Operator News
South Korea – Mohegan INSPIRE in Korea celebrates grand opening
By Phil - 11 March 2024
Mohegan INSPIRE Entertainment Resort celebrated its official grand opening yesterday on March 5 2024.
Approximately 500 domestic and international key figures were in attendance and the day’s events marked a significant milestone for Mohegan INSPIRE establishing itself as a premier resort, casino and entertainment destination in Asia.
Following its soft opening in late November of last year, Mohegan INSPIRE’s grand opening was celebrated with the presence of the Chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, James Gessner Jr., who also serves on the Management Board for Mohegan; members of the Mohegan Council of Elders; Mohegan Chief Lynn Malerba; and Mohegan President and CEO, Ray Pineault, in addition to other Mohegan senior executives. Also in attendance were key South Korean government and local government officials, including Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yu In-chon, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg, and Incheon International Airport Corporation President Lee Hak-jae, as well as INSPIRE partner companies, and local and international press.
Hosted within the Rotunda – a versatile hub at the heart of INSPIRE– and the INSPIRE Ballroom, Korea’s most expansive hotel ballroom, the event, themed “Invitation to INSPIRE: The Joining of Two Cultures,” captivated guests with an extraordinary array of programs and performances. This affair intertwined the rich heritage of Mohegan culture with the dynamic, global appeal of K-Culture, leaving a lasting impression on all guests.
“The grand opening of INSPIRE is a momentous occasion for Mohegan, making both a historic partnership for our Tribe and elevating our global network of resorts to unprecedented heights,’ said James Gessner Jr., Chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council. “I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to South Korean government for the opportunity to bring our vision to life in such a vibrant country, and for the unyielding support of the Mohegan Tribe, as well as to the many individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes.”
The first part of the ribbon cutting included a traditional Mohegan smudge ceremony led by Chairman Gessner and Council of Elders Chairman Charlie Strickland as way of providing positive and good energy. The event continued with a special performance by Unity of Nations, a Mohegan drum group, who performed an “Honor Song” to celebrate the meeting of the two cultures and the unity of the community. The evening progressed with a showcase by an up-and-coming Korean traditional music group to honor INSPIRE’s ambitious journey to elevating Asia’s entertainment landscape. Following, key Mohegan and INSPIRE leaders shared insightful addresses before the grand opening began a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, marking the new beginning.
“Our journey here has been guided by the Spirit of Aquai, the Mohegan Tribe’s guiding principle that emphasizes hospitality, mutual respect, collaboration, and relationship building,” said Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan. “This ethos is woven into the fabric of INSPIRE, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, community engagement and creating a space that respects the environment and fosters connections between people from all walks of life, Mohegan INSPIRE is poised to become a landmark destination and a catalyst for tourism, economic growth and cultural exchanges, enhancing the region’s allure to visitors from across the globe.”
Following the traditional ribbon cutting, parties celebrated the symphony of both cultures. Initiated with a Mohegan prayer ceremony by the Mohegan Tribal Chief, Lynn Malerba, it seamlessly transitioned into a toast by Chairman Gessner. A captivating time-lapse video then chronicled the INSPIRE project’s evolution, setting the stage for a series of enthralling performances; a Mohegan drum ensemble, a mesmerizing act by a Korean a cappella group and spellbinding magic performances, spotlighting the rich tapestry of cultural harmony showcased throughout the evening.
“It is a thrill to see this wonderful journey made possible by the dedication of all INSPIRE employees and the relentless support of the Mohegan Tribe,” said Chen Si, President of INSPIRE. “I am also grateful to all government agencies, communities, and partners for their steadfast commitment throughout the project’s development. INSPIRE will set a new generation entertainment resort supported by innovation and creativity, delivering inspiring spaces and cultural experiences, and we will together contribute to the development of Incheon Yeongjongdo as a world-class tourist destination.”
INSPIRE is continuing to mark this occasion with a month-long celebration. Kicking off with the INSPIRE Salute featuring global K-pop icons PSY and Taeyang on 2 March, the festivities will then welcome the international sensation Maroon 5 to the INSPIRE Arena for electrifying performances on 8 and 9 March. The excitement continues on 16 March with an exceptional encore concert by Epik High, Korea’s premier alternative hip-hop group, commemorating two decades of their influential music. The spectacle concludes from 27-31 March with the debut of the WTT Champions Incheon, bringing together the elite of global table tennis competition.
Since its soft opening on 30 November, INSPIRE has opened a five-star hotel with a total of 1,275 rooms; INSPIRE Arena, an inaugural multi-purpose indoor venue with a capacity of up to 15,000 people; Aurora, a 150m-long digital entertainment street; INSPIRE signature restaurants, including Michael Jordan’s Steak House; a year-round indoor water dome, Splash Bay’s swimming pool; and state-of-the-art MICE facilities. INSPIRE Casino, the country’s largest exclusive casino for international visitors, opened on February 3rd. INSPIRE Mall is scheduled to be actively operational in March with a mix of carefully curated branded shops, diners, and community spaces. Additional facilities such as Discovery Park, an outdoor entertainment space, the largest immersive content exhibition center in Korea, and a giant food court are expected to open by the first half of the year.
