis have become more relaxed, South Korea enforces severe penalties for possession, use, sale, or cultivation of marijuana. Even discussing or researching weed can attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.
Is Weed Legal in Wonju?
No. Weed is completely illegal in Wonju and all of South Korea.
Under the Narcotics Control Act, cannabis is classified as a highly dangerous drug, along with substances like heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
One unique aspect of South Korea’s drug laws is that citizens are banned from using weed even in countries where it is legal. This means that if a South Korean smokes weed in Canada, Thailand, or the U.S., they can still be arrested when they return home. The South Korean government has a “no tolerance anywhere” policy when it comes to drugs.
Penalties for Weed in Wonju
The South Korean legal system punishes drug-related crimes severely. Here’s what someone caught with weed in Wonju could face:
- Possession or Use → Up to 5 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.
- Growing Cannabis → Even for personal use, this is strictly illegal.
- Foreigners Caught with Weed → Immediate deportation and a permanent ban from South Korea.
South Korean police and customs officials actively track drug-related activities, conducting random drug tests at airports and closely monitoring online transactions and social media for suspicious activity.
Foreigners and Expats: Beware of Korean Drug Laws
Wonju is home to several universities, including Yonsei University’s Wonju Campus, which attracts international students and expats. However, many foreigners misunderstand Korean drug laws and assume that because weed is legal in their home country, they can get away with it in Korea.
Common misconceptions:
- “Weed is legal in my country, so I can use it in Korea.” → False. South Korean drug laws apply to everyone, including foreigners.
- “If I smoke weed outside Korea, I won’t get in trouble.” → False. The government monitors citizens who travel to weed-legal countries and conducts drug tests at airports.
- “Buying from another foreigner is safer.” → False. Both the buyer and seller will face severe punishment if caught.
Medical Marijuana in Wonju
South Korea made a rare exception in 2018 by allowing certain cannabis-derived medicines, such as:
- Epidiolex (for epilepsy)
- Sativex (for multiple sclerosis)
However, these medications require strict government approval, and recreational cannabis remains fully illegal.
How People Try to Access Weed in Wonju
Despite the high risks, some individuals still attempt to find weed in Wonju. Here are the most common methods:
- The Black Market – Dealers operate in secret, but undercover police stings frequently lead to arrests.
- The Dark Web – Some people attempt to order cannabis online, but customs officials routinely seize drug shipments.
- Social Media & Expat Communities – Police monitor social media groups and have arrested people trying to buy or sell weed online.
South Korea’s drug enforcement agencies are highly efficient, and very few people successfully evade the law for long.
Who Uses Weed in Wonju?
While cannabis use is rare in South Korea due to the legal and social consequences, the following groups have been caught using it in the past:
- University students experimenting with drugs.
- Expats unaware of South Korea’s strict drug laws.
- Celebrities and K-pop stars, some of whom have faced career-ending scandals after being caught with cannabis.
Unlike larger cities like Seoul or Busan, Wonju is a smaller, more closely watched city, meaning police pay extra attention to drug-related activities.
Future of Cannabis Laws in Wonju
Many countries worldwide are decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis, but South Korea remains strictly opposed to any relaxation of drug laws. The government treats drug use as a national security issue and shows no signs of legalizing cannabis in the near future.
For now, anyone in Wonju should completely avoid weed. The risks of arrest, imprisonment, and deportation are far too high, and South Korea’s zero-tolerance policy is unlikely to change.