Clark, Philippines, which transformed from a former U.S. Air Force base into Southeast Asia's premier golf and casino resort destination, is once again putting effort into attracting Korean tourists through facility expansion and improved tourism services.
Its greatest competitive edge is the short travel time—about 3.5 to 4 hours via direct flight from Incheon International Airport—and the fact that golf courses, casinos, hotels, pool villas, luxury apartments, and Korean commercial districts are all concentrated in a compact area.
According to the local Korean community and the travel industry on the 27th, the development of new golf courses, expansion of casino facilities, and improvements in accommodation and amenities are drawing back the interest of Korean tourists who had previously turned to other Southeast Asian destinations like Vietnam and Thailand.
Clark, located in Pampanga province north of Manila, was developed as an economic zone after the U.S. military withdrawal in 1991, evolving into a complex city equipped with wide roads, greenery, golf courses, and hotels.
Experts point out that the reason Clark is attractive to Korean tourists is its environment, which allows them to enjoy golf, casinos, and relaxation all at once.
In particular, it is considered ideal for short-term trips of 3 nights/4 days or 4 nights/5 days, as golf can be enjoyed even during Korea's winter season, and the travel distance between golf courses and accommodations is short.
◆ Development of 3 Golf Courses… Large-Scale Casino Expansion
The most notable recent change in Clark's tourism industry is the expansion of golf courses and the modernization of casino facilities.
Hann Philippines, led by a Korean-affiliated company, is developing 'Hann Reserve,' a luxury golf and integrated resort complex, on approximately 450 hectares in New Clark City.
This project will feature three 18-hole championship golf courses designed by world-renowned firms and legends, including Nicklaus Design, Korea's K.J. Choi, and the UK's Nick Faldo.
Nicklaus Design's 'Draken's Landing' had a soft opening in late January this year, while the K.J. Choi-designed 'Six Moons' is slated for the fourth quarter of this year, and the Nick Faldo-designed 'Caverns Deep' is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.
With new luxury courses added to existing ones like Mimosa, Clark Sun Valley, and D'Heights, the options for Korean golf tourists are expected to expand significantly.
Investment in casino facilities is also active.
Hann Casino Resort, a representative integrated resort in Clark, opened a 12,208-square-meter casino expansion last December.
The new space accommodates 584 slot machines and 34 table games, including 270 of the latest machines from global manufacturer Aristocrat.
They are focusing on providing differentiated services by expanding food and beverage options, enhancing customer amenities, and modernizing the gaming environment.
Hann Philippines also announced a total investment plan of 20 billion pesos (approx. 415 billion KRW) last year for casino resort expansion and the development of Hann Reserve.
◆ Clark Regaining Favor… Focus on Price and Service Competitiveness
In the past, as the number of Chinese tourists and casino VIPs increased, local prices for hotels and golf courses rose, weakening price competitiveness for Korean tourists.
Consequently, some Korean tourists shifted their travel destinations to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
However, with the recent sharp decline in Chinese VIP casino demand and the modernization of Clark's golf, casino, and accommodation facilities, the environment is shifting back to favor Korean tourists.
In particular, the ability to choose from a variety of price points—ranging from budget-friendly golf courses to luxury championship courses, and standard hotels to high-end resorts and pool villas—is considered a major advantage.
Flight times are also 1 to 2 hours shorter than to some Southeast Asian destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, or Bangkok, reducing the time and cost burden for short-term travelers.
However, it should be noted that not all products in Clark are cheap, as luxury golf courses and casino resorts can be priced higher than standard facilities.
◆ Posco Apartment Popularity… Expanding the Base for Long-Term Stays
Another feature of Clark is the Korean lifestyle zone that combines tourism with long-term stays.
In the Angeles area adjacent to Clark, a Korean commercial district has formed with Korean restaurants, grocery stores, travel agencies, and golf-related businesses, allowing Korean tourists to live quite conveniently.
In particular, 'The Sharp Clark Hills,' built by POSCO E&C, is a representative residential facility showing the demand for long-term stays by Koreans.
Constructed with 5 buildings of 21 floors and 552 units, this apartment complex is equipped with various amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and sauna.
According to local Korean residents, the occupancy rate of Koreans in these apartments is about 80%, and demand is so high that it is difficult to find vacant units for rent. The monthly rent is estimated at around 2 million KRW, excluding maintenance fees.
Thus, Clark is gaining interest not only from short-term tourists enjoying golf and casinos but also from Koreans who want to combine vacationing with long-term living.
◆ Increasing Airport Traffic… Challenges in Casino Revenue and Safety
The expansion of Clark's tourism infrastructure is also reflected in airport performance.
Clark International Airport saw 2,753,101 passengers in 2025, a 14% increase from the previous year.
However, this figure includes domestic and international passengers of all nationalities, so it does not necessarily mean that Korean tourists increased by the same percentage.
In fact, the total number of Korean visitors to the Philippines last year was approximately 1,346,300, an 18.5% decrease from the previous year.
Clark's casino industry also faces the challenge of revenue recovery despite facility expansion.
According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for licensed casinos in the Clark area last year was approximately 25.1 billion pesos (approx. 520.8 billion KRW), a 6.7% decrease from the previous year.
Tourist safety is also an issue that needs to be addressed. Apart from the pleasant urban environment of the Clark Economic Zone, there have been cases of violent crimes against Koreans in the adjacent Angeles area, so travelers need to exercise caution.
Nevertheless, Clark is strengthening its competitiveness as an integrated resort destination through its proximity, diverse golf courses, modernized casinos, luxury accommodations, and Korean-friendly amenities.
The reason Koreans are paying attention to Clark again is not just because of the golf and casinos, but because the tourism environment—where one can enjoy golf, gaming, relaxation, lodging, and even long-term stays all in one place—is improving.
It remains to be seen whether facility investments and service improvements will lead to an actual increase in Korean tourists and a recovery in casino revenue.
