South Korean casino stocks rally as tourism numbers hits new peak
Casino stocks in South Korea have soared to record highs, driven by a steady recovery in foreign visitor numbers and renewed optimism in the country’s tourism sector following years of pandemic-related disruption.
According to data from the Korea Stock Exchange (KRX), Lotte Tour Development—operator of the Jeju Dream Tower Casino—has seen its shares jump by more than 50 percent since the start of the year, now trading in the 10,000 won (€6.30) range on the KOSPI market.
This surge reflects a notable improvement in company performance, propped by the sharp rebound in inbound tourism. In March alone, Lotte Tour’s casino sales rose to 32.9 billion won (€20.73 million), marking a 61.3 percent year-on-year increase. The table drop amount, or the total value of chips purchased for table games, climbed by 47.2 percent to 17.7 billion won (€11.16 million).
Revenue surge lifts investor mood
Between January to April 2025, the company’s cumulative casino revenue grew by nearly 30 percent compared with the same period last year, while table drop totals rose by 27.7 percent. Other leading operators, including PARADISE and GKL, also posted share price gains of 28 percent and 7 percent, respectively.
These financial gains come amid a broader recovery in South Korea’s inbound tourism market. Official figures show that more than 1.6 million foreign tourists entered the country in March 2025—the highest monthly total since the onset of COVID-19. January (1.11 million), February (1.13 million), and April (1.45 million) also recorded solid year-on-year growth, signalling sustained momentum throughout the first four months of the year.
The number of Chinese visitors exceeded one million in the first quarter, up 11 percent from the same period in 2024. Japanese arrivals rose by 19.1 percent, approaching the 900,000 mark. Tourists from Southeast Asia also maintained consistent double-digit growth.
More flights, upgrades drive growth
Analysts attribute this upswing to increased international flight routes and recent upgrades at Incheon International Airport. Na Seung-du, a researcher at SK Securities, noted that Jeju Island is likely to post its highest monthly visitor figures since the pandemic, driven in part by the May golden holiday and a rise in cruise tourism.
However, the outlook for other sectors remains mixed. Sales from daigong—Chinese bulk buyers who once contributed significantly to duty-free revenue—have declined sharply.
Still, political momentum is building, with both of South Korea’s main parties pledging to support tourism revitalisation through expanded marketing, event-based tourism, and travel facilitation schemes such as extended K-ETA waivers.
