Korea Poker Cup Front and Center this April, Seven Figure Pool on the Horizon

Another captivating series is set to conquer the coastal shores of Jeju Island, South Korea, with Korea Poker Cup’s inaugural standalone showing on the front page of this spring season’s festivities. Running from April 7-13 at Landing Casino, Jeju Shinhwa World, KPC Series 2025 – sponsored by QQPK, will be transforming the main floor into a full fledged battleground with an action-packed week of games, sure to keep the tension high from morning til night. 

An abundance of KRW 1.35 Billion (~USD 928,365) in guarantees across 25 trophy events are geared to blow the stakes higher than ever. The KPC Main Event alone is set to feature a guaranteed prize pool of KRW 800,000,000 (~USD 550,140), making it the centerpiece of the series and a must-play for poker enthusiasts.

Korea Poker Cup Series 2025 – Schedule

Famed Stars to be in Attendance

Beyond the competition, attendees will have the opportunity to test their skills against some of the biggest names in the poker world. Already confirmed to be on board are renowned bracelet winners Joseph Cheong, Lei Yu, and Shiina Okamoto.

Cheong has been making waves across the Asian poker scene over the last year, securing major titles in Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea. With an impressive career, including a third-place finish in the 2010 WSOP World Championship, Cheong will be on the hunt for his first-ever KPC hardware as he joins the festivities.

Yu on the other hand, has been a regular across Jeju showings with several titles likewise under his belt. Part of the Red Dragon Poker Team, Yu made global headlines just this December, having captured a stunning bracelet win at the WSOP Paradise Deepstack event, earning him a personal best score of USD 293,050.

Japanese pros Shiina Okamoto and Kosei Ichinose are also among the stars expected at the arena this April, with the former reckoned as one of the top female contenders worldwide with her back to back runs in the WSOP Ladies Event cementing her status as one of the elites. Ichinose similarly boasts a plethora of cashes, with over USD 1.4 million in his resumé to show for.

Joining the celebration are Taiwan’s celebrated Justin Chu and Ang Lin, newly minted Triton winner Xuan Tan, who sits 4th in China’s All Time Money List with USD 12 million in winnings, along with inaugural KPC Main Event champion Joris Michl, back to defend his title. 

Netherlands’ Michl claimed his first major victory during last season’s KPC festivities as part of the three-brand collaboration, Jeju Poker Festival, where he triumphed over a Main Event field of 530 entries to take home the KRW 190,000,000 (~USD 136,410) grand prize – his largest career live cash to date.

Whether you’re here for the thrills or the chance to face off with industry’s bests, this inaugural KPC Series definitely promises an unforgettable experience.

KPC Main Event

The spotlight continues to shine on the KPC Main Event, which this time features a more affordable buy-in of KRW 1,300,000 (~USD 836), slightly lower than its previous edition. To make it even more enticing, early bird entrants will enjoy a minor discount on the first flight, with a price that’s a bit more budget-friendly than the following rounds. Five heats are scheduled, each narrowing the field to the top 15% (ITM), with only 12.5% advancing to Day 2.

To keep the excitement high, an intriguing promotion is in place, offering players the chance to earn bonuses as they progress. Those who secure a spot into Day 2 multiple times will be eligible for bonus prizes totaling up to KRW 23,000,000, adding an extra layer of thrill to the competition.

Bonus for Advancing Multiple Day 1 Flights:

• Advance in 2 flights: KRW 4,000,000 
• Advance in 3 flights: plus KRW 11,500,000 
• Advance in 4 flights: plus KRW 23,000,000

A stunning new KPC Main Event trophy will be up for grabs, featuring a striking gold flame inspired by the fiery peaks of the iconic Hallasan Mountain. According to KPC, this redesigned trophy is not just a symbol of victory but also a representation of the passion and determination that fuels every player’s journey, burning with intensity in every race.

KPC Main Event Schedule

• Dates: April 8-13, 2025
• Buy-in: KRW 1,300,000 (~USD 836)
• Guarantee: KRW 800,000,000 (~USD 550,140)
• Day 1A – Early Bird: Tuesday, April 8
• Day 1B: Wednesday, April 9
• Day 1C: Thursday, April 10
• Day 1D: Friday, April 11
• Day 1E [Turbo]: Friday, April 11
• Day 2: Saturday, April 12
• Final Day: Sunday, April 13

Main Event Promotion

While the High Roller Early Bird Package has already sold out, only 20 Main Event Early Bird Packages are available at an exclusive price of KRW 2,100,000 (~USD 1,440). This package includes a Main Event entry, a seat to the Jeju Open Mystery Bounty highlight, and a complimentary two-night stay at the luxurious Jeju Marriott Resort. 

Most notably, players who seize this offer will be granted the Main Event “Bubble Protection Plan.” This unique benefit ensures that if a player falls just one spot short of the payout, they can redeem a free entry to another Main Event flight, giving them a second chance at making history.

KPC Highlights

Alongside the Main Event, several exciting festival highlights are scheduled to keep the action buzzing, starting with the thrilling Jeju Open Mystery Bounty on opening day. A number of high roller events follow down the line, with a great turnout expected as all high roller packages have already sold out. The battle for the coveted KPC Obsidian trophies will be fierce from start to finish, while the two prestigious Super High Roller events are set to award the iconic KPC winged trophies, sure to keep everyone’s excitement at its peak.

Korea Poker Cup Series 2025 Full Schedule

Accommodation

With the venue situated inside the Jeju Shinhwa World Resort, the best place to stay would be on property which houses a number of choices based on one’s preference. Tournament runners are greeted with three five-star hotel options onsite – Landing, Shinhwa Hotel, and Marriott Resort, each offering its own charm accompanied by luxurious amenities all within a short walking distance to Landing Casino.

Players participating in the upcoming games can take advantage of an exclusive KPC promotion, offering a discounted rate for pre-bookings at the Marriott Hotel. Originally priced at KRW 220,000 per night, KPC has slashed the rate by 35%, bringing it down to just KRW 143,000 per night for all tournament players. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer and save up to KRW 539,000 for a seven-night stay!

Off the Felt Activities

• Hallasan National Park

One of the must-see spots in Jeju Island, the breathtaking beauty of Hallasan National Park is where you can witness the cherry blossoms bloom in full glory just in time for the April season. The park, home to Jeju’s highest peak – Hallasan, offers scenic trails and mesmerizing landscapes, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Address: South Korea, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, 특별자치도, 1100로 2070-61
Phone: +82 64-747-9950

• Osulloc Tea Museum

A visit to the Osulloc Tea Museum would also be a great way to immerse in the rich culture of Korean tea and experience firsthand its premium quality straight from the source. Nestled near Jeju’s renowned green tea fields, this museum showcases the history and artistry of tea production in Korea. Explore the exhibits, enjoy delicious tea tastings, and discover unique tea-inspired products in a tranquil and exquisite setting.

Address: 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, 특별자치도, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 64-794-5312

• Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Also known as Sunrise Peak, Seongsan Ilchulbong is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Jeju’s most iconic landmarks. Formed by a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago, the peak offers stunning panoramic views, making it one of the most sought out locations across the island. Hiking to the summit provides an unforgettable experience, especially at dawn, when the sunrise paints the sky in vibrant hues over the expansive coastline.

Address: 78 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 64-783-0959

About Jeju Island

The largest island in Korea, Jeju is a popular tourist destination with its stunning volcanic landscape, white sand beaches, and other scenic views making it a worthwhile visit for many. Eager travelers looking to see the sights will be glad to know that the province is home to a couple UNESCO World Heritage sites which can all be accessed within just a few days. 

Renowned for its natural beauty, three destinations take it over the top – Hallasan Mountain Natural Reserve, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, which are all a definite must see for locals and visitors alike. These three areas are home to diverse volcanic and naturally magnificent characteristics that make the island unique and of interest to many seasoned travelers.