INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, the foreigner-only integrated resort near Incheon International Airport, has opened its first large-scale internship program since launching operations in March 2024, as visitor numbers rise and operating losses narrow, according to local media outlet Asia Business Daily.
The report cited an industry insider as saying the initiative reflects a cost-management strategy aimed at reducing fixed labor costs after the resort initially built its workforce through experienced industry hires.
Salary expenses surged more than sixfold to KRW90.9 billion ($61.8 million) in the first year of operations from KRW14.9 billion ($10.1 million), but rose only 13.4 percent to KRW103.1 billion ($70.1 million) in the second year.
The company is recruiting approximately 100 interns across three divisions – casino gaming, hotel, and management support – with applications open through May 27th. Until now, staffing needs had been filled through experienced hires and new recruits.
An INSPIRE representative said the program aims to meet growing staffing demand driven by rising casino and hotel guest numbers, while giving students in related fields hands-on industry experience.
Cumulative visitors to the resort surpassed 10 million by the end of last year. In April, foreign visitor numbers rose 20 percent year-on-year, driven by demand from China, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, while foreign guests consistently account for about 50 percent of hotel stays.
The recruitment drive coincides with improving financial performance. For the fiscal year ended September 30th, 2025, INSPIRE posted revenue of KRW416 billion ($283 million), up 89.6 percent year-on-year, while operating losses narrowed to KRW46.1 billion ($31.3 million) from KRW156.4 billion ($106.3 million). Foreigner-only casino revenue reached KRW267.2 billion ($181.6 million), a 147.6 percent increase.
In December, INSPIRE refinanced a maturing KRW1.04 trillion ($707 million) project finance loan into a KRW1.27 trillion ($863 million) secured facility, easing short-term repayment pressure, though interest rates of up to 11.25 percent remain a profitability challenge.
