The aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted South Korean casino operators, with lingering effects still felt across the sector. However, domestic financial analysts are beginning to express optimism about a recovery, labeling casino stocks as "overweight."
According to the latest data from the National Gambling Control Commission, South Korea's 17 casinos, which exclusively admit foreign passport holders, welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors in 2025. This figure reflects an impressive year-on-year increase of almost 19%.
Kangwon Land Casino, the country’s largest gambling venue, is the sole casino that allows domestic nationals. While its visitor numbers also grew, the increase was a more modest 4.5%. As South Korea experiences a record surge in inbound tourism, Kangwon Land is eager to attract international guests to its establishment.
Kangwon Land officials have outlined their strategies to enhance their appeal. "We are enhancing the environment at Kangwon Land with the aim of evolving into a globally competitive integrated resort," stated Moon Chang-hoon, Head of the Global Marketing Team. Plans include creating a foreigners-only casino zone, adjusting betting limits, and introducing services aimed specifically at international visitors.
Most visitors to Kangwon Land Casino continue to be domestic nationals. In fact, only 1% of the total 2.45 million visitors last year were foreign nationals.
To attract more international guests, the casino has established a designated lounge for them, connected by a direct bus service from Incheon, where South Korea's busiest airport is located, as well as from the Seoul metropolitan area. "It’s a layout that allows guests to enjoy special amenities, complimentary welcome refreshments, and access to the High1 resort’s facilities immediately upon arrival," Moon explained.
Gangwon Province, where the casino is located, is witnessing an increase in international tourism, with foreign visitor numbers rising up to 20% annually. However, the province remains relatively remote for many international travelers, including potential casino-goers. Known for its ski resorts, Gangwon Province offers another attraction for visitors, with High1 Resort aiming to cater to skiing enthusiasts. Moon noted that the lounge also supports skiers with multilingual booking services for lessons on the slopes.
In the post-pandemic landscape, both domestic and international visitor numbers to the resort have significantly increased, according to Kim Young-suk, Head of the Media Relations Team. "We are seeing an accelerated influx of family visitors and tourists seeking relaxation. We are moving beyond a traditional demographic of casino-only patrons and building a reputation as a premier year-round integrated resort," Kim stated.
To accommodate the growing visitor numbers, Kangwon Land plans to develop a second casino facility to lessen the current space and seating shortages. "It’ll significantly expand our operational footprint," said Kim, who also indicated that more gaming equipment would be added to enhance the guest experience.
Additionally, a VIP lounge is part of the forthcoming developments. However, the operators aim to shift Kangwon Land’s image from a “casino-centric resort” and introduce new non-gambling facilities. One significant project is the Grand Dome, which will feature a media tower, a musical fountain, and a year-round indoor garden.
Last year, the firm unveiled this ambitious $2.3 billion project, with completion expected by 2035, ultimately targeting a visitor count of over 13 million annually. The former acting CEO, Choi Cheol-kyoo, projected that the revitalized resort could generate $2.6 billion in annual revenue.
Choi previously referred to their vision of transforming Kangwon Land and High1 Resort into a “K-HIT” venue, representing a “Korean-style High1 integrated tourism resort.”
Plans also include significant upgrades to hotel accommodations at both the Grand Hotel Main Tower and High1 Mountain Condo. “We’re planning to increase the number of family-oriented guest rooms to create a pleasant environment for leisure and relaxation,” Kim noted.
Even with these developments, casino games remain the primary source of revenue for the resort. “Table games like baccarat and blackjack are the favorites among our domestic casino visitors,” Kim stated, highlighting the popularity of these card games. He added, “Our new Grand Casino will be a state-of-the-art facility that will help us establish a year-round integrated Korean resort where non-casino facilities and casino operations merge seamlessly.
