Kangwon Land Gets Approval to Adjust Foreigner-Only Casino Operations

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Kangwon Land Inc., the only casino operator in South Korea authorized to serve local residents, has obtained new approvals from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to revise its operations for the foreigner-only gaming floor.

These adjustments were officially confirmed on September 19, as detailed in a filing on the Korea Stock Exchange.

Key takeaways:

  • Kangwon Land secures government approval for minor gaming and service upgrades
  • Expansion plans focus on increasing floor space and attracting international visitors
  • Regional developments, including Osaka IR, influence strategic investments in Korea’s gaming sector

New Machines on Foreigner-Only Gaming Floor

Among the approved changes, Kangwon Land is authorized to add two new machine games to its foreigner-only gaming floor, increasing the total number of machines from 1,610 to 1,612. The updated inventory now comprises 60 slot machines and 1,552 video game machines. 

The MCST also sanctioned a maximum betting limit of KRW 50,000 (approximately USD 36) for the newly introduced games. This adjustment marks a considerable reduction compared to previous betting thresholds, which had been as high as KRW 20 million.

The regulatory revisions are part of a government approach aiming to balance attracting foreign patrons with the implementation of responsible gaming measures. Specifically, the new betting limits are designed to encourage casual foreign visitors while maintaining broader oversight of the gaming market.

Streamlining Services for International Guests

In addition to gaming adjustments, Kangwon Land will be adding two new foreign exchange machines to improve service efficiency for international guests. One machine will be located near the existing currency exchange counter on the fourth floor, while the other will be installed directly on the foreigner-only gaming floor on the fifth floor.

These operational enhancements build on changes initiated in February with the launch of the foreigner-only gaming floor — a component of the broader reforms approved in September 2024. 

Those earlier reforms included the expansion of casino floor space and revised betting limits, aimed at enhancing Kangwon Land’s competitiveness relative to regional gaming markets such as Macau and the Philippines.

Expansion Plans Face Regional Rivalry

Looking forward, Kangwon Land is advancing its “K-HIT Project 1.0,” a multi-year expansion initiative intended to triple its casino floor space by 2032. The overall Kangwon Land resort expansion will cover more than 18,000 square meters and feature auxiliary amenities, including dining, retail and entertainment facilities. 

Interim CEO Choi Cheol-Gyu noted regional market developments as a critical factor shaping the company’s strategy in a business presentation in 2024. He cited the anticipated opening of MGM Osaka’s integrated resort around 2030, which will be approximately 90 minutes by air from South Korea, potentially ending Kangwon Land’s exclusive position in the domestic market.

By diversifying game offerings, adjusting betting parameters, improving operational convenience for foreign players and investing in infrastructure, Kangwon Land aims to maintain a leading market position within South Korea’s gaming sector and contribute to the country’s broader tourism economy.