This is the second time in its short history that the Triton Series has visited Jeju island, and specifically the similarly young Landing Casino at the Shinhwa World Resort. Although various parts of this sprawling 2.5 million square foot property have been opening since April 2017, the official launch came only in March last year. The Triton Series was quick to move in.
Everything here is high-end and luxurious and it’s very easy to see the attraction for both tournament organisers and players. In contrast to numerous other poker rooms around the world, this one has a lot of space. Tables are set at least eight feet apart from one another on all sides, meaning plenty of room for food and massages, as well as just to stretch legs between hands. That’s helped, of course, by the comparatively small fields on this High Roller series, but the intention is that with high stakes comes exclusivity, and that’s what you get here.
There’s a sizeable casino floor only footsteps away, but the sounds don’t encroach into our surroundings. There’s also a dedicated poker room menu, which was discussed and designed with poker players in mind. (They need to be able to eat and play, so nothing too gloopy is usually the order of the day.) The kitchen of the casino’s Solitaire club, which caters specifically to high rollers, prepares the food 24 hours a day.
That kind of co-operation between Triton and host venues does not come by chance. Throughout years working in the industry, and in particular with high rollers, the Triton staff has built good relationships with players and offers significant add ons. For instance, players buying into the Main Event and one other side event get a complementary hotel room for the duration of the festival in the adjoining Marriott, plus a limousine transfer from the airport to the property.
Players are in constant contact with a concierge service, which means they can order in anything from Starbucks to headache tablets; golf course reservations to wake-up calls. Triton is especially proud of its player liaison, and player feedback is invariably positive.
And that’s not all. Also in contrast to numerous other poker rooms around the world, this one is only a short walk from a couple of theme parks. It’s true. Not content with filling the 2.5 million square metres of space with four luxury hotels, a shopping arcade, numerous restaurants and a conference facility, there is also fun here for all the family.
Shinhwa Waterpark is the only large-scale waterpark in Jeju, while the drier theme park has 15 rides, spread through its three “zones”. We have Rotary Park, which is a steampunk-themed area, Oscar’s New World, which is a mysterious jungle, and Larva Adventure Village. If you didn’t already know about cartoon characters for Korean kids, you soon will. (We’re also not far from the Transformers Autobots Alliance Museum, while the Lionsgate Movie World is opening soon.)
The 2019 Triton season has five events scheduled, the full details of which will be announced very soon. There may not be roller coasters at each stop, but the tournament schedule will be very similar, and the liaison service will only get slicker and more comprehensive. Watch this space as further details emerge, and email info@triton-series.com to find out more.