Some say it’s illegal to gamble in South Korea, while others deem it is not illegal. So, whom to listen to? This guide will cover all the basics of gambling in South Korea and whether you should indulge in it! Apart from being a popular tourist destination for its rich cultural history, South Korea is also a top entertainment destination among foreign nationals. Why? Because of their numerous gaming and clubbing options like online gaming tournaments, casinos, and gambling events that happen all year round. So, is it not illegal, then? Let’s find out!
Are Casinos Legal in South Korea?
South Korea is well known as one of the most developed nations in East Asia. In Korea, gambling by Korean citizens is considered unlawful, and citizens who breach the law face severe penalties. Gambling by Korean citizens is prohibited both inside and outside of the nation.
However, In Korea, there are roughly 18 actual casinos that are designed only for foreign tourists, and any citizen belonging to Korea caught gambling faces harsh penalties. Only foreign tourists visiting the country can indulge in gambling activities and games.
The government adopted this move to boost the gambling economy and tourism in South Korea while protecting the citizens from its ill effects.
Offline Gambling in South Korea
Out of the 18 gambling casinos present in the brick-and-mortar form in South Korea, only one out of those offline casinos permits Korean citizens actually to gamble legally. This is the Kangwon Casino. Rest all casinos don’t allow South Koreans to enter and can only be accessed by foreign nationals. Here is a list of all the top offline casino places in Korea where locals (only one spot) and foreign nationals can enjoy a game!
Kangwon Casino
The only Korean casino that now accepts gamblers from within the nation while simultaneously serving foreign guests too is Kangwon Land Casino. The casino itself has a huge floor size of 27,291 square meters and a whopping 1,360 slot and video machines, in addition to 200 gaming tables. This is a special entertainment place for gambling lovers and is from 10 in the morning to 6 am in the morning all through the week.
Kangwon Casino allows gambling activities like horse racing, bicycle races, lottery tickets, and also betting on motorboat racing for Korean citizens. The various table games available are Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and 5 kinds of Big Wheels. There is an age limit for entry, though. You must provide valid identification proof to show you are 19 years and up. This is a mandatory step for entry.
Here’s a list of other offline casinos in Korea where you might enjoy playing.
- Jeju Shinhwa World
- Hyatt Regency Jeju
- Lotte Hotel and Casino
- KAL Hotel Jeju
- Shilla Jeju Casino
- Paradise Casino Walker Hill
- Paradise Casino Busan
- Sorak Park Hotel and casino
- Seven Luck Casino
There are only 18 physical casino places in all of Korea where foreign nationals can indulge in a fun evening, and only one of these allows Korean citizens to enter and enjoy gambling. This place is owned by the government and only allows nationals above 19 years of age. Apart from that, you can always enjoy online international casino sites whether you are Korean or an international tourist traveling to Korea.
Online Gambling in South Korea
Online gambling is prohibited in South Korea. The operation of an online casino within the nation is prohibited for both businesses and individuals. However, locals go above and above to open offshore accounts and play their preferred casino games. On the other hand, despite the South Korean government’s hard efforts, it is extremely difficult to blocklist every single online casino.
People use the most cutting-edge techniques, including VPNs, to conceal their identities while indulging in online gambling. For instance, using cryptocurrencies has allowed gamblers to play without disclosing their identities.
However, it is important to note that South Koreans can indulge in online international gambling sites. There are no such discrete laws or information regarding prohibiting Korean nationals from indulging in international online gambling activities if they accept Korean players.
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