South Korea's Jeju Island continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for foreigner-only casinos. While Jeju Dream Tower Casino, operated by Lotte Tour Development Co. Ltd., reported KRW48.720 billion (US$31.3 million) in casino sales for June 2026, representing a 36.1% year-on-year increase, the former Gongzi Casino, now rebranded as WanLi Casino, is preparing to reopen in the third quarter of 2026 with a strategy focused on the mass-market segment rather than VIP gaming.
Dream Tower's performance highlights the strength of current demand. According to figures disclosed to the Korea Exchange, the foreigner-only casino welcomed 61,146 visitors in June, an 18.7% increase from the same month last year. Table games remained the primary revenue driver, generating KRW47.200 billion (US$30.3 million), up 37.4% year-on-year and 0.4% month-on-month. Slot machines contributed KRW1.520 billion (US$1 million), a 5.7% annual increase, although slightly below May's performance. Hotel revenue also continued its upward trend, reaching KRW8.000 billion (US$5.1 million), up 17.6% compared with June 2025.
The first-half results confirm that the growth is structural rather than temporary. During the first six months of 2026, Jeju Dream Tower generated KRW265.720 billion (US$170.8 million) in casino sales, representing a 36.6% increase over the same period in 2025. The integrated resort, whose casino license was relocated from Lotte Hotel Jeju in June 2021, remains one of the island's flagship foreigner-only gaming properties.
The supply side is also expanding. WanLi Casino, formerly known as Gongzi Casino, is scheduled to reopen during the third quarter of 2026 under Asia Star Entertainment Co. Ltd. Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Teo confirmed that the property will target recreational players and international tourists while reducing its historical dependence on junket and VIP business.
In South Korea, casinos in Jeju are restricted to foreign visitors, with Kangwon Land remaining the country's only casino where local citizens are permitted to gamble. With Dream Tower posting robust revenue growth and WanLi preparing its return, Jeju enters the second half of 2026 with stronger demand, expanding gaming capacity and intensifying competition for Asia's international gaming tourism market.
