Osaka / Seoul – August 27, 2025. The Korea Casino Tourism Association and the Korea Tourism Society are convening a two-day forum in Osaka this week to weigh the economic impact of Japan’s US$9 billion MGM Osaka integrated resort on South Korea’s casino and tourism sectors. The meeting brings together around 50 officials, academics, and industry experts, including representatives from Kangwon Land, the country’s sole casino operator open to locals.
South Korean analysts warn that MGM Osaka—slated to open around 2030—is expected to attract up to 7.6 million Korean visitors annually, potentially diverting KRW 2.6 trillion (~US$1.9 billion) in domestic casino spending abroad.
In response to the mounting regional competition, Kangwon Land has rolled out its own strategic expansion: the K‑HIT Project 1.0. This KRW 2.5 trillion (~US$1.8 billion) plan aims to triple its casino floor space to 49,500 sqm by 2032 and boost non-gaming revenues from 13 percent to 30 percent by diversifying into wellness, sports, and leisure offerings.
During the forum, Choi Cheol‑gyu, Acting CEO of Kangwon Land, described the moment as “a pivotal test” for the country’s casino and tourism industry, stressing the importance of innovation to strengthen Korea’s competitive edge on the global IR stage. The forum comes amid regional pressure as integrated resorts emerge across Asia—from Singapore and the Philippines to Vietnam—challenging South Korea to keep pace with high-end tourism offerings.
