Korea International Circuit facts for kids

The Korea International Circuit (코리아 인터내셔널 서킷) is a special track for car races. It is about 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) long. You can find it in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. This circuit is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of Seoul. It is also close to the port city of Mokpo.

From 2010 to 2013, this circuit hosted the exciting Korean Grand Prix for Formula One cars. This happened after a big deal worth about $264 million (250 billion won). Even though it hosted four big races, the circuit has mostly held smaller local races since 2015.

Quick facts for kids
Korea International Circuit

Location	Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, South Korea
Time zone	UTC+09:00
Coordinates	34°44′N 126°25′E / 34.733°N 126.417°E / 34.733; 126.417
Capacity	135,000
FIA Grade	1 (Grand Prix) 2 (National)
Broke ground	2 September 2009; 15 years ago (2009-09-02)
Opened	11 October 2010; 14 years ago (2010-10-11)
Construction cost	88 billion won
Major events	Current: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (2015, 2023) Superrace Championship Former: Formula One Korean Grand Prix (2010–2013) Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia (2019) TCR Asia Series (2016, 2018) TCR Korea (2018)
Grand Prix Circuit (2010–present)
Length	5.615 km (3.489 mi)
Turns	18
Race lap record	1:39.605 ( Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB7, 2011, F1)
National Circuit (2010–present)
Length	3.045 km (1.892 mi)
Turns	11
Race lap record	1:20.191 ( Peter Terting, Hyundai i30 N TCR, 2018, TCR Touring Car)
Short Grand Prix Circuit (2019–present)
Length	3.312 km (2.057 mi)
Turns	13

Building the Race Track

The plan to build the Korea International Circuit was announced on September 2, 2009. Officials were sure the track would be ready for a Grand Prix race in 2010. By December 10, 2009, the builders said they were on schedule. They planned to finish the circuit by July 5, 2010. Their biggest challenge was finding enough places for all the Formula One staff and fans to stay.

Who Designed the Track?

A famous German designer named Hermann Tilke created the layout for the track. The circuit is special because it is partly permanent and partly temporary. The temporary part runs along the harbor. This allows people to watch the race from hotels, yachts, and a special walkway. During the F1 Grand Prix, parts of the city become the pit lane. This area also has shops, restaurants, and places for exhibitions.

First Races and Inspections

There were some worries that the track might not be finished in time for the race. However, the organizers announced the circuit would open on September 5, 2010. On September 4, 2010, a Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car drove 14 laps on the new track. Karun Chandhok was the driver. About 4,000 fans came to see this special event.

The final check of the track was delayed a few times. Finally, on October 11, 2010, just 11 days before the first practice, the FIA (the main racing organization) inspected the circuit. After a two-day check, FIA race director Charlie Whiting said the track was good. He announced that the necessary license for F1 races would be given.

The very first Korean Grand Prix was held on October 24, 2010. It was the 17th race of the 2010 Formula One season. The circuit can hold up to 135,000 spectators.

What It's Like to Drive a Formula One Car Here

Imagine driving a Formula One car around this track! The circuit begins with two left turns. Drivers take the first turn slowly, then speed up through the second. This leads to a long straight section, about 1.16 kilometers (0.72 miles) long.

After the straight, there's a slow right-hand turn. Then comes a shorter straight, where support teams have their pits. Next, drivers face a series of tight turns (four, five, and six). All three of these are taken slowly. The track then opens up with fast, flowing bends. Drivers must brake hard for turn ten, a tricky right-hand turn on a downhill slope.

The rest of the track feels like a street circuit. It has many left and right turns. Turn seventeen is a long right-hand turn that drivers cannot see around because of the walls. The very last turn is a small left bend that leads back to the main straight.

Pit Lane Challenges

The pit lane, where cars stop for new tires or repairs, has caused some discussion. In 2010, drivers like Robert Kubica thought the pit entry was dangerous. This is because cars entering the pits had to slow down on a fast part of the track. This could be risky if a faster car came up behind them.

The pit exit was also a problem. It led out onto the outside of Turn 1. If a driver went wide at Turn 1, they could hit a car leaving the pits. This actually happened in 2011 when Nico Rosberg hit Jaime Alguersuari during practice. Many drivers and team leaders asked for improvements. So, the FIA added traffic lights at the pit exit to warn drivers.

For the 2013 Korean Grand Prix, the pit exit was changed. It was extended around Turn 1 to join the track after Turn 2. However, some drivers felt the new surface was bumpy and not as good as it should be.

Events Held at the Circuit

The Korea International Circuit hosts different types of races.

Current Races

• June: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Superrace Championship
• October: Superrace Championship

Past Races

• Formula One Korean Grand Prix (2010–2013)
• Audi R8 LMS Cup (2014–2017)
• GT Asia Series (2014–2016)
• TCR Asia Series (2016, 2018)
• TCR Korea Touring Car Series (2018)
• Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia (2019)

Fastest Laps (Lap Records)

As of October 2019, here are some of the fastest official race laps at the Korea International Circuit:

See also

• List of Formula One circuits