Marijuana Use During Overseas Travel? Ministry of Justice "Severe Punishment After Return"

South Korean citizens who use marijuana or other narcotics while traveling in countries where marijuana is legal will face severe punishment under domestic law upon returning to Korea.

On the 27th, the Ministry of Justice announced that it will conduct a "Campaign to Prevent the Use of Narcotics Overseas" with this message.

The Ministry of Justice produced and distributed videos and posters containing the message that South Korean citizens who smoke or consume marijuana or other narcotics in countries where marijuana is legal may be punished under domestic law upon their return. Starting from the 1st of next month, these materials will also be displayed on outdoor advertisements at Incheon International Airport departure halls, highway entrances to the airport, and shared through the Ministry of Justice's official social media (SNS) channels.

According to the Ministry of Justice, if South Korean citizens smoke or consume marijuana or other narcotics in countries where such drugs are legal, they will be subject to punishment under the South Korean Criminal Act based on the principle of nationality jurisdiction stipulated in Article 3 of the Criminal Act.

The Ministry of Justice explained, "As the number of countries where marijuana is legal increases among the countries frequently visited by our citizens, there have been cases where people mistakenly believe that anyone can use marijuana or other narcotics in those countries," adding, "This campaign aims to prevent South Korean citizens traveling abroad from using marijuana or other narcotics in countries where it is legal and to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use."