Casino fever sparks debate

During the parliamentary inspection of autonomous provincial administration of Kangwon Province on Monday, many questions have arisen concerning the opening of the casino in the closed mining town and its speculative promotion and aid to provincial economy.

"Without the support facilities (for the promotion of tourism and industry) in place, opening the casino might turn it into nothing more than a gambling town," Rep. Kim Choong-Jo of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party said. "Lacking such facilities, the casino might, rather than drawing outside wealth for the region, extract the limited wealth of the residents."

Rep. Won Yoo-Chul of the ruling MDP seeks countermeasures.

"The casino must effectively promote the local economy and guarantee tangible benefit for the residents of the region," Won said.

Rep. Yoo Sung-Guen of the opposition Grand National Party pressed for measures to absorb the possible side effects of the gambling establishment.

"Korean people enjoy gambling to a degree unmatched," Yoo said.

That worry was shared by Rep. Lee Won-Chang, also of the opposition GNP.

"It could turn into a gambling establishment for the residents and nothing more," he said.

Rep. Park Jong-Hee of the opposition GNP said, "Among various employees selected by the management company, Kangwon Land, the residents of area have only been placed in such positions as janitors, kitchen workers and security guards."

He demanded an explanation of the exact nature of benefit for the local residents.

Rep. Park also called into question the fire hazard emergency measures of the hotel, the ability and qualification of the managers of Kangwon Land, and censured the lack of preparedness revealed on the opening day.

Choi Chang-Soon cschoi@donga.com