Complete Guide to Korean Casinos for Foreign Tourists

Overview: Casinos in South Korea

South Korea is home to 17 licensed casinos, making it one of the top casino destinations in Asia. Of these, 16 are foreigner-only casinos operated by major hospitality brands like Paradise and Seven Luck, while Kangwon Land is the only casino open to Korean nationals.

For international tourists, Korean casinos offer a unique blend of world-class gaming, luxury hospitality, and Korean cultural experiences. Whether you are visiting Seoul, Incheon, Busan, or Jeju Island, there is a premium casino experience waiting for you.

Foreigner-Only Casinos vs. Kangwon Land

Foreigner-Only Casinos (16 locations)

• Who can enter: Foreign passport holders only. You must present your passport at entry.
• Age requirement: 19 years or older
• Dress code: Smart casual recommended. No slippers, shorts, or athletic wear.
• Operating hours: Most operate 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Language support: English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean staff available

Kangwon Land (1 location)

• Who can enter: Both Korean nationals and foreigners
• Location: High1 Resort, Jeongseon, Gangwon Province (about 3.5 hours from Seoul)
• Special rules: Korean nationals are limited to 15 visits per month
• Experience: Integrated resort with ski slopes, golf course, and theme park

Casinos by Region

Seoul (3 Casinos)

Seoul offers the most convenient casino access for tourists. All three casinos are inside luxury hotels with excellent public transit connections.

• Seven Luck Casino Gangnam COEX - Located inside the InterContinental COEX hotel in the upscale Gangnam district. 5-minute walk from Samseong Station (Line 2). Perfect for combining shopping at COEX Mall with gaming.
• Seven Luck Casino Seoul Dragon City - Inside the Dragon City hotel complex near Yongsan Station (Line 1). Modern facility with panoramic city views.
• Paradise Casino Walkerhill - Set along the Han River at the foot of Achasan Mountain. Take a shuttle from Gwangnaru Station (Line 5) or taxi from Konkuk University Station (Line 2). Beautiful natural surroundings.

Incheon (2 Casinos)

Incheon casinos are ideal for travelers arriving at or departing from Incheon International Airport.

• Paradise City - Korea's first integrated resort, just 10 minutes from Incheon Airport. Features a luxury hotel, art gallery, spa, and entertainment complex alongside the casino floor.
• Grand Korea Leisure Incheon - Located in the Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel near Songdo International City.

Busan (2 Casinos)

• Seven Luck Casino Busan Lotte - Inside the Lotte Hotel in the heart of Busan's Seomyeon business district.
• Paradise Casino Busan - Located in the Paradise Hotel on Haeundae Beach, Korea's most famous beach.

Jeju Island (8 Casinos)

Jeju Island has the highest concentration of casinos in Korea due to its visa-free entry policy for many nationalities. Major locations include casinos at the Jeju Shilla, Lotte, and Hyatt hotels.

Gangwon Province

• Kangwon Land - The only casino in Korea where Korean nationals can play. Located in a mountain resort area, it offers skiing, golf, and a full integrated resort experience.

How to Get There

From Incheon Airport

• Paradise City: Free shuttle bus, runs every 20 minutes, 10-minute ride
• Seoul casinos: Take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station (43 min) or Hongdae (50 min), then transfer to subway

Seoul Public Transit

All Seoul casinos are within 5-15 minutes of a subway station. Get a T-money card at any convenience store for seamless bus and subway travel. Taxi from central Seoul to any casino costs approximately 10,000-20,000 KRW (USD $8-15).

Casino Shuttle Services

Most major casinos offer free shuttle buses from nearby subway stations, airports, and popular tourist areas. Check the casino website or call ahead for the latest shuttle schedule.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

1. Entry check: Present your passport at the entrance. Staff will verify your age and nationality.
2. Currency exchange: Visit the cashier desk to buy chips. USD, JPY, CNY, and KRW are accepted at most locations.
3. Game tutorials: Most casinos offer free beginner lessons for Baccarat, Blackjack, and Roulette. Ask at the information desk.
4. Complimentary services: Free drinks (soft drinks, coffee, tea, and sometimes alcoholic beverages) are provided at gaming tables.
5. No photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the gaming area.
6. No tipping dealers: Tipping dealers is legally prohibited in Korean casinos, though you may tip beverage servers a small amount.

Insider Tips for the Best Experience

• Visit on weekday evenings for a more relaxed atmosphere and more open tables
• Sign up for the casino's membership program on your first visit for welcome bonuses and dining credits
• Download our free coupons before your visit for extra benefits like dining credits and free play chips
• Set a budget before entering and stick to it — treat it as entertainment spending
• Take advantage of the free game tutorials if you are new to table games
• Check if your hotel offers a casino package deal that includes shuttle service and dining