Korea International Circuit - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

Korea International Circuit

Korea International Circuit

Location

Yeongam, South Jeolla, South Korea

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Track Info

Korea International Circuit - Yeongam, South Jeolla, South Korea

Part-permanent, part-temporary Grand Prix venue by Hermann Tilke - clockwise - 5.615 km with 18 turns and a 1.15–1.20 km back straight into a heavy-brake hairpin

First Race
24 Oct 2010
Debut Korean Grand Prix ran in wet conditions and finished at dusk after delays.
Circuit Length
5.615 km
Grand Prix layout in use since opening. National circuit is 3.045 km with 11 turns.
Turns
18
Mix of long straights, tight hairpins and fast sweepers around a marina-side section.
Longest Straight
~1.15–1.20 km
Between T2 and T3 - quoted at 1,150 m to ~1.2 km depending on source.
Lap Record (Race)
1:39.605 - S. Vettel (F1), 2011
Red Bull RB7 - official Grand Prix circuit race-lap record.
Capacity
~135,000
Stadium-style main grandstand with additional temporary seating around hairpins.

When was the track built?

Ground broke in September 2009 and the circuit officially opened on 11 October 2010 after a late FIA inspection. The design blended a permanent infield with a temporary harbour-side section that was intended to integrate with future waterfront development.

When was its first race?

The venue’s first race was the 2010 Korean Grand Prix on 24 October 2010. Formula 1 raced here from 2010 to 2013 before the event dropped from the calendar.

What's the circuit like?

  • Power to patience: The lap fires you down a 1.15–1.20 km back straight into the T3 hairpin - the prime overtake - then switches to a technical, street-style final sector with walls close to the racing line.
  • Fast sweepers: Mid-lap fifth-gear bends reward aero balance before a downhill brake into T10 that can catch out tyre-limited cars late in stints.
  • Pit exit quirks: The pit-out was extended toward T2 in 2013 to improve safety - a unique hallmark from the F1 era.
  • Benchmark pace: F1 race-lap 1:39.605 remains the outright official record on the GP course.

Lap records and benchmarks (by series)

  • Formula 1 - race lap: 1:39.605 - Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB7, 2011.
  • GT3 - race lap: 2:07.380 - Adderly Fong, Bentley Continental GT3, 2016.
  • Formula Renault 2.0 - race lap: 2:09.785 - Josh Burdon, 2016.
  • Lamborghini Super Trofeo - race lap: 2:10.265 - Afiq Ikhwan Yazid, 2019.
  • Porsche Carrera Cup Asia - race lap: 2:10.649 - Luo Kailuo, 2023.
  • TCR Asia - race lap: 2:22.227 - Kantadhee Kusiri, 2018.

Why go?

Yeongam’s big straight-to-hairpin combo guarantees divebombs, and the marina-side sector gives a unique street-circuit feel with proper sightlines. Modern national headliners like Superrace keep the place busy, and international series still drop in with GTs and one-make cups.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • T3 hairpin grandstands: All the slipstreaming from the 1.15–1.20 km blast funnels into this braking zone - the overtake magnet.
  • Main straight - T1: Starts, pit work and early jostling through the double-left opening sequence.
  • Final sector walls: Street-style backdrop where precision wins - mistakes here decide the run to the line.

Not just one series - headline events at Yeongam

Superrace Championship: Korea’s leading national series has been a fixture since opening.

GT and touring visits: GT World Challenge Asia (2019), TCR Asia (2016 and 2018) and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (2015 and 2023) supply deep international grids.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Korea International Circuit - Yeongam, South Jeolla, South Korea

Best options are KTX - SRT train to Mokpo then taxi - event shuttle to the circuit, intercity - express buses to Mokpo then local taxi, and driving via expressways to Yeongam with signed event parking. The circuit is near the port city of Mokpo and served by regional airports at Muan and Gwangju.

Address - Sat nav
2 F1-ro, Samho-eup, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Officially listed address for navigation and taxis.
Nearest rail hub
Mokpo Station (KTX - SRT)
Direct high speed trains from Seoul area. Typical Seoul ↔ Mokpo rail time around 2 h 30 m to 2 h 50 m.
Airports
Muan MWX • Gwangju KWJ
Regional gateways for Yeongam - Mokpo area.
Event shuttles
Mokpo ⇄ Circuit on big events
Organizers have operated shuttle buses from Mokpo for major race weekends.
Parking
On site lots + park and ride
About 8,000 on site spaces with additional exchange car parks on headline events.

Public transport - train to Mokpo, then taxi - shuttle

  • KTX - SRT to Mokpo: From Seoul Yongsan or Suseo take high speed rail to Mokpo Station, then continue by taxi to the circuit area. Rail time is typically 2 h 30 m to 2 h 50 m.
  • Event shuttles: For major events the promoter has run Mokpo ⇄ circuit shuttles. Check your event page for current pickup points and return times.
  • Intercity - express buses: Long distance buses connect Seoul and other cities to Mokpo Bus Terminal where you can switch to taxi for the last leg.

Mokpo is the practical transport hub for Yeongam. Plan extra time after the main race due to queues for shuttles and taxis.

Driving - head for Yeongam via expressways, follow circuit signs

  • Approach: Use national expressways toward Mokpo - Yeongam, then follow brown Korea International Circuit signs into Samho-eup. The circuit is signed locally and sits south of Mokpo.
  • Event traffic: For big crowds the organizer uses park and ride exchange car parks in addition to on site lots. Follow marshal directions.

Parking - on site P zones and exchange car parks

  • On site: Approximately 8,000 spaces within the circuit boundary. Arrive early for bays closest to your gate.
  • Overflow: Park and ride exchange car parks are activated on headline weekends with shuttle links to entrances.

Taxis and set downs

  • Set destination: Korea International Circuit, 2 F1-ro, Samho-eup, Yeongam-gun. Staff direct drop off - pick up to active gates on event days.
  • From Mokpo Station: Road time to the circuit is commonly around 30 minutes outside peak traffic.

Walking from shuttles - car parks

  • From exchange car parks: Shuttle buses drop near main entrances. Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks to grandstands depending on gate.

Airports and longer trips

  • Muan International MWX: regional airport for Jeollanam-do serving the Mokpo - Yeongam area.
  • Gwangju KWJ: alternative regional gateway with road links to Yeongam.
  • From Seoul: Reach Mokpo by KTX - SRT or by express bus, then transfer to taxi - shuttle for the circuit.

About the venue - quick context

  • Grand Prix circuit 5.615 km - 18 turns: Opened 2010, former host of the Korean Grand Prix, now used for Superrace and regional series.

Quick guide - what is nearest

  • Rail users: go to Mokpo Station then take a taxi or event shuttle to the circuit.
  • Drivers: follow regional signs for Yeongam and Korea International Circuit. Overflow park and ride may be in use.
  • Air arrivals: Muan or Gwangju are the closest airports to Mokpo - Yeongam.

Always follow the gate and lot on your e-ticket and check your event page for shuttle timetables, parking maps and any temporary traffic plans before you travel.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Korea International Circuit - Yeongam - Mokpo - Jeollanam-do (South Korea)

Whether you are here for national touring car rounds, Superrace Championship, time attack - club events, bike festivals or a circuit tour, this modern facility sits among coastal wetlands and low mountains near Mokpo - making it easy to mix racing with family attractions, island views and green tea hills when the track is quiet.

Motorsport at KIC
Superrace - GT - Touring cars - Time attack - Trackdays
Permanent road course with multiple configurations. Hosted Formula 1 from 2010 to 2013 on a 5.6 km layout that threaded toward the harbor section.
Typical peak windows
April - June and September - November
Spring and autumn deliver the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot - humid with monsoon rains, winter is crisp and quieter.
Nearby hubs
Yeongam - Mokpo - Gwangju - Suncheon
Coast, islands and national parks are within 30 to 120 minutes of the paddock.
Event impact
Regional weekend surge
Mokpo waterfront hotels, cable car queues and popular seafood streets are busier Friday - Sunday on headline race weeks.

Family friendly highlights near the circuit

  • Mokpo Marine Cable Car: Long over water cable car linking North Port, Yudalsan and the island side for sweeping harbor views.
  • Yudalsan Park - Mokpo: Short stair - path loops to pagodas and sculptures with city - island panoramas. Great at sunset.
  • Mokpo Natural History Museum cluster: Natural history, maritime and ceramics museums sit together for an easy 2 to 3 hour indoor option.
  • National Maritime Museum Annex - Mokpo: Ship models and hands on exhibits that work on a rainy morning.
  • Gwangju National Science Museum: Interactive galleries and a dome theater about an hour inland.
  • Circuit tours - karting (selected dates): The venue occasionally offers guided tours or rental kart sessions. Junior height - age rules apply.

Popular museums and the cable car can use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • Mokpo Modern History Street: Compact hillside route with heritage buildings, small galleries and cafés.
  • Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial: Waterfront pavilion and exhibits about the former president.
  • Suncheon Bay National Garden visitor center: Exhibitions pair well with the outdoor wetlands when weather clears.
  • Temples for a calm hour: Daeheungsa near Haenam or Wolchulsan’s Dogapsa for serene courtyards and old halls.
  • Local markets: Mokpo’s fish market rows and small night markets are easy for snacks under cover.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Jeollanam-do banchan spread: The region is famous for generous side dishes. Expect seasonal namul greens, kimchi varieties and fresh pickles.
  • Harbor seafood staples: Grilled eel, abalone porridge, crab soup, octopus stir fry and assorted hoe sashimi near Mokpo North Port.
  • Comfort classics: Kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae and seafood kalguksu noodle soup are family friendly and quick between sessions.
  • Cafés with views: Rooftop coffee stops around Yudalsan and the waterfront make easy photo breaks.
  • Race week tip: Friday - Saturday dinners at popular sashimi houses and barbecue shops fill quickly. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • Wolchulsan National Park: Short but steep hikes to the famous Cloud Bridge and granite spires. Go early for shade and parking.
  • Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve: Boardwalks through vast reeds with observatory decks. Best at golden hour.
  • Muan Tidal Flat Eco Park: Barefoot tidal flat experience and exhibits about Ramsar wetlands on lower tide days.
  • Island hops from Mokpo: Ferries connect to nearby islands for gentle coastal walks and seafood lunches on calm sea days.
  • Coastal cycling - promenades: Flat harbor paths in Mokpo and quiet country lanes around Yeongam suit family rides.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Suncheon Bay - National Garden - 70 to 100 minutes. Iconic reed wetlands, eco museum and landscaped gardens with bridges and pavilions.
  • Boseong Green Tea Fields - 80 to 110 minutes. Terrace plantations, short hillside walks and tea ice cream for a mellow half day.
  • Haenam - Duryunsan - Daeheungsa - 60 to 90 minutes. Temple complex, forest trails and tea houses near Korea’s land’s end region.
  • Gwangju city sampler - 60 to 90 minutes. Asia Culture Center plazas, Yangnim-dong modern history streets and hearty Jeolla dining.
  • Yeosu - Odongdo - 90 to 120 minutes. Island park boardwalks, lighthouse and sea views if you add a longer coastal day.
  • Nagan Eupseong Folk Village - 90 to 120 minutes. Walled Joseon era village with workshops and snack stalls.

Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Cable cars, wetlands and tea fields may use dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.

When to go and what to expect

  • Peak motorsport - National series and festivals cluster in spring and autumn. Hotels in Mokpo and Yeongam fill Thursday - Sunday on major weekends.
  • Weather - Temperate coastal. Spring is mild with blossoms, summer is hot - humid with monsoon showers, autumn is sunny with clear air, winter is cold and drier. Pack layers, sunscreen and a light rain shell.
  • Seasonal notes - Typhoon remnants can brush the southwest coast in late summer. Reeds at Suncheon Bay peak in October, tea fields are lush late spring - early summer.

Practical notes during race weeks

  • Circuit campus: Public tours or karting may pause or shift hours on headline weekends. Check the week’s schedule.
  • Heat - showers: Grandstands are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, a brimmed hat, sunglasses and a compact umbrella for sun or a quick downpour.
  • Footwear - terrain: Some viewing is on steps or temporary platforms. Wear grippy shoes and consider a small seat cushion.
  • Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, bug spray for wetland - forest stops, light layers for sea breezes and a small picnic mat for parks.
  • Cultural etiquette: Temples and some heritage sites request modest dress and quiet voices. Shoes off rules apply in certain interiors.

Opening hours, museum - garden ticketing, cable car operations and event week circuit programs can change - check official circuit and venue sites for your exact dates.

Hotels & Accommodation

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