Illegal 'Mahjong Gambling Dens' Surge in Downtown Seoul… Police Strengthen Crackdown
Recently, illegal Mahjong gambling dens have been rapidly increasing, particularly around Konkuk University Station in Seoul, raising concerns among citizens. While these facilities operate under names like 'Chinese Compatriot Activity Center' or 'Chinese Compatriot Lounge,' they have been confirmed as venues where illegal gambling actually takes place.
These gambling dens began opening one by one starting late last year. They are spreading primarily in areas with high populations of ethnic Chinese residents and are using deceptive signage to appear as ordinary lounges.
Police believe that these illegal gambling dens disrupt the healthy order of the local community and could become hotbeds for crime. In particular, there is a possibility that they could lead to greater social problems if the scale of gambling funds grows, making a thorough investigation necessary.
Currently, relevant authorities have announced an intensive crackdown on these illegal gambling dens. They are also urging citizens to report any suspicious facilities they encounter in their neighborhoods to the police immediately.
Illegal gambling activities in the city center are subject to strict legal punishment. The authorities intend to protect the safety of the local community and eradicate the culture of illegal gambling through this crackdown.