Poker Dream Returns to Jeju for Another Grand Season This February

Get ready for another exhilarating season of tournament poker as Poker Dream returns to the picturesque island of Jeju for its 16th edition, taking place from February 15-24, 2025. With ten full days of nonstop action, the upcoming series is set to take over Landing Casino, Jeju Shinhwa World, offering a thrilling round of events that no poker player would want to miss.

Following the tremendous success of its previous visit just four months ago, the renowned brand is focused on topping the excitement from its last edition, which surpassed all expectations with a festival pool of over KRW 14.8 billion (~USD 11 million) in prizes awarded.

This February, Poker Dream 16 Jeju – sponsored by QQPK, is gearing up to deliver another grand showing, bringing heart-racing action backed by bigger rewards. With 43 trophy events spanning a wide range of formats and stakes, the festival is designed to appeal to everyone – from casual players to seasoned high rollers. Also known for its multi-level buy-ins, the practice remains in effect for several highlights on schedule, making it accessible for players of all bankrolls. Expect the sound of chips constantly flying, breathtaking views, and a high-stakes atmosphere, all building up a season that promises to be unforgettable.

Poker Dream Jeju 16 – Full Schedule

Poker Dream Jeju 16 Main Event

At the center of it all stands to be this edition’s highly anticipated Main Event, boasting a KRW 2.2 billion (~USD 1.5 million) guarantee, set to kick off right on opening day. With excitement teeming from the start, players will have numerous opportunities to qualify throughout the first four days, with eleven flight options available on schedule. Multi-level buy-ins remain on offer, which corresponds to different structures including ITM, providing multiple paths for players to make their way onto the Main Event Day 2 battle on Wednesday, February 19th.

Last Poker Dream Jeju showing saw China’s Qingtao Kong clinch the coveted golden dragon trophy, marking his first live ever tournament run with an unforgettable KRW 250 million (~USD 189,605) score. Kong outlasted the tour-record of 1,656 entries, and sought out the largest cut of the KRW 2.8 billion (~USD 2.1 million) prize pool, proudly etching his name in Poker Dream history. This season is expected to draw another strong contingent of international contenders, with Chinese players once again standing in the forefront.

Poker Dream 16 Main Event Schedule

• Dates: February 15-21, 2024
• Buy in: KRW 1,200,000 (~USD 830) / KRW 1,600,000 (~USD 1,100) / KRW 2,400,000 (~USD 1,655) / 
• Guarantee: KRW 2,200,000,000 (~USD 1,500,000)
• Day 1A: Saturday, February 15
• Day 1B: Saturday, February 15
• Day 1C: Sunday, February 16
• Day 1D: Sunday, February 16
• Day 1E: Monday, February 17
• Day 1F: Monday, February 17
• Day 1G: Monday, February 17
• Day 1H: Tuesday, February 18
• Day 1J: Tuesday, February 18
• Day 1K: Tuesday, February 18
• Day 1L: Tuesday, February 18
• Day 2: Wednesday, February 19
• Day 3: Thursday, February 20
• Final Day: Friday, February 21

Key Events

While the Main Event undoubtedly commands the center of attention, no poker festival would be complete without an exciting lineup of side events to complement the action. For Poker Dream Jeju 16, the schedule is packed with an array of tournaments designed to keep the excitement flowing from start to finish, including several high roller tournaments and a number of multi-day events.

One of the fan-favorites, Mystery Bounty, returns with a twist this season, offering four guaranteed events throughout the festival. This thrilling variant continues to gain popularity due to its unique format, where players not only compete for a traditional prize pool but also have the chance to draw huge bounty prizes, adding another sense of thrill across the felt.

High roller enthusiasts likewise are in for a busy week and a half with several high tier buy-in options on the table. Three premium events – Super High Roller, $15,000 NLH Superstar Challenge, and 20,000 NLH Superstar Challenge, take center stage at the latter end, capping the season with eye-catching prizes just as the Main Event closes its curtains.

Take a look at the schedule:

*Final heats include a flipout option, offering discounted buy-ins by as much as 30%.

Festival Promotions

In a bid to enhance players’ overall festival experience, Poker Dream is offering exclusive early bird packages, with the first batch already sold out. Batch 2 of the said promotion is currently open for reservations, leaving two exclusive packages available for purchase:

• Super High Roller Package: Includes 4 free nights at the Marriott Hotel (saving USD 632 on accommodation) and free airport pickup.
• $20,000 NLH Superstar Challenge Package: Includes 5 free nights at the Marriott Hotel (saving USD 790 on accommodation) and free airport pickup.

Both packages can be combined, allowing players to enjoy a total of 9 complimentary nights at the five-star Marriott Hotel for a luxurious stay throughout the festival. Either package also includes free airport pickup, ensuring newcomers a hassle-free experience right off the bat.

More on the Venue

Landing Casino at Jeju Shinhwa World is one of the premier luxury casinos in South Korea, offering an exceptional gaming experience in a stunning resort setting. The casino itself spans a vast area and features a wide variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and high-stakes poker rooms. Throughout the past year, Jeju has quickly become a hotbed for poker tournaments, with the Casino being home to multiple major events, making it a key destination for the poker community in Asia.

Spanning over 2.5 million square meters, Jeju Shinhwa World on the other hand, offers a diverse range of attractions, catering to a variety of interests and ensuring there’s something for everyone. From luxurious accommodations to an array of entertainment facilities, dining options, and shopping outlets, the resort is designed to have everything you need within an arm’s reach.

Accommodation

Jeju Shinhwa World features several luxury hotel options, including the Landing Hotel, the Marriott Resort, and the Jeju Shinhwa World Hotel, offering over 2,000 rooms, all within a short walking distance to Landing Casino. These accommodations offer comfort, elegance, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, making it the perfect place to relax after an intense day of poker or exploring the island.

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.