Kangwon Land Inc, operator of the Kangwon Land casino complex (pictured) in South Korea, has “laid the foundation to become a century-long enterprise in harmony with the region,” said its acting chief executive, Choi Cheol-kyoo, in the firm’s Sustainability Report for 2024.
“By announcing the “K-HIT (High1 Integrated Tourism) Project 1.0,” we have proclaimed our transformation from a leading public enterprise in Korea’s tourism industry into a global integrated resort,” he added. “This marks the beginning of a new journey toward sustainable coexistence.”
Kangwon Land, a resort with the only casino in South Korea open to locals, is located in a remote upland area a three-hour drive east of Seoul. Part of its function is to support economically the local community, a former mining district.
Mr Choi stated: “The K-HIT Project 1.0 goes beyond strengthening corporate competitiveness – it aims to create a new economic ecosystem and jobs in the abandoned mining area, while building a sustainable tourism system that fosters mutual growth with the local community.”
Kangwon Land Inc is currently developing a new building – including a second casino – at Kangwon Land, due to launch in early 2028.
According to the company, the project aims to strengthen the group’s non-casino business, and includes initiatives such as establishing a wellness centre, developing forest trails, constructing signature pool villas, and building new hotels.
“Through these efforts, we aim to raise the proportion of non-casino revenue from the current 13 percent to 30 percent,” stated the casino operator.
It added: “In the casino sector, we are pursuing both operational efficiency and enhanced foreign visitor appeal through the establishment of a second casino floor, temporary casino operations, increased number of gaming machines, and VIP lounge remodelling.”
The company said it was “implementing tailored strategies for international tourists by activating foreigner-only gaming zones and raising betting limits”.
Localising slot manufacturing
The company’s latest sustainability report covers full-year 2024, and includes “certain qualitative activities” carried out through June 2025.
The complex’ promoter said it achieved “meaningful results” last year regarding its sustainability goals.
“We accelerated our transition into an eco-friendly integrated resort by strengthening our ESG [environmental, social, and governance] practices for environmental protection, safety, and integrity,” noted the CEO.
He added: “We were selected as a Green Company by the Ministry of Environment for the fourth consecutive time, obtained ISO 50001 certification, and earned an integrated ‘A’ rating in ESG evaluation by the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability for the fifth consecutive year.”
Mr Choi said the company also made “significant progress” in fulfilling its social responsibilities. “Through initiatives such as attracting youth start-ups and expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and local residents, we steadily promoted regional coexistence programmes,” he observed.
“We also actively participated in addressing social issues through campaigns to eradicate illegal gambling and prevent addiction,” added the executive.
The casino firm said it continued to contribute to “revitalising the regional economy” through various initiatives, having purchased local goods worth KRW184 billion (US$131.7 million) in 2024.
The company also said it “created quality jobs by establishing regionally specialised infrastructure, such as the Coal Mine Culture Park, and localising the slot machine manufacturing business”.
Kangwon Land Inc said it implemented a “Five-Year Plan for the Localisation of Casino Equipment”.
“We launched the ‘Co-Prosperity Division’ and expanded dedicated personnel to actively pursue the development of domestically produced casino machines through public-private cooperation,” it stated.
The company said additionally that it “embraced environmental sustainability as a core value,” with goals of “reducing carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030,” and “achieving carbon neutrality by 2050”.
“We are also establishing a sustainable resort operation model based on a circular economy by minimising waste generation and maximising recycling,” the firm added.
