Cannabis — South Korea

Cannabis is illegal in South Korea in every recreational form, and there is no minimum amount that is overlooked. Possessing, carrying, storing or using any quantity carries up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won. Bringing it into the country is punished far more harshly than possessing it: importing cannabis, or merely possessing it with intent to import, carries life imprisonment or a minimum of 5 years. The only lawful route is a narrow medical scheme for specific cannabis medicines already approved by an overseas regulator, which needs advance written approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the US Embassy warns that even a US prescription can still lead to arrest or deportation.

Possessing, carrying, storing or using cannabis: up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won (Narcotics Control Act art. 61(1)6). Smoking or eating cannabis carries the same range (art. 61(1)4). Habitual offences are aggravated by up to one half, and attempts are punishable (art. 61(2), (3)). Importing or exporting cannabis, including carrying it in through the airport, or possessing it for that purpose is far graver: life imprisonment or at least 5 years (art. 58(1)5), rising to death, life, or at least 10 years where the act is for profit or habitual (art. 58(2)). The Korean government states that its own nationals are prosecuted under this Act for cannabis used abroad, even in countries where it is legal; that personal-jurisdiction rule reaches Korean nationals, not foreign visitors. The UK Foreign Office adds that British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests.