Jeju Island residents support casinos for foreigners only

More than half of South Korea's Jeju Island residents believe that casinos open exclusively to foreigners positively affect tourism and consumer spending. According to a 2025 survey on perceptions of foreigner-only casinos in Jeju, 50.4% of respondents are convinced that such establishments increase the flow of foreign tourists, and 51.8% believe that casinos extend the duration of their stay. Additionally, 56.4% agreed that the presence of casinos leads to higher tourist spending.

In all key categories, positive ratings outweighed negative ones. The survey also showed that 51.3% of residents view casinos as a factor in creating jobs for the local population, while 50.4% see them as a source of increasing Jeju's financial revenues. For the third year in a row, the top priority of casino operators' social responsibility remains supporting job creation for youth. Other important areas include developing local students' talents and initiatives for rural community development.

Regarding public policy, 39.5% of respondents support stricter industry regulation, while 30.8% favor expanding government support. This indicates a demand for a balanced approach that combines oversight with industry incentives to maintain stability and boost the local economy. At the same time, despite the generally positive view, some concerns remain, such as increased gambling, potential negative effects on youth education, and harm to the island's image. These factors reflect the dual nature of the industry, combining economic benefits with social risks. Notably, only 42.2% of residents knew that the Jeju authorities directly manage and oversee casinos for foreigners, highlighting the need for better public communication.

In response to the survey results, the Jeju administration plans to expand information sharing in the gaming sector, strengthen local resident engagement, and address social issues through consistent policy implementation. Jeju's Director of Tourism and International Exchanges, Kim Yang Bo, stated: “We will enhance transparency and accountability in the casino industry, minimize social risks, and create a sector model that provides real support for youth and local communities”.