Key Moments:
- Industry leaders in South Korea met in Osaka to discuss strategies amid the upcoming launch of MGM Osaka in 2030.
- Concerns have been raised over the possible loss of 7.6 million South Korean tourists annually to Japan’s new integrated resort.
- Calls for regulatory reform intensified as industry experts urge alignment with international standards to maintain competitiveness.
Industry Leaders Face Mounting Competitive Pressures
South Korea’s gaming and tourism sectors are actively seeking ways to revamp current regulations as competition heats up with the forthcoming integrated resorts in Japan. A recent seminar in Osaka brought together prominent figures from the Korea Casino Integrated Resort Association and the Korea Tourism Society, where they explored strategies to navigate the evolving landscape driven by Japan’s new developments.
Analysts warn South Korea’s foreigner-only casino model is falling behind rivals like Macau, the Philippines and soon Japan’s MGM Osaka, urging a shift toward integrated resorts to strengthen global competitiveness.
— iGB (@iGamingBusiness) August 28, 2025
Potential Impact from MGM Osaka’s 2030 Debut
At the heart of these discussions is the anticipated opening of MGM Osaka in 2030, Japan’s inaugural licensed casino resort. The venue is expected to welcome millions of international visitors, including an estimated 7.6 million South Korean tourists each year—raising alarms about the possible diversion of expenditures away from South Korea’s local casino and tourism industries.
Choi Chul-kyu, the interim CEO of Kangwon Land, highlighted the threat posed by Osaka’s proximity and the broad implications for South Korea’s tourism sector. As Choi stated, “Osaka’s integrated resort is geographically close and poses a serious competitive challenge for our industry.” He emphasized that the impact would extend well beyond Kangwon Land.
Urgency for Wholesale Reforms and Policy Adjustments
Forum participants stressed the necessity of moving beyond existing regulatory approaches. Suh Won-seok, head of the Korea Tourism Society, suggested that a transformative shift is required for sustainable growth in the country’s casino and tourism domains. Specific policy proposals have yet to be finalized, but the consensus points toward comprehensive changes to support and advance the industry.
Lee Jae-seok, a professor at Gangneung-Wonju National University, addressed how integrated resorts could contribute to South Korea’s goal of attracting 30 million foreign tourists. Lee called for authorities to review current restrictions on integrated resorts, with an emphasis on maintaining safeguards against gambling-related issues.
Aligning with International Standards
Han Geum-seok, acting head of Kangwon Land’s casino business, underscored the urgency in updating South Korea’s regulatory practices. Han commented, “Once Osaka opens, many of Kangwon Land’s customers could shift there,” further advocating for regulations that align more closely with international norms.
Assessing Market, Economic Strategy, and Reform
The seminar brought together 50 officials and experts to assess the ramifications of the US$9 billion MGM Osaka project on South Korea’s economic and tourism prospects. As industry stakeholders urge a modernization of policies, South Korea finds itself at a pivotal moment: balancing economic growth, robust competition, and social responsibilities.
| Event/Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| MGM Osaka Opening | Scheduled for 2030; expected to attract millions, including 7.6 million South Koreans annually |
| Projected Investment | US$9 billion |
| Main Stakeholders | South Korean casino and tourism sector leaders, industry experts, Kangwon Land officials |
Shaping the Future of South Korea’s Casino and Tourism Sectors
The momentum generated by this gathering signals a transition towards regulatory modernization aimed at harnessing emerging opportunities while protecting South Korean interests. Decisions made in the next few years will shape whether South Korea can maintain its position as a premier destination in the fiercely competitive Asian integrated resort market. Achieving the right balance between innovation, competition, and social responsibility remains key to ensuring the industry’s sustained success.
- Author
Daniel Williams
