George Mason University Korea recently partnered with Inspire Korea to host the final round of the "MK x Inspire Global Marketing Challenge" at Inspire Entertainment Resort, a world-class integrated resort in Incheon.
This student competition—aimed at developing innovative marketing strategies tailored to Inspire’s business goals—marked one of the first initiatives to emerge from the partnership established between Mason Korea and Inspire last fall.
Launched in April, the challenge brought together 14 student teams from Mason Korea, with six advancing to the finals. Competing with original and forward-thinking proposals, Team Pet-tique won first place for their pet-friendly marketing concept, which impressed judges with its creativity, feasibility, and relevance to evolving consumer trends.
The final round was evaluated by senior leadership from both Mason Korea and Inspire, including Joshua Park, Campus Dean of Mason Korea; Soyoung Kwon, Associate Dean for External Affairs; and Chen Si, President of Inspire Entertainment Resort. The six finalist teams presented marketing strategies centered on four core themes: revenue growth, entertainment innovation, local partnerships, and three-day package development.
Team Pet-tique, composed of Minji Kim, Dangwoo Im, Doeun Lee, Yoonseo Lee, and Seonyeong Park, spent the past three months developing their idea. As part of their prize, they received an F&B voucher from Inspire Entertainment Resort.
“We’re honored to have won—this feels like a meaningful reward for all the late nights and effort we put in over the past three months,” said Dangwoo Im, a sophomore business major and leader of Team Pet-tique. “I hope more students can take part in opportunities like this to apply their ideas on a global stage.”
Second place went to Team Six (Daegyu Lee, Yonghwan Kim, Inseo Choi, Dokyoung Ha, Jaehyuk Chun, Jihun Kim, Minji Kim), while third place was awarded to Team 3 (Juhee Won).
“Mason Korea students gave their all in this competition, and I’m incredibly proud of the creativity and professionalism they demonstrated,” said Dean Joshua Park. “This challenge offered a valuable opportunity for hands-on experience in global marketing. Mason Korea remains committed to serving as a trusted bridge between students and industry, especially through continued collaboration with companies in the Incheon region.”
Other teams presented strategies focused on niche marketing for solo and group travelers, Gen Z-centered entertainment experiences, partnerships with local cultural assets, and integrated packages combining rest, entertainment, and adventure.
May 23, 2025