'Extended Operating Hours' Kangwon Land Surpasses 600,000 Visitors in Q2, Records 370 Billion Won in Revenue

Q2 Operating Results and Visitor Status

Kangwon Land Q2 visitors reach 605,000, a 15% increase year-on-year

Casino sector revenue hits 372 billion won, an 8% increase from the previous quarter

Normalization of operating hours proves key to driving customer inflow and revenue

[K-Journal | Reporter Kim Sun-kyu]

Kangwon Land has achieved tangible management results following the normalization of its casino operating hours. According to the recently released Q2 performance report, the total number of visitors reached 605,000, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. Casino sector revenue also showed a stable recovery, recording 372 billion won.

Key Factors in Performance Improvement

This rise in performance was primarily driven by the normalization of casino operating hours, which has been in effect since January. As the operating hours, previously shortened under COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, returned to normal, customer convenience increased, naturally leading to a rise in visitor numbers and revenue. A Kangwon Land official stated, "Since the normalization of operating hours, customers are staying at the resort longer, which has led to increased utilization rates not only for the casino but also for auxiliary facilities."

Changing Industrial Environment and Resort Competitiveness

Structural Improvement as a Comprehensive Resort

Beyond simple casino operations, Kangwon Land is strengthening its competitiveness as a four-season comprehensive resort. To move away from a casino-centric profit structure, Kangwon Land has significantly expanded non-casino content, including water parks, ski resorts, and golf courses. This promotes the influx of family tourists and contributes to the revitalization of the local economy in Gangwon Province. The commercial districts in the Jeongseon area are also reportedly seeing increased vitality due to the rise in resort visitors.

Regulatory Environment and Industry Outlook

As the only casino in South Korea where locals are permitted to enter, Kangwon Land operates under strict government regulations. It adheres to a total sales cap under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and implements policies to establish a healthy gaming culture. Experts suggest that for Kangwon Land to achieve sustainable growth in the future, it must further solidify its model of co-existence with the local community alongside the modernization of its casino facilities.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention Measures

Strong Measures for Gambling Addiction Prevention

Alongside revenue growth, Kangwon Land is accelerating its efforts in prevention activities for responsible gambling. The 'KL Addiction Management Center' located within the casino employs professional counselors to monitor visitors for signs of gambling addiction. Furthermore, the company has strengthened its 'Gaming Time Compliance Campaign,' which encourages self-imposed time limits to help users objectively understand their own gaming patterns.

Future Policy Direction

Kangwon Land plans to upgrade its monitoring system by incorporating IT technology to further prevent gambling addiction. This method involves analyzing betting patterns and recommending immediate counseling if abnormal signs are detected. A Kangwon Land official emphasized, "User protection is just as important as industrial growth," adding, "We will continue to dedicate all our efforts to expanding prevention education and counseling infrastructure to ensure a healthy leisure culture takes root."