Is Nitrous Oxide legal in South Korea?
- Legal status
- Nitrous oxide is not a narcotic under Korea's drug law but is designated under the Chemical Substances Control Act so that inhaling it for non-medical (hallucinogenic) purposes and supplying it for that purpose are prohibited; medical and legitimate industrial/food use remains lawful.
- Consequences if caught
- Recreational inhalation or supply carries up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine up to 50 million won; as a chemical-control (not narcotics) offence it is NOT death-eligible.
- If prescribed or medical
- Nitrous oxide is a lawful medical/anaesthetic gas and food additive; healthcare and food-industry supply is unaffected.
- Documentation
- Medical and food-grade nitrous oxide are lawful; canisters supplied or used for inhalation are penalised under the Chemical Substances Control Act.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with South Korea’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →