Drug policy
General Demographics
The Republic of Korea (population approx. 51.5 million) is a highly urbanized and technologically advanced society with strong healthcare infrastructure and widespread digital connectivity. Educational attainment is high, and young adults form a significant segment of the workforce and university population.
Drug Policy in Korea
Korea maintains strict drug regulations under the Narcotics Control Act, covering narcotics, psychotropics, and cannabis.
Recent increases in drug-related offenses—particularly among young adults—have prompted national efforts to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Online drug distribution through social media, encrypted platforms, and international delivery channels has become a growing concern.
Trends in Addiction: Drug Offender Demographics
Recent data on drug offenders in Korea highlights notable demographic trends, particularly in age and gender distribution. Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (2024)
By Age
- Teens: 649 offenders (2.8%)
- 20s–30s: 13,996 offenders (60.8%)
- 40s–50s: 5,681 offenders (25.7%)
- 60 and older: 2,110 offenders (9.2%)
Young adults in their 20s and 30s account for the majority of drug-related offenses, illustrating a significant shift toward younger user populations.
By Gender
- Male: 16,559 offenders (71.9%)
- Female: 6,463 offenders (28.1%)
Treatment and Recovery Services
Treatment and Recovery Services
South Korea provides a variety of treatment options through:
- National Mental Health Centers and hospitals
offering medical detoxification, psychiatric care, psychosocial interventions, and rehabilitation programs. - Addiction Management Integrated Support Centers (AMHC)
providing community-based case management, relapse prevention, referral services, and family support. - Together One Step Center (함께 한걸음센터)
Seoul’s pioneering recovery support center offering peer support, employment assistance, counseling, relapse prevention, and family services. - Peer-led Communities
including NA/AA meetings, faith-based support groups, and nonprofit recovery programs assisting long-term reintegration.
Prevention Services
Prevention Initiatives
Korea implements a range of prevention initiatives:
- School-based prevention education nationwide
- Youth engagement and university campaigns (e.g., Drug Keeper Program)
- Local government and police collaborations
- Public awareness programs through social media and community events
Training & Professional Development
In the Republic of Korea, various universities and professional organizations offer academic programs and certification pathways to train specialists in the fields of addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Major Academic Programs
- Sahmyook University – Department of Addiction Science (M.A./Ph.D.)
- Catholic University of Korea – Department of Addiction Studies (M.A./Ph.D.)
- Eulji University – Department of Addiction Rehabilitation & Welfare (B.A./M.A.)
- Chongshin University – Department of Addiction Counseling (B.A.)
Major Certification Programs
- Korean Addiction Psychological Association
- Korean Addiction Counseling Association
- Korean Association of Addiction Professionals
