Content Writer: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 26/02/2026 - 10:45:51 - AM
Kangwon Land Inc, South Korea’s only casino open to locals, has approved a sponsorship package of up to KRW 4.5 billion (US$3.3 million) for Gangwon FC, reinforcing its long-standing support for regional sports and tourism development. The sponsorship was endorsed at a recent board meeting and will cover the 2026 football season.
The funding will be channelled through Kangwon Land’s local community contribution programmes and is aimed at strengthening Gangwon FC’s competitiveness in the K League 1. Local media report that the sponsorship aligns with Kangwon Land’s broader mandate to support economic activity and social initiatives in Gangwon Province, where the casino resort is located.
Analysts note that such sponsorships serve multiple purposes: enhancing brand visibility, supporting regional identity, and reinforcing Kangwon Land’s role as a quasi-public enterprise with social responsibilities. Sports partnerships have also become a common tool among Asian gaming operators seeking to balance commercial objectives with public-interest expectations.
The move comes as Kangwon Land continues to diversify its engagement beyond gaming, amid tighter regulatory oversight and ongoing discussions around market reforms. By backing Gangwon FC, the operator is signalling continuity in its community-first strategy while maintaining a visible presence in one of South Korea’s most followed domestic sports leagues.