Seoul, South Korea – A collaborative effort to combat youth gambling addiction took shape on Tuesday, March 19, 2026, as the Kangwon Land Corporation and JoongAng Ilbo newspaper formalized a partnership to launch the ‘Hi-WALK’ campaign. The initiative, an expansion of Kangwon Land’s existing youth gambling prevention programs, aims to integrate education, experiential learning, and practical action through a focus on walking as a core activity.
The agreement was signed at the JoongAng Ilbo headquarters in Seoul’s Mapo district. Kim Won-guk, the acting head of Kangwon Land’s Casino Division, and Shin Yong-ho, head of advertising and business at JoongAng Ilbo, were present for the signing, as captured in a photograph released by the newspaper. The partnership reflects a growing concern about the accessibility of gambling and its potential impact on young people in South Korea.
A New Approach to Prevention
Hi-WALK represents a shift in strategy for Kangwon Land’s youth gambling prevention efforts. Rather than relying solely on traditional educational programs, the campaign will leverage the physical activity of walking to promote awareness and encourage responsible decision-making. Details about the specific activities planned under Hi-WALK were not immediately available, but the organizations indicated a focus on linking walking with educational components and practical exercises.
The move comes as South Korea grapples with the increasing prevalence of online gambling and the potential for addiction among its youth. Although Kangwon Land is the country’s only legal casino allowing Korean citizens, the rise of online platforms presents a significant challenge to prevention efforts. The campaign aims to provide young people with tools and resources to resist the allure of gambling and produce informed choices.
Partnership Details and Future Plans
The collaboration between Kangwon Land and JoongAng Ilbo will involve a coordinated effort to promote the Hi-WALK campaign through the newspaper’s extensive media network. This includes potential coverage in print, online, and through social media channels, reaching a broad audience of young people and their families.
Kangwon Land has been actively involved in responsible gambling initiatives for several years, focusing on both prevention and treatment programs. The partnership with JoongAng Ilbo is intended to amplify these efforts and reach a wider demographic. The newspaper, one of South Korea’s leading publications, brings a strong media presence and a commitment to social responsibility to the collaboration.
The organizations have not yet announced a specific timeline for the rollout of Hi-WALK activities, but they indicated that the campaign will begin to unfold in the coming months. Further details regarding the program’s structure, target audience, and evaluation metrics are expected to be released as the initiative progresses.
The partnership highlights a growing trend of collaboration between public and private sector organizations in addressing social issues in South Korea. By combining Kangwon Land’s expertise in gambling prevention with JoongAng Ilbo’s media reach, the Hi-WALK campaign aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and promote a culture of responsible gambling.
Updates on the Hi-WALK campaign and its implementation will be shared through Kangwon Land’s official website and JoongAng Ilbo’s news platforms. Readers are encouraged to follow these channels for more information.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, resources are available. Please visit the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at https://www.ncpgambling.org/ for support, and assistance.
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