Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.
Experts call for regulatory reform to develop Korea’s integrated resort industry
A panel discussion on Korea’s future global strategies for the integrated resort industry takes place at The Korea Times Global Business Club in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Lee Hae-rin
Bold reforms, controlled casino access for locals urged to help Korea compete globally
Tourism experts examined the future and challenges of Korea’s integrated resort (IR) industry, during The Korea Times Global Business Club event on Friday. The discussion provided a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s current standing and strategies for development.
Moderator Seo Won-seok, professor at Kyung Hee University and president of the Tourism Sciences Society of Korea, stressed the need for market-driven reforms and cultural differentiation.
"The global competitiveness of Korea’s IRs hinges on whether we can create culturally rich and sustainable tourism destinations," Seo said, urging policymakers to embrace innovation and learn from global success stories.
Lee Jin-sik, secretary general of the National Gambling Control Commission, reflected on both the achievements and the stagnation Korea has faced since the early 2000s.
Lee Jin-sik, secretary general of the National Gambling Control Commission, speaks during a panel discussion at The Korea Times Global Business Club in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
"Despite our early momentum, IR development has slowed due to fragmented legislation and overly cautious investment," he said, "Korea must create an environment where private and public sectors can pursue long-term growth, much like Japan and Singapore."
Lee warned that without streamlined regulations and stronger incentives, Korea’s integrated resorts could lose competitiveness in the global market.
Professor Lee Jae-seok of Gangneung-Wonju University introduced an international perspective, highlighting the need for cross-industry collaboration.
"The next generation of IRs can’t depend solely on gaming — they must integrate entertainment, culture and sports to attract diverse visitors," he said. Referencing the success of global destinations, the professor stressed the importance of content-driven attractions such as concerts, sporting events and film festivals.
Professor Lee Jae-seok of Gangneung-Wonju University speaks during a panel discussion at The Korea Times Global Business Club in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
"Incorporating K-pop, K-culture and even sports would provide Korea with a competitive advantage and broader global appeal," he said, highlighting the significant portion that the gaming industry takes in the K-content industry and the popularity of sports gambling in Las Vegas. He recommended building partnerships with sectors like esports, streaming platforms and the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) to ensure integrated resorts fulfill their role as holistic tourism platforms.
Addressing the long-standing restriction on casino access for Korean nationals, professor Lee urged a pragmatic reevaluation.
"Korea and Vietnam are the only countries that operate foreigner-exclusive casino operations," he explained. "Even Vietnam began testing limited access for locals since 2019, showing flexibility in responding to market realities."
He added that sustainable models — including tightly controlled domestic participation — are crucial to attracting large-scale investment and supporting global-standard entertainment infrastructure.
Park Jun-hwi, senior researcher at the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice, speaks during a panel discussion at The Korea Times Global Business Club in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Park Jun-hwi, senior researcher at the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice, emphasized the balance between growth and social welfare and addressed the industry’s challenges from a public safety and social impact perspective.
"While IRs promise economic gains, we must ensure robust safeguards against gambling addiction, money laundering and related crimes," Park said. He called for stronger regulatory compliance, early intervention systems and international best practices to protect public trust while enabling sustainable growth.
Jeong Kwang-min, research fellow at the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, echoed calls for reform, noting that outdated restrictions hinder Korea’s competitiveness.
"Our rigid casino framework has driven Koreans overseas and limited economic potential at home," he said.
Jeong Kwang-min, research fellow at the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, speaks during a panel discussion at The Korea Times Global Business Club in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Jeong argued that easing regulations and allowing controlled casino access for locals within a transparent and well-regulated system could revive the domestic integrated resort market.
"Legalization must align with responsible gaming policies and strict oversight to ensure economic progress does not compromise social stability," he added.
The panel concluded with a consensus that comprehensive reforms, clearer governance and diversification, are essential for Korea to regain its status as a leader in Asia’s tourism economy.
Seo, the moderator, summed up the discussion by saying, "We need to rewrite the narrative of Korea’s integrated resorts so they become engines of sustainable growth and cultural dynamism."