Built on reclaimed land in Yeongam, this hybrid permanent-street circuit hosted the Korean Grand Prix from 2010 to 2013. The 3.49-mile layout combines a technical street section with a flowing permanent section.
Korean International Circuit is a permanent racing circuit, located in Yeongam, South Jeolla. Drivers cover 5.615 km (3.489 miles) and 18 corners each lap, run anti-clockwise.
The circuit opened in 2010 and holds FIA Grade 1 licensing. It appears on the Formula 1 calendar. Around 135,000 spectators can attend.
Yeongam was built to bring Formula 1 to South Korea, a 5.6 km circuit in South Jeolla province combining a permanent section with street-style stretches meant to run past a marina development that was never finished. The first Korean Grand Prix ran in 2010 and was won by Fernando Alonso in a race held largely in the rain.
The problem was where it is. The circuit sits far from Seoul in a rural part of the country, and neither international visitors nor local spectators came in the numbers required. After four races the provincial government withdrew funding and the event was dropped from the calendar in 2014. The track survives on regional championships such as TCR Asia, and it is the clearest example of a venue built for a Grand Prix that the surrounding infrastructure never supported.
5 curated properties, sorted by distance from the circuit
HOTEL · $$ · 32.2 km from circuit
Waterfront hotel in Mokpo, the nearest city with quality accommodation to Yeongam circuit. The drive to Korean International Circuit takes about 30 minutes (20 miles). Facilities include restaurant and pool.
Visit websiteHOTEL
Visit websiteHOTEL
Visit websiteHOTEL
HOTEL
Nearest Airport: Muan International Airport (MWX) — approximately 35 km from the circuit
The circuit is about 320 km south of Seoul near the port city of Mokpo. Trains and express buses reach Mokpo from Seoul in roughly 4-5 hours, with shuttle services and local Yeongam-gun buses onward to the circuit. Public transport this far south is sparse, so a hire car is the simpler option.
Hotels near Korean International Circuit typically sell out 3-6 months before major race weekends, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix. For the best rates and widest selection, book as soon as race dates are officially confirmed. Early bookers can save 30-50% compared to last-minute rates.
Expect to pay $200-500 per night during race weekends, compared to $80-180 during off-peak periods. Properties within 5km of the circuit command the highest premiums. Consider hotels in Yeongam centre for better value — the slightly longer commute is offset by lower rates, more dining options, and a livelier atmosphere in the evenings.
Flexible cancellation policies are worth the small premium — race weekends can be rescheduled. Many hotels near Korean International Circuit offer free cancellation up to 48-72 hours before check-in during race weekends.
Visiting Korean International Circuit for a race weekend? Here are essential tips to make the most of your trip to Yeongam, South Jeolla. The circuit holds up to 135,000 spectators, so plan for large crowds on race day.
Korean International Circuit is located in Yeongam, South Jeolla. The nearest airport (MWX) is approximately 35 km away. Most hotels near the circuit are within a 5-30 minute drive.
We recommend browsing all 5 curated properties above to find the best match for your budget, travel style, and race weekend plans. Each property has been selected for its proximity to the circuit and quality of service.
Expect to pay $200-500 per night during major race weekends at Korean International Circuit, compared to $80-180 during off-peak periods. Booking 3-6 months in advance typically secures the best rates.
Yes, Korean International Circuit provides parking facilities for race weekend visitors. Parking fills up quickly on race day — arriving before 8am is recommended. Many visitors prefer to book hotels with parking included.
For the best rates and availability, book your accommodation 3-6 months before the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Korean International Circuit. Hotels within 10km of the circuit sell out first.