As concerns grow regarding the potential exodus of Kangwon Land customers following the scheduled 2030 opening of Japan's Osaka Integrated Resort (IR), Jeongseon County's move to host a correctional facility in the Sabuk area—near the casino—has sparked significant controversy.
In particular, the proposal has drawn criticism for being pushed forward without prior consultation with Kangwon Land or any analysis of its potential impact on the local tourism industry, raising fears that it could negatively affect the casino's competitiveness.
According to Jeongseon County and other sources on the 15th, the county held a public information session for Sabuk residents on the 8th and submitted an application to the Ministry of Justice to host a correctional facility on the 12th. The Jeongseon County Council also approved the motion to host the facility on the 14th.
The correctional facility project, planned for a 192,700㎡ site in Jikjeon-ri, Sabuk-eup, involves an investment of approximately 241.9 billion KRW in government funds and is designed to accommodate 1,000 inmates with 250 resident staff members.
The county expects the project to boost the local economy by increasing the population by about 600 people, including staff and their families, and by attracting 15,000 visitors annually for inmate visitations.
However, critics point out that the project is being pursued without sufficient consideration of the region's identity as a casino tourism hub or the potential impact on tourists.
According to research presented at a seminar by the Korea Casino Tourism Association on the 14th, 52.1% of 493 surveyed Kangwon Land customers (excluding VIPs) indicated they would be willing to visit the Osaka IR once it opens.
Researchers estimated that 445,304 Kangwon Land customers could visit the Osaka IR annually, with casino spending potentially reaching up to 1.266 trillion KRW.
While this does not confirm actual customer loss or revenue decline, the analysis suggests it is a significant risk factor for Kangwon Land management, highlighting the possibility of a major outflow of its core customer base to overseas markets.
In this context, it has been confirmed that Jeongseon County did not consult with Kangwon Land regarding the prison project, nor did it conduct surveys of casino customers or analyze the economic impact on the tourism industry.
Backlash has also emerged in Kangwon Land's online customer communities, with many arguing that a prison could negatively affect the image of a tourism and resort city.
Conversely, Jeongseon County maintains that social perceptions of correctional facilities have changed and that the project will help with population inflow and local economic revitalization.
A county official stated, "The era where prisons were considered avoided facilities is over. Sabuk is suitable for a correctional facility due to its good road accessibility and existing infrastructure like water supply and city gas."
Lee Ki-won, Chairman of the Korea Gaming Tourism Professionals Association, noted, "While I understand the position of Jeongseon County, hosting a prison near an integrated resort will likely have many negative factors. It should be pursued only after sufficient consultation with Kangwon Land."
Critics argue that with Kangwon Land investing heavily to prepare for the Osaka IR opening, the economic effects and the impact on the tourism industry of the proposed correctional facility must be objectively verified.
