INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA—Lifescapes International, the landscape architectural firm behind destinations such as the Mirage, Bellagio Resort & Casino, and Wynn Las Vegas, has designed the landscape environment for Paradise City, a $1.1 billion, fully integrated entertainment and gaming resort complex totaling 83 acres in Incheon, South Korea.

The large resort complex was developed as a joint venture between Korean casino operator Paradise Group and Japanese entertainment group Sega Sammy Holdings Inc., which boast a combined 45 years of experience in operating casinos and hotels.

“As Northeast Asia's first 'art-tainment' integrated resort, Paradise City offers an unparalleled guest experience,” says Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, president of Lifescapes International. “This mega-resort combines a diverse range of hospitality, gaming, art, and retail amenities, allowing guests to experience luxury, beauty, and entertainment like no other in Northeast Asia.”

Paradise City encompasses 12 facilities, including a five-star luxury hotel totaling 711 rooms, a family wing and pool villas, a premium casino equipped with state-of-the-art systems, and a K-style-themed convention center decked with a full-service entertainment bar, among others. Additional amenities include an art gallery that features works from world-renowned and rising artists, retail shops, restaurants, and a luxury spa.

Project designer, Alvaro Amador shares, “The trend in resort development is an increased focus on creating a one-of-a-kind guest experience through programmable spaces, water entertainment shows, and landscaped environments to attract guests and encourage repeat visits. At Paradise City, we took this concept to the next level by incorporating innovative landscaping to achieve the artistic energy and excitement of a fully immersive resort experience.”

Lifescapes International infused vibrant landscaping throughout the main resort-style pool, complete with an outdoor bar and private cabanas for an exciting night-life setting, according to Amador. The firm also designed a large Las Vegas-style main entry, wedding gardens, private villas, and gardens that flow throughout the interior and exterior of the project.

“Based on our experience in designing 12 iconic resort casinos along the Las Vegas strip, we were selected to design the overall landscaped environment and deliver on the developers' concept for this project, which was to create the ultimate destination that would attract tourists year-round,” explains Brinkerhoff-Jacobs. “Our vision was to bring the vibrant energy of Las Vegas to Korea by integrating water features and immersive gardens, thereby heightening the dramatic element of the setting and cultivating an exceptional entertainment-driven experience.”

Italian villa elements and Mediterranean motifs, in addition to “hallyu” or Korean-pop culture, inspired the landscape design for this resort, which includes interior gardens and outdoor accent plantings with a spectrum of color and texture.

“Paradise City's unique value proposition is its artful convergence of different cultures, including those of the East and West,” adds Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, who notes that Lifescapes harmonized these elements in the overall design of this project.

To achieve this balance, Lifescapes incorporated a variety of indigenous trees and plants native to South Korea, including Hornbeam Bonsai, Weeping Willow, Cherry Blossoms, Konara Oak Trees, Sawleaf Zelkova, and Loropetalum, among others.

“We understood that the project needed to highlight South Korea's rich cultural identity, while also attracting international business,” continues Brinkerhoff-Jacobs. “By integrating a diverse range of native plants, we were able to preserve the integrity of the cultural experience, while also bringing the excitement of Las Vegas in a way that would drive tourism and put South Korea on the map for future travel.”

Paradise City is situated in the International Business Center of Incheon International Airport, the gateway to Northeast Asia's economic and cultural epicenter. Located 90 minutes from Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo and 40 minutes from Seoul, this mega-resort offers easy accessibility for both locals and international tourists.

Instant Insights /

South Korea Gets a Touch of Vegas With $1.1B Complex

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