Is Nitrous Oxide legal in South Korea?
Also known as: laughing gas, whippets, nangs
- 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.
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Court records
We have not yet assessed whether court records are publicly available for this jurisdiction.
Other substances confirmed in South Korea
Same substance, other countries
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
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If you’re detained or arrested abroad
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