Mohegan Bringing Michael Jordan to $1.6B Inspire Integrated Resort in South Korea

Posted on: July 13, 2023, 07:43h. 

Last updated on: July 13, 2023, 01:07h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Mohegan is bringing one of the world’s most recognizable and popular sports stars to South Korea by way of its forthcoming integrated casino resort called Inspire.

Michael Jordan Mohegan Inspire South Korea
Guests at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut wait to be seated at Michael Jordan’s Steak House. Mohegan is bringing MJ’s restaurant to South Korea for the company’s Inspire resort, expected to open before the end of the year. (Image: TripAdvisor)

Mohegan, formerly Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, is the commercial business arm of the Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut. Outside of its home state, where the tribe owns and operates its flagship resort, Mohegan Sun, Mohegan owns and/or operates casinos in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Mohegan additionally operates two casinos in Ontario.

The company’s biggest and most significant investment to date outside of the US is in South Korea. That’s where Mohegan has, for several years, been constructing an integrated resort at the Incheon International Airport, which serves as the primary air hub for Seoul.

Expected to open before the end of the year, Inspire will feature three five-star hotels with 1,275 guest rooms, a 15,000-seat multipurpose arena, meeting and events facilities, retail shopping, an abundance of entertainment and dining, and a foreigner-only casino.

MJ to South Korea

Mohegan announced this week its initial restaurant lineup for Inspire, and the portfolio is highlighted by one of the biggest sports superstars on the planet.

Mohegan says Inspire will offer a Michael Jordan’s Steak House and MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill. Both concepts come from the Cornerstone Restaurant Group, a longtime partner of Mohegan in Connecticut.

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP, has steak house locations at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and at the Ilani Casino in Washington, the latter also being run by Mohegan. Cornerstone is also bringing two new original concepts to Inspire, including Hi-Fi Chicken & Beer, and Brasserie 1783.

Hi-Fi Chicken & Beer will be a casual diner featuring Korean-style fried chicken and ice-cold beer in a laid-back atmosphere with classic stereos and vinyl records. Brasserie 1783 is a French-inspired concept featuring a “signature hot air balloon-shaped bar” and a large outdoor patio. The “1783” refers to the first hot air balloon flight occurring that year.

Mohegan has enjoyed such a remarkable and productive relationship with Cornerstone Restaurant Group and we’re so thrilled about this new venture we’re working on for Mohegan Inspire,” said Ray Pineault, president & CEO of Mohegan.

Pineault added that Michael Jordan’s Steak House and the MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill are two of the most popular restaurants at Mohegan Sun.

“To bring these two concepts to South Korea, along with brand-new concepts as well, is very exciting,” Pineault added.

Inspired Amenities

Mohegan officials hope to attract more than four million guests each year to Inspire. Along with the hotels and casinos, Inspire will feature a year-round indoor water dome, an outdoor family park, a spa, a fitness complex, a family park, and an immersive “digital street” that illuminates every half-hour.

The indoor aquatic playground spans more than 100,000 square feet and will feature “an exotic, nature-filled pool environment under a glass dome.”

More restaurant announcements are also expected. At Mohegan Sun, the integrated resort has more than 40 dining options, ranging from fine dining to quick casual and grab-and-go.