A Foreigners-Only Gaming Venue on the Han River Opened in 1968: Paradise Casino Walkerhill

Seoul’s Foreigners-Only Casino, Opened at Walkerhill Hotel in 1968

Paradise Casino Walkerhill opened at Walkerhill Hotel in March 1968. The Paradise Group’s history records this location as the opening of “Paradise Casino Walkerhill,” and it continues to operate inside Grand Walkerhill Seoul at 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

The key point is that the facility began operations in the 1960s, when South Korea’s tourism industry was expanding its foundation for attracting international visitors. According to Paradise’s records, the gaming floor expanded to approximately 600 pyeong when the new wing of Walkerhill Hotel opened in 1978, and the number of gaming machines increased to 49 across seven types.

Foreigners-Only Entry Requirements to Check Before the 24-Hour Schedule

The official beginner’s guide states that Paradise Casino operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Therefore, its operating hours are 00:00–24:00, with no regular closing days. Admission to the casino itself is listed as free, but separate funds are required to participate in games.

However, this is a foreigners-only casino. Korean citizens and anyone under the age of 19 may not enter, while foreign-national visitors must carry their passports. Overseas emigrants may be required to provide additional documents, such as a passport, permanent resident card, or resident registration record extract, depending on their residency or emigration status.

• Admitted: Foreign nationals who are adults and qualified overseas emigrants
• Not admitted: Korean citizens and anyone under the age of 19
• Basic required document: Valid passport
• General inquiries: 02-450-4830

Approximately 8 Minutes by Free Shuttle from Exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station

When traveling by subway, Exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on Line 5 is the most specifically described route. Cross the crosswalk in front of the exit, walk to the Walkerhill free shuttle stop near the Gwangjin-gu Residents’ Sports Center, and take the shuttle; the ride to the hotel takes approximately 8 minutes.

According to Walkerhill’s official information, the shuttle’s first departure from the hotel is at 06:00 and its last departure is at 23:30, with a basic interval of 15 minutes. Service increases to every 10 minutes from 08:00–09:00, 11:00–13:00, and 18:00–19:00. Actual travel times may vary depending on road conditions.

Circular Shuttle Linking Gangbyeon Station on Line 2 and Gwangnaru Station on Line 5

The Walkerhill free shuttle is also available from Gangbyeon Station on Line 2. Information materials indicate that the trip from Gangbyeon Station to the hotel takes approximately 15 minutes, compared with approximately 8 minutes from Gwangnaru Station, making the Gangbyeon Station route practical when approaching from southeastern Seoul or the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal area.

The shuttle operates in a circular route linking Gangbyeon Station, Gwangnaru Station, and Walkerhill. Walking directly from the subway station to the hotel grounds may be strenuous because of the uphill road, so visitors with luggage or those arriving late should plan to arrive before the shuttle’s last departure at 23:30.

Parking at 177 Walkerhill-ro and Finding Your Way Around the Hotel Complex

The address is 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and navigation systems can be set to “Grand Walkerhill Seoul” or this road-name address. Since the casino is inside Grand Walkerhill Seoul, a hotel overlooking the Hangang River, the safest approach after arriving at the hotel is to follow the casino signs and directions from the front desk.

Visitors arriving by car can use the hotel parking lot. The Walkerhill parking building has three basement levels and five above-ground floors, with capacity for 785 vehicles, but it is best to contact the casino or hotel at 02-450-4830 before visiting to confirm the free-parking conditions and hourly rates for casino visitors.

Allow 1–2 Hours for Your First Visit After Passport Verification

For a first visit, it is realistic to allow at least one hour for the shuttle drop-off, movement through the hotel, passport verification, and entry procedures; allowing two hours or more is advisable if you plan to participate in games. Although the casino operates 24 hours a day, the free shuttle runs only from 06:00 to 23:30, so visitors leaving late at night should prepare a separate way home, such as a taxi.

The official website is https://www.paradisecasino.co.kr, and entry qualifications and required documents for the Walkerhill location can be checked in the beginner information section of the “Casino Guide.” Visitors who are not familiar with Korean should prepare their passport and residency-related documents together before entering and call 02-450-4830 if they have any questions.

• Recommended stay: At least 1–2 hours for a first visit
• Shuttle first departure: 06:00
• Shuttle last departure: 23:30
• Late-night return: Separate transportation, such as a taxi, is required instead of the shuttle
• Wheelchair, stroller, and foreign-language assistance: Advance inquiries to the casino are recommended

Suitability of a Visit Alongside the Hotel Complex Overlooking the Hangang River

Paradise Casino Walkerhill is not in the middle of Seoul’s central tourist district; it is located in the Walkerhill hotel complex in Gwangjang-dong. Therefore, it does not suit an itinerary involving several attractions visited consecutively on foot, such as Gyeongbokgung and Myeongdong. The route is simpler when the casino is combined with hotel, dining, and evening plans in eastern Seoul along the Hangang River.

Conversely, the facility itself cannot be a destination for Korean citizens, travelers under the age of 19, or foreign-national visitors who do not have their passports. If these conditions apply, it is better to change the plan to dining facilities at Walkerhill Hotel or an itinerary around the Hangang riverside rather than traveling with casino entry as the purpose.