China criticizes South Korean media for promoting casinos to Chinese tourists

Chinese state media and diplomatic officials have publicly criticized South Korean media and securities firms for highlighting Chinese tourists as a key growth driver for South Korea's foreigner-only casinos. In a signed article published in the Korea Times on July 30, Tang Liang, an official at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, expressed shock and firm opposition to such coverage, citing China's zero-tolerance policy on gambling and noting that Chinese citizens gambling abroad is illegal. The article referenced Confucius' saying 'Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself,' pointing out that South Korean law restricts its own citizens from entering most casinos. South Korean media and analysts, including Shinhan Securities, have noted that the profitability of the three major foreigner-only casino operators depends heavily on Chinese tourist numbers, with Chinese visitors to South Korea reaching about 2.56 million in the first five months of the year, up 25% year-on-year. The Chinese embassy called on South Korea to regulate casino operations and stop targeting Chinese tourists, while also pledging to educate Chinese travelers. This comes amid a visa-free pilot program for Chinese group tours that began on September 29, 2025.

Global Impact

Politically, this episode highlights tensions in China-South Korea relations, with China using diplomatic channels to push back against what it sees as exploitation of its citizens. Economically, the dispute could influence tourism revenue for South Korea and the profitability of its casino industry, which relies on Chinese high-rollers and mass-market visitors.