Is CBD legal in South Korea?
David ReichUpdated:Key points at a glance:
In South Korea, CBD is only permitted within a medical context. Since 2018, CBD products have been legal when specifically approved by the KFDA. Access is generally limited to certain patients, such as those with epilepsy, cancer or HIV, and usually requires individual authorisation. All other CBD products, including imports, are considered illegal. Breaches of the regulations can result in severe penalties. Commonly available formats in approved contexts include oils, capsules, edibles, vape products, as well as creams and lotions.
Which products contain CBD?
When looking at CBD law in any country, it helps to know which products may contain CBD and could therefore be relevant for customs and drug checks. Common CBD product types include:
- CBD oils and tinctures – liquid extracts usually taken under the tongue for relatively quick absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets – an easy way to take a fixed amount of CBD, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles – such as gummies, sweets, chocolate, drinks and other foods containing CBD.
- CBD vape products – e‑liquids, cartridges and vape pens used for inhaling CBD vapour.
- CBD skincare products – creams, ointments, lotions and balms applied to the skin.
Is CBD legal in South Korea?
Interest in cannabidiol (CBD) has grown worldwide, but CBD law in each country can be very different. CBD legality in South Korea is particularly strict and is closely linked to the country’s tough anti‑drug rules.
In South Korea, only specific, KFDA‑approved medical CBD products for certain patients are legal; all other CBD products are treated as illegal drugs.
Drug legislation in South Korea
South Korea has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Cannabis and cannabis‑derived products are classed as illegal drugs.
Unlike many other countries, South Korea does not typically distinguish between so‑called “hard” and “soft” drugs. All illegal drugs fall under the same strict legislation, and penalties can be severe.
The legal position of CBD in South Korea
South Korea made a limited change to its law in 2018 to allow medical cannabis, including CBD, under very specific conditions. It was the first country in East Asia to do this.
However, CBD law in South Korea remains highly restrictive. Medical CBD access is generally limited to patients with certain serious conditions, such as:
- Some forms of epilepsy
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
Only CBD products that have been examined and approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) are considered legal. Patients must:
- Use only KFDA‑approved medical CBD products
- Obtain individual approval from the KFDA to access them
All other CBD products, including over‑the‑counter CBD oils, edibles, vapes or cosmetics bought abroad or online, are illegal in South Korea.
CBD in South Korea is only lawful as a tightly controlled medical product, prescribed for specific conditions and individually authorised by the KFDA.
Can you bring CBD to South Korea?
From a legal perspective, importing CBD into South Korea is only possible in the narrow context of KFDA‑approved medical use. This means:
- General travel with CBD (for example, bringing CBD oil in your luggage) is not permitted.
- CBD products legally bought in other countries are still illegal under South Korean law if they are not specifically approved by the KFDA.
Travellers should be aware that South Korean authorities treat CBD like other cannabis‑related substances. The usual “CBD THC limit” rules that apply in some countries (for example, hemp products with very low THC) do not create an exception here. The key point is KFDA approval, not THC percentage.
Can you bring CBD to South Korea? In practice, travellers cannot lawfully bring typical retail CBD products; only KFDA‑approved medical CBD linked to a specific patient approval is allowed.
Consequences of violations
Possession, sale or use of non‑approved CBD or cannabis in South Korea can result in:
- Imprisonment
- Substantial fines
Enforcement can be strict. South Korean citizens may even face prosecution for using cannabis or CBD abroad once they return to South Korea, depending on the circumstances.
Anyone considering travelling with CBD to South Korea or buying CBD there should be fully aware of these risks and should carefully follow all applicable laws and regulations.
CBD legality in neighbouring countries
Summary
In summary, the answer to “Is CBD legal in South Korea?” is very limited. CBD is only considered legal when:
- The product itself is approved by the KFDA, and
- The patient has received specific authorisation from the KFDA to use it for an approved medical condition.
All other forms of CBD, including products imported from abroad or bought online, are illegal in South Korea. CBD travel rules in South Korea are therefore strict, and bringing common CBD products into the country can lead to serious legal consequences.
Anyone planning to take CBD to South Korea or purchase it there should act with great caution and ensure they fully understand and comply with current South Korean laws and regulations.