It has been a challenging few years by Kangwon Land’s standards, even as it retains its unique position as the only casino in South Korea at which locals are allowed to gamble.
However, having taken note of a stagnation in revenues and looming threats such as the planned 2030 opening of MGM Osaka in Japan – which is sure to attract significant interest from Korean players – the property is taking significant steps to boost competitiveness.
Last year Kangwon Land announced plans for a US$1.9 billion expansion that will include the renovation of existing facilities and development of new offerings, among them a new luxury casino, a hotel and additional leisure facilities, slated for completion in 2028. Specifically, the property wants to transform into a global wellness and sports resort to differentiate it from other integrated resorts across Asia.
The casino expansion will see the total number of gaming tables increase from 200 to 250 and gaming machines from 1,560 to 1,860, alongside a massive increase in betting limits in the dedicated foreigner-only zone from KRW300,000 (US$220) currently to KRW300 million (US$220,000).
Since that announcement, Kangwon Land has also received approval from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to raise the minimum bet limits on some blackjack and Texas Hold’em Poker tables, and it also launched a “foreigner-only casino zone” aimed at enhancing its attractiveness globally by offering dedicated gaming tables and staff who can speak various foreign languages.
