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Built to put the country on the world motorsport map, the Korea International Circuit has fallen into oblivion in the world of Formula 1 and today is just a reminder of a billion-dollar investment with no return.
The abandoned Korea International Circuit, located in Yeongam, opened in 2010 to great acclaim. Designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, the track was intended to put South Korea on the global motorsport stage. However, after just four Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix events, the event was removed from the calendar in 2014, and the track was abandoned.
Currently, the Korea International Circuit abandoned features empty stands, deteriorated facilities and a track overgrown with vegetation, becoming a classic example of how a major sports investment can fail without sustainable planning.
The rise and fall of the Korean International Circuit in Formula 1
When South Korea was announced as the host of a Formula 1 race, the Yeongam International Circuit project was met with enthusiasm. The 5,615km long track with a challenging layout was built to provide an exciting experience for fans and drivers alike.
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However, the circuit faced problems from the beginning:
- Remote location: Yeongam is over 300 km from Seoul, distancing the public and making access difficult for international fans;
- Low public participation: Despite the automotive tradition in Asia, Formula 1 has never been as popular in South Korea as in neighboring countries such as Japan and China;
- Financial issues: The cost of operating the event was high, and the financial returns were not sufficient to justify continuing the GP.
After the 2013 Grand Prix, South Korean organizers faced difficulties to maintain the event and the circuit was removed from the F1 calendar in 2014. Since then, the track has remained virtually abandoned.
How is the abandoned Korea International Circuit currently?
Today, the abandoned Korea International Circuit has become a forgotten structure in the world of Formula 1. Recent videos and images show rusted grandstands, deteriorated pit stops and stretches of asphalt covered in vegetation. Some attempts have been made to repurpose the space as a venue for local racing events and driver training, but nothing significant has come of it.
The circuit's situation reflects the risk of large sporting investments without a sustainable base, showing that it is not enough to build a modern infrastructure without guaranteeing a loyal audience and an adequate financial return.
