As Jeju’s visa-waiver program has been suspended as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, local casinos are feeling the strain of the sluggish tourism industry.
Some casinos are even considering a temporary closedown.
Todd Thacker reports.


After Seoul temporarily suspended Jeju’s visa-waiver program to help contain the spread of COVID-19, the number of international visitors to the island dropped by 75 percent.
According to provincial officials, 10,700 non-Koreans have come to Jeju since the suspension.

That is just one fourth the number of international visitors compared to the corresponding period last year, which was a robust 41,000.
A staggering 95 percent drop in the number of Chinese tourists was also recorded.


The shrinking number of international tourists is severely affecting the local foreigner-only casino industry.


The number of casino patrons has decreased 20 percent and sales have plunged 40 percent since Seoul suspended the island's visa-waiver program.
These figures are expected to drop further as Chinese visitors who arrived during the visa-waiver program ultimately depart the island.


Some local casinos are considering a temporary shutdown as they expect the number of overseas visitors to remain flat for the foreseeable future.


Meanwhile, officials anticipate a corresponding drop in various taxes and other revenue earned from departing overseas casino patrons. This could leave provincial coffers and the Jeju Tourism Promotion Fund short some 13 billion won this year.

Todd Thacker, KCTV