Foreigners-only Inspire Casino opens on Incheon's Yeongjong Island

Food & Travel

Published: 02 Feb. 2024, 15:45 Updated: 02 Feb. 2024, 15:49

Foreigners-only Inspire Casino opens on Incheon's Yeongjong Island

Foreigners-only casino inside Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in Yeongjong Island, Incheon [MOHEGAN INSPIRE ENTERTAINMENT RESORT]

Korea's largest foreigners-only casino will open on Saturday at Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort on Yeongjong Island, Incheon.

Inspire Casino is set to be Korea's newest and largest casino exclusive to international visitors, with 150 gaming tables, 390 slot machines and a two-floor 160-seat electronic table games (ETG) stadium, according to the resort.

The casino was built to accommodate various guests, from mass markets to VIPs, offering Cantonese fine dining, an "Inspire Pavilion" and a VIP floor.

The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism granted Mohegan Inspire the license for its international visitors-only casino last month — the first awarded in 19 years, marking a progressive step under the Special Act on the Designation and Management of Free Economic Zones.

“As we unveil the Inspire Casino, we’re continuing to pioneer a new era of international hospitality,” Ray Pineault, the CEO of Mohegan, said. “This ambitious project is a testament to Mohegan's commitment to excellence, marking a major milestone in our growth as a preeminent owner and developer of integrated entertainment resorts. We take immense pride in enriching the vibrant landscape of Incheon, stimulating economic development and establishing new paradigms in the worldwide entertainment sector.”

Following the grand opening, Mohegan Inspire plans to fast-track its growth by opening the remainder of the resort facilities by mid-2024.

Since being named the resort complex project operator in March 2016, Mohegan Inspire has invested approximately $1.6 billion to complete the first development phase in a venture that has been spearheaded by the Mohegan Tribe.

“I am thrilled that Mohegan Inspire has successfully carried out this phase of development over the past seven years and has obtained a permit for an international visitor-only casino business license," Chen Si, President of Mohegan Inspire, said. "We will continue to play a leading role in supporting and growing the local economy while offering diverse amenities and unparalleled experiences to first-time and returning guests, international tourists, K-pop and K-culture fans and casino visitors.”

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]