Medical only (prescription)Tourist access: Prohibited · Medical access: Medical use only
South Korea allows only specific approved cannabis-based medicines (e.g. Epidiolex, Sativex, Marinol) via the state Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center, on prescription. There is no dispensary retail, and recreational cannabis carries severe penalties — including for citizens who use it abroad. Not a tourist channel.
Medical use only: South Korea allows only specific approved cannabis-based medicines, such as Epidiolex, Sativex, and Marinol, supplied through the state Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center on prescription. There is no dispensary retail. Last reviewed 2026-08-30.
How do you buy cannabis legally in South Korea?
A physician applies to the Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center for an approved cannabinoid medicine.
Source: kodc.or.kr
Is cannabis legal in South Korea?
Buying cannabis in South Korea — what are the rules?Medical use only
There is no adult-use or recreational retail channel.
Only specific approved cannabinoid medicines are available, through a single state channel.
Recreational cannabis is a serious crime, including for citizens who use it abroad.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Possession in South Korea — what are the rules?Prohibited
Recreational cannabis possession and use are illegal in South Korea and carry severe penalties, which can also apply to citizens who used cannabis abroad.
Penalties are severe.
Korean law can reach citizens who used cannabis in countries where it is legal.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Tourist access in South Korea — what are the rules?Prohibited
Visitors have no legal purchase channel.
Recreational cannabis carries severe penalties.
Never carry cannabis across a national border.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Medical access in South Korea — what are the rules?Medical use only
A physician applies to the Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center for one of the specific approved cannabinoid medicines; supply is limited to those products.
Access is limited to a short list of approved medicines via a state body.
Answer verified on 2026-08-30. · Sources and references
Can tourists buy cannabis in South Korea?
Visitors have no legal cannabis purchase route in South Korea; the only channel is a state-supplied approved medicine on a physician's application.
- Possession: Prohibited
Answer verified on 2026-08-30.
Sources and references
420.camp editorial review process
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-30
- Next scheduled review
- 2026-11-28
This is a plain-language informational summary, not legal advice. Rules can change and may differ by municipality or venue. Check the linked official sources before acting.
Where to consume in South Korea
No verified consumption places are listed in South Korea yet. The consumption rules for South Korea are on the page linked below.
