Nov. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Shun Tak Holdings Ltd., Genting Bhd., Las Vegas Sands Corp. and MGM Mirage are looking to open gaming and resort businesses in South Korea, the South China Morning Post reported, citing government authorities.

The four companies were invited to Jeju Island by the government three months ago to look at possible investment opportunities and showed ``strong interest,'' the newspaper cited Cha Woo-jin, general manager of Jeju Free International City Development, as saying.

South Korea still limits gambling at the country's casinos to foreigners, with Jeju Island being home to eight of those, the Morning Post reported.

The South Korean government is considering lifting the current ban on its citizens, the newspaper said. The first foreign-owned casino may not be opened until 2015, the Morning Post cited Cha as saying.

To contact the reporter on this story: Aaron Pan in Hong Kong at Apan8@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 9, 2008 19:04 EST