Claw machine craze sweeps Korea, but experts warn of addiction risks

A claw machine arcade attracts players. Hankook Ilbo

Claw machine arcades are booming across Korea, offering players the thrill of small victories for just a few thousand won. But experts caution that the growing craze carries risks of overspending and gambling-like behavior.

On Sept. 8, 24-year-old office worker Lee, who had just toured five different claw machine parlors in Jamsil, Seoul, laughed even after spending tens of thousands of won. “Even if I fail, I think of it as gaining experience to do better next time,” Lee said.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 987 new claw machine arcades and other small gaming venues opened nationwide from January to August this year — more than double the 411 that opened during the same period in 2024.

Why they appeal

A claw machine arcade attracts players. Hankook Ilbo

Prizes range from 1,000 won keyrings to plush dolls, capsule figures and larger collectibles, with machines charging up to 7,000 won per attempt. Popular items include Sanrio characters, anime figures from “Demon Slayer” and “Haikyuu!!,” and even K-pop mascot goods such as NCT Wish’s “Wichu.”

The “bag-decorating” trend, known as baekku, has further boosted demand, as young consumers now clip dolls or keyrings onto their backpacks. “In the past, winning a doll felt useless, but now attaching them to bags has made them more valuable,” said one office worker.

Even adults are embracing the fad. “These days, even men and older people hang dolls on their bags,” said a nurse in her 30s. “It’s fun for everyone, regardless of age or gender.”

New claw machines accept card payments. Hankook Ilbo

Convenience has also fueled the boom: newer machines accept card payments, making it easy to spend without noticing. “It’s so convenient that I end up using money without realizing,” said 30-year-old office worker Choi, who stops by daily to check for new prizes.

Dopamine hits, but spending mounts

A claw machine arcade attracts players. Hankook Ilbo

Experts say the allure lies in simplicity and instant gratification. “Claw machines stimulate the desire to try again after failure and the sense of achievement after success, all at low cost,” said Lee Eun-hee, professor of consumer science at Inha University.

But the risks are clear. “Claw machines are addictive because they provide pleasure at low cost,” said Kwak Geum-joo, psychology professor at Seoul National University. “The machines are designed to require multiple tries, giving them an element of gambling. And because most parlors are unmanned, it is harder for players to regulate themselves or seek immediate help when problems arise.”

Most claw machine parlors are unmanned. Hankook Ilbo

The claw machine’s rise coincides with a lack of affordable leisure spaces for young Koreans. With bright neon arcades spreading in cities and towns, the game has become a cheap, quick escape — but one that experts warn may come at a hidden cost.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.