Kangwon Land Inc. has commenced construction on a KRW180 billion (approximately US$136 million) redevelopment project, part of the company’s so-called “K-HIT” initiative, aimed at transforming its flagship resort into a more competitive global tourism destination.

The project includes new casino facilities and major hotel upgrades, reinforcing Kangwon Land’s position as South Korea’s only casino where local residents are permitted to gamble.

Korea’s Unique Casino Market

South Korea operates one of Asia’s most restrictive gaming frameworks.

Among the country’s casinos, only Kangwon Land Casino allows Korean nationals to gamble.

All other casinos — including those in Jeju and Incheon — cater exclusively to foreign visitors.

This gives Kangwon Land a near-monopoly on domestic gaming demand, making it one of the most strategically important gaming properties in the country.

Inside the “K-HIT” Redevelopment Project

The redevelopment focuses heavily on improving accommodation and gaming facilities.

Renovations will cover:

• One building of the Grand Hotel’s main tower, comprising 477 rooms
• Five buildings of the Mountain Condo, adding another 280 rooms

In addition to increasing capacity, the project will significantly upgrade the guest experience.

Key improvements include:

• expansion of family-style hotel rooms
• construction of a new casino-dedicated floor
• introduction of a VIP lounge exclusively for casino members on the 24th floor

The development is expected to be completed in the first half of 2028.

Strengthening the Premium Experience

According to Kangwon Land, the redevelopment is designed to enhance the overall resort environment for casino visitors.

The company said the project is “expected to create synergy and maximize customer satisfaction by providing casino guests with a superior accommodation environment and differentiated VIP service.”

By integrating gaming, accommodation and premium hospitality, the project aims to deliver a more seamless integrated resort experience.

Transforming Kangwon Land into a Global Resort

The redevelopment represents a major milestone in the company’s long-term strategy.

Lee Min-ho, Acting Head of Tourism Marketing at Kangwon Land, described the initiative as a key step in the company’s transformation.

“This environmental improvement project marks the full realization of the K-HIT project, which aims to transform Kangwon Land into a global resort complex.”

He added:

“As this is the largest investment since our founding, we will dedicate ourselves to securing unparalleled facility competitiveness and attracting both domestic and international tourists.”

Beyond Gaming: The High1 Resort Ecosystem

Kangwon Land operates within the broader High1 Resort, located in Gangwon Province.

The complex includes:

• ski slopes
• convention facilities
• leisure attractions
• multiple hotel properties

This diversified resort ecosystem allows Kangwon Land to combine gaming tourism with outdoor leisure and hospitality experiences.

Strategic Context: Reinventing a Mature Gaming Asset

Across Asia, casino operators are investing heavily in property upgrades and expansion projects to maintain competitiveness.

Even mature gaming destinations such as Macau and Singapore continue reinvesting billions into integrated resort upgrades.

For Kangwon Land, the K-HIT project represents a similar effort to modernize infrastructure and enhance visitor experience.

Final Take

Kangwon Land’s US$136 million redevelopment initiative reflects the company’s ambition to evolve beyond a traditional casino property into a full-scale global resort destination.

By expanding hotel capacity, introducing new casino facilities and enhancing VIP hospitality, the project aims to strengthen the resort’s appeal to both domestic players and international tourists.

As South Korea’s only casino open to locals, Kangwon Land occupies a unique position in the Asian gaming landscape — and the K-HIT project could define its next phase of growth.