The opening date of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s Paramount theme park could be delayed by some years due to COVID-19, according to local media reports (via Inside Asian Gaming).
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s work on the theme park, located close to Incheon International Airport, was originally scheduled to begin in late 2022 with a goal to open in 2025.
However, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism recently approved a request from Mohegan to extend the opening of the first phase of Inspire Korea until early 2023.
Paramount theme park delayed beyond 2025
The $1.4 billion first phase will cover 1.6 million square metres and includes a 15,000-seat arena, 1,250 hotel rooms, an indoor dome with a pool and rides, and dining and retail.
Korean publication Kyeongin claims that Mohegan is now reviewing the timing and scale of the Paramount theme park following the extension request for the first phase.
Mohegan’s international president Bobby Soper told Inside Asian Gaming: “Currently there is no definitive schedule for construction and completion of the theme park component, but we continue to assess the optimal timing.Â
“In the light of the business environment and Asian tourism demands in a post-COVID world, Inspire is adjusting its development plans in such a manner as to maximize the business opportunities within the Korean market and obtain the required project financing.”
Inspire Korea opening also delayed until 2023
Inspire Korea’s Paramount theme park will cover 404,600 square metres with 40 branded rides and attractions, as well as retail, dining and entertainment.
Rides and attractions will be inspired by Paramount Pictures hits such as Mission Impossible and Star Trek, as well as Korean culture and K-pop.
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment previously brought forward $200m originally planned for phase two of Inspire Korea to kick-start development of the IR.
