Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Gangwon Province, former coal-mining haven Kangwon Land is redefining itself—not just as South Korea's sole casino accessible to locals, but as a forward-thinking, sustainable resort aimed at balancing profit, community, and environmental well-being. The company is transforming its vision—guided by its leadership—into meaningful action.

Sustainability at the Heart of Operations

In a recent report, Kangwon Land’s CEO emphasized the company’s ongoing advancements in integrating sustainable practices throughout its operations. This reflects a stronger commitment to responsible management. These efforts build upon earlier strategies, such as the 2021 sustainability report that stressed the company’s responsibility for both social and environmental impacts.

A Vision That Echoes Las Vegas, But Greener

Interim CEO Choi Cheol-kyoo has outlined a bold strategy to transform Kangwon Land from a mining-town relic into a world-class integrated resort that extends well beyond gaming. His vision emphasizes entertainment, retail, and wellness facilities, aiming to raise non-gaming revenue from just 13 percent to about 30 percent by 2032. This reflects not just diversification, but a sustainable path toward balanced growth.

Expansion with Purpose: The K-HIT Project

At the center of this transformation is the K-HIT (High1 Integrated Tourism) initiative, a KRW 2.5 trillion (about US$1.9 billion) investment aimed at enlarging both gaming and non-gaming facilities. The project includes expanding the gaming floor by 40 percent, adding more tables and slot machines, and significantly increasing foreigner betting limits. Alongside gaming, the plan introduces luxury hotels, performance venues, retail spaces, and cultural and healthcare facilities to create a multi-dimensional resort experience.

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.” This underlines how Kangwon Land views sustainability not only through an environmental lens, but also as a social and economic mission.

Welcoming the World

To diversify its customer base, Kangwon Land recently rolled out a pilot program for a “Foreigners-Only” casino zone. The initiative comes with higher betting limits, up to KRW 300 million, and the hiring of multilingual staff to improve accessibility and service. This pivot reflects a long-term strategy of sustainable tourism by reducing dependence on domestic visitors and embracing international markets.

Responsible Gaming and Community Protection

Kangwon Land’s sustainability narrative is also reinforced by its K-GREEN responsible gaming program, which was piloted in late 2024 and officially launched in early 2025. The program guides visitors through the Mind Healing Center before they enter the gaming floor, promoting healthier gambling practices. As the first comprehensive visitor protection program in South Korea’s casino industry, it sets a precedent for ethical operations and corporate accountability.

Financial Strength Fuels Growth

The company’s financial stability has provided the foundation for its ambitious green and social projects. In 2024, net income surged 33.6 percent to KRW 455.4 billion (around US$317 million), even on modest revenue growth. Shareholders were rewarded with a final dividend of KRW 1,170 per share, amounting to KRW 234.47 billion (about US$162 million), a strong signal of confidence and stability.

Conclusion: A Greener Path Forward

From spearheading responsible gambling initiatives to launching a multi-billion-dollar expansion project, Kangwon Land is redefining what it means to be a sustainable integrated resort. Its approach combines environmental awareness, community uplift, and financial resilience, ensuring that it remains not just a gaming hub, but a leader in ethical and sustainable tourism for decades to come.