An investigation by Chosun Daily uncovered more than 100 illegal gambling dens in Garibong-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul. All of these dens bar Korean locals and serve only Chinese nationals. Analysts link this growth to rising Chinese immigration and demographic shifts within the local Chinese community.
Hidden Operations and Tight Security
Most dens are clustered in a nearly 50-year-old commercial building, with boarded-up windows and guards enforcing strict entry rules. Visitors must present Chinese-issued identification, while threats of violence discourage outsiders. Inside, gamblers use slot machines, mahjong tables, and card games. This creates a self-contained ecosystem that spills over into nearby unregistered guesthouses. These lodgings charge daily fees and provide overnight access, allowing extended gambling sessions.
Demographics Drive Expansion
The rise in illegal gambling correlates with the aging Chinese population in Seoul. Last year, over 40% of Chinese expatriates were aged 60 or older, a demographic more vulnerable to gambling. So-called “senior activity rooms”—a term imported from Yanji, China—have become focal points for this population. They are evolving from social spaces into full-fledged gambling venues.
Enforcement Faces Barriers
Police surveillance shows that dens under watch grew from 273 in 2022 to 909 in 2024. Yet, enforcement has weakened. Closures dropped from 17.9% in 2022 to 11.9% in 2024. Heavy security, hidden interiors, and high-end clientele make evidence gathering difficult. Operating such a venue can lead to up to five years in prison or fines of KRW 30 million, with building owners held equally accountable. Despite occasional legal actions, systemic challenges allow these hubs to persist.
Seoul’s underground gambling scene highlights how demographic trends, urban density, and enforcement gaps combine. This creates a shadow economy that remains largely invisible to local authorities.
