In a major step towards international expansion, the Mohegan Tribe’s gaming and entertainment company, Mohegan Sun, is set to open a portion of its long-awaited Inspire integrated resort casino in Incheon, South Korea. The nearly $1.7 billion development aims to transform Asia’s gaming landscape and will debut with a soft opening on Thursday. The initial opening will showcase three hotel towers, a 15,000-seat arena, a 150-meter-long digital display called Aurora, a glass-domed indoor water park named Splash Bay, a convention center, and more than 10 restaurants, including the popular Michael Jordan’s Steak House.
The casino component of Inspire, along with retail outlets and other amenities, is expected to open in early 2022, pending approval from the Korean government. Mohegan’s President and CEO, Ray Pineault, stated that the casino’s operation is contingent on securing 5-star ratings for the resort’s hotels. The Korean travel association will assess the hotels based on physical assets and guest service.
More than 1,000 employees are already in place at Inspire, and the workforce is expected to grow to over 2,300. Pineault expressed excitement for the project’s completion, highlighting the significant milestone achieved by expanding Mohegan’s reach halfway around the world.
As Inspire is subject to Korean regulations, only foreigners will be allowed to gamble at the casino. The resort aims to attract travelers arriving at Incheon International Airport, one of the busiest airports globally, by providing shuttle services. Additionally, the casino expects patrons from neighboring countries such as Japan, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam.
While Mohegan hopes South Korea will eventually allow domestic gambling, Pineault acknowledged the existing competition. Paradise City, currently Korea’s largest casino, and other foreigner-only casinos in Incheon pose a challenge. However, Pineault believes that Inspire, similar in size to Mohegan Sun, will outshine its competitors and become the standard for gaming and entertainment venues in Korea.
Inspire marks Mohegan’s eighth property, joining a portfolio that includes Mohegan Sun, Mohegan Pennsylvania, Resorts Casino Hotel, ilani, Fallsview Casino Resort, Casino Niagara, and Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Mohegan has further plans for a partnership with the Soloviev Group to develop an entertainment complex, which would include a casino, near the United Nations headquarters in midtown Manhattan.
With its long-awaited debut in South Korea, Mohegan Sun’s Inspire aims to revolutionize the gaming landscape in Asia and attract a diverse range of international visitors. The resort’s opening represents a significant accomplishment for the Mohegan Tribe, pushing the boundaries of their influence beyond national borders.
