South Korea's foreigner-only casino industry maintained strong momentum in July 2026, led by Jeju Dream Tower and Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), which together generated more than US$65 million in casino revenue and confirmed that the recovery of international tourism continues to drive the country's gaming market.
Lotte Tour Development Co., Ltd., operator of Jeju Dream Tower, reported KRW51.6 billion (US$36.1 million) in casino revenue for July, representing an 18.8% year-on-year increase and a 5.8% gain compared with June. The result fell just short of the property's all-time monthly record of KRW52.9 billion, achieved in September 2025.
The company reported that table games generated KRW48.9 billion (US$34.2 million), while slot machines contributed KRW2.69 billion (US$1.88 million), setting a new monthly record for slot revenue. Hotel revenue also increased to KRW8.78 billion (US$6.14 million). Led by CEO Baek Hyun, the company accumulated KRW317.3 billion (US$222 million) in casino revenue between January and July, a 33.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Meanwhile, Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), operator of the three Seven Luck casinos—COEX Gangnam and Dragon City in Seoul, together with Busan Lotte—reported KRW41.7 billion (US$29.1 million) in casino revenue during July, up 6.9% year-on-year and 12% compared with June. Table games generated KRW38.0 billion (US$26.5 million), while gaming machines contributed KRW3.66 billion (US$2.55 million). The company, led by CEO Yoon Doo-hyun, generated KRW268.9 billion (US$188 million) during the first seven months of 2026, representing an 8% year-on-year increase.
Monthly reports from both operators also highlighted trends in casino drop. Jeju Dream Tower recorded KRW216.8 billion (US$152 million) in drop, while GKL reached KRW325.2 billion (US$227 million). Although the total amount wagered declined year-on-year for both operators, casino revenue increased because of stronger gaming hold percentages, allowing both companies to improve profitability despite lower betting volumes.
The performance coincides with South Korea's continued tourism recovery, with the country surpassing 10 million international visitors before the end of June 2026. The increase in foreign arrivals, particularly to destinations such as Jeju Island, continues to strengthen a gaming market where casinos remain legally restricted to foreign patrons, enabling operators such as Jeju Dream Tower and Seven Luck to consolidate their growth and reinforce South Korea's position as one of Asia's leading regulated casino markets.
