KR

Korea, Republic of

Substance legality overview · Last updated 2026-03-05

🌿 CannabisILLEGAL⚡ Nicotine PouchesLEGAL🫧 SnusLEGAL💨 E-CigarettesLEGAL🔥 Heated TobaccoLEGAL
LEGAL

💨 E-Cigarettes

E-cigarettes are legal in South Korea and subject to a range of regulatory controls. According to that, sales are permitted only through specialised retail outlets, while online purchases are prohibited. Health-related claims about e-cigarettes are not allowed, and the products are taxed at a rate equal to or higher than 50% of that applied to conventional cigarettes. Additionally, all e-cigarette packaging must carry health warnings, and sales are restricted to individuals aged 19 and older. The nicotine content in e-liquids must be below 20 mg/ml, and the use of e-cigarettes is restricted in

SOURCES

Last verified: 2025-11-05

LEGAL

🫧 Snus

Used in Scandinavia for more than 200 years, snus is providing smokers in Sweden and Norway with an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Find out what it is, and why it is considered a safer nicotine product in our briefing paper.

SOURCES

Last verified: 2026-03-04

LEGAL

🔥 Heated Tobacco

Heated tobacco products are very popular in South Korea. The South Korean Government has taken a decision to increase heated tobacco product taxes to 89% of those levied on cigarettes.

SOURCES

Last verified: 2025-01-02

LEGAL

⚡ Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper

SOURCES

Last verified: 2026-03-04

ILLEGAL

🌿 Cannabis

Cannabis is illegal in Korea, Republic of. Recreational: Illegal | Medical: Access limited to Epidiolex , Marinol and Sativex as of now due to a policy implemented by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — always verify with local authorities or a qualified lawyer before traveling or making decisions based on this data.

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