South Korea Casinos for Foreign Visitors

South Korea has 17 licensed casinos, but operates one of the more unusual regulatory systems in Asia. 16 of the casinos are open only to foreign passport holders; Korean nationals are prohibited from entering. Only Kangwon Land in Gangwon Province allows Korean residents to gamble. The system reflects Koreas attempt to attract international gambling tourism while restricting domestic gambling.

Foreigner-only casinos

Located in major tourist destinations and integrated resorts. Notable properties include:

• Paradise City near Incheon Airport: integrated resort with art gallery and entertainment.
• Inspire Entertainment Resort (Mohegan group, opened 2024): the newest major IR property, also near Incheon Airport.
• Walkerhill Casino at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill in Seoul.
• Various properties in Busan, Jeju Island, and other tourist destinations.

Inspire Entertainment Resort

Opened in 2024 as one of the largest integrated resorts in Northeast Asia. Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment operates the property. Around 1,000 hotel rooms, multiple restaurants, retail, and entertainment in addition to the casino. Located within easy access of Incheon International Airport.

Paradise City

Joint venture between Korean and Japanese investors, opened 2017. Differentiated by art collection (genuine modern and contemporary art throughout the property), boutique hotel design, and integrated entertainment including K-pop venue space. Popular with both Japanese and Chinese tourist groups.

Kangwon Land

The only casino where Korean nationals can gamble. Located in a former mining region in Gangwon Province as an economic development project. Substantial casino floor and hotel complex. Open to both Koreans and foreigners.

Entry requirements for foreigners

Valid foreign passport required at all foreigner-only casinos. Must be 19+ years old. Casinos take ID seriously: enter and exit are tracked, and overstaying or misrepresenting nationality can produce serious legal consequences.

Online gambling

Online gambling is illegal under South Korean law for residents. Foreign visitors using foreign online gambling sites while in Korea operates in a legal grey area, though enforcement against individual users is uncommon.

For Japanese visitors

Korean foreigner-only casinos are popular with Japanese travelers seeking casino experiences without traveling to Macau. Direct flights between Tokyo/Osaka and Seoul/Busan are short and frequent. Many casinos offer Japanese-language services and target the Japanese market.

For Chinese visitors

Chinese tourists are the largest single nationality at most Korean casinos. Many casinos are positioned to serve mainland Chinese groups arriving by tour or independent travel.

Practical considerations

Minimum age: 19. Smart casual minimum dress code. Casinos accept Korean won; most also accept US dollars and Chinese yuan at premium rates. Cash transactions tracked above KRW 5 million (around USD 4,000).