The union representing workers at Jeju Dream Tower Casino has announced plans for a second general strike involving approximately 400 employees as negotiations over wages, staffing and working conditions continue.
The Dream Tower Casino branch of the Tourism and Leisure Industry Workers' Union said the action would proceed if differences with management are not resolved. A timetable has not been confirmed, with the union planning to determine the timing and format through internal procedures.
Around 300 employees participated in the first strike, according to the union, including both members and non-members. It claimed the action affected casino operations, with fewer tables operating during some periods and the multi-game pit unable to function normally. Baccarat tables accounted for much of the reduced offering.
The union also alleged staffing shortages led to adjustments involving cash buy-ins, high-stakes chip calls and support personnel. It said membership has since increased from around 300 to approximately 360, which it attributed to wider employee concerns about workload, staffing and pay.
The operational impact and any effect on casino revenue have not been independently quantified.
The dispute comes during a period of expansion for Lotte Tour Development's foreigner-only casino. Casino capacity increased from 149 tables in 2024 to 169 during Q1 2026, while additional poker tables and gaming machines were planned as the operator sought to accommodate higher visitation and gaming volume.
Jeju Dream Tower recorded KRW118.6bn ($84.5m) in casino revenue during Q1, up 40.3% year-on-year, while visitor numbers increased 37.3% to 150,553.
The casino operates within Jeju's foreigner-only gaming market. Provincial rules prohibit most South Korean residents from entering casinos under Jeju jurisdiction and require operators to maintain plans covering staffing and workforce management.
The union said it remains open to resolving the dispute through negotiations but is considering stronger industrial action if management does not provide what it regards as substantive changes.
Earlier this month, Jeju Dream Tower reported August casino revenue of KRW46.2bn, down 10.4% month-over-month despite table drop reaching a record KRW293.8bn. Revenue for the first eight months remained 29.4% higher year-on-year.
Dream Tower Casino opened at the Jeju integrated resort in June 2021 and operates exclusively for eligible foreign customers under Jeju's casino regulations
