A business organization in South Korea has proposed the development of a large-scale casino integrated resort in Gwangju, arguing that the project could become a key growth engine for the proposed Gwangju-Jeollanam integrated special city. The group also believes the development could help address demographic challenges through childcare support funded by casino profits.
As reported by local media, the proposal was presented by the Gwangju Employers Federation during a policy forum attended by Min Hyung-bae, the president-elect of the proposed Gwangju Integration Special Mayor of South Jeolla Province.
Under the plan, a casino resort complex would be developed on a former ammunition depot site in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. The project is estimated to require investment of approximately KRW 2trn and would include a casino, a five-star hotel with 1,000 rooms and various theme park attractions.
The federation argued that the development would help the region compete for international tourism and business events, particularly as Japan prepares to open the Osaka integrated resort in 2030. It also said the project could help reduce the outflow of spending by South Koreans who currently visit overseas casinos, which the group estimates at around KRW 5trn annually.
One of the proposal's more notable elements is the suggestion to use casino profits to support local families. The federation proposed providing KRW 1m per month in childbirth and childcare assistance for children aged up to 10 in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. It argued that a successfully operated resort could generate sufficient earnings to support such programs, citing the profitability of existing casino operators such as Kangwon Land.
In addition to social benefits, the group projects broader economic gains, including the creation of approximately 2,000 hotel and resort jobs, monthly tourist arrivals of around 60,000 visitors, expansion of five-star accommodation capacity and growth in the local MICE sector.
Federation Chairman Yang Jin-seok said bold investment and new growth industries would be essential to strengthening the regional economy and creating employment opportunities for younger generations. He added that the proposed integrated special city should focus on building a business-friendly environment while securing long-term economic growth drivers.
The proposed development would include a casino, a 1,000-room five-star hotel and theme park facilities on a 650,000-pyeong site in Gwangju
