South Korea’s Largest Motorsport Festival, ‘Jeonnam Gwangju GT,’ Kicks Off at Yeongam International Circuit

South Korea's largest motorsport festival, the 'Jeonnam Gwangju GT,' is poised to kick off at the Yeongam International Circuit in Jeollanam-do. This year, the event debuts under a new name, commemorating the establishment of the 'Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City.' It promises a rich program, combining thrilling professional motorsport races with diverse activities for both local residents and family visitors.

The New Identity of 'Jeonnam Gwangju GT' and the Festival's Evolution

This motorsport festival is being held under the new name 'Jeonnam Gwangju GT,' a tribute to the launch of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City on July 1, 2026. The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, formed through the merger of Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeollanam-do, is now South Korea's fifth-most populous metropolitan autonomous entity, providing a significant reason for the festival's name change.

Originally conceived as an integrated motorsport festival encompassing various disciplines, Jeonnam GT officially launched as a certified event in 2017. Since then, it has evolved beyond a mere racing competition, becoming a popular festival where locals and families can enjoy themselves, attracting numerous visitors annually.

A Battle of Speed and Strategy on an International Circuit

One of the festival's main events is the 'Jeonnam Endurance' race, an endurance competition where teams aim to cover the greatest distance over 120 minutes. This race is more than just a speed contest; its final standings are determined by complex factors such as pit stops, driver changes, and tire strategy, promising spectators an exhilarating competitive experience.

The Yeongam International Circuit, where the races are held, is South Korea's first F1-standard circuit and successfully hosted the F1 Korean Grand Prix from 2010 to 2013. Capable of accommodating 124,000 spectators, this circuit is regarded as a mecca for domestic motorsports, offering optimal conditions for large-scale festivals.

Accessibility and Attractions for Festival-goers

Visitors to the Yeongam International Circuit can utilize various transportation options. For public transport users, convenient travel is possible by taking Yeongam-gun rural buses (lines 212, 213, or route call bus 99) from Samho Bus Terminal, or by calling an on-demand Yeongam Call Bus from a bus stop within Samho-eup.

Beyond the races, various ancillary events, including qualifying sessions and pit walks, are scheduled for the 12th, offering spectators unique opportunities to interact closely with drivers and view racing vehicles up close. Thus, the Jeonnam Gwangju GT simultaneously delivers the thrilling allure of motorsport and a wealth of entertainment options for family visitors.