Two faces of casinos

Kangwon Land struggling, Seven Luck thriving

By Kim Tae-jong

Casinos here are either only for Koreans or only for non-Koreans. But this exclusive access is now making a huge difference, although people go there with the same hopes of hitting the jackpot.

Kangwon Land, the sole domestic casino complex accessible to Koreans, is always associated with negative images of corruption, bankruptcy, family breakdowns and gambling addiction. And it is under heavy government regulations, civic scrutiny and criticism by media.

But foreigner-only casinos draw totally different responses. They are considered tourist attractions and new sources to earn

foreign currencies.