CreatripTeam

During a parliamentary audit at the Gangwon Land resort, lawmakers flagged problems with the casino’s ‘comp points’ (Hyowon Points) system—mileage credits given to casino members that can be used like cash at local merchants—saying some points appear to be illegally cashed out and recycled into gambling. Officials noted that while the program aims to boost the local economy, over 70% of accumulated points are spent at casino-owned facilities rather than in the surrounding community. Gangwon Land’s acting CEO Choi Cheol-kyu said the company recognizes the issues, is tightening controls, will expel problematic merchant partners, and is surveying small businesses to set appropriate local usage limits. Lawmakers also criticized unauthorized filming inside gaming areas and the presence of brokers promoting illegal online gambling near the casino; the CEO pledged to block leaked footage and conduct full inspections to address these concerns.