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Incheon Unveils Songdo Street-Circuit Plan in Bid to Bring F1 Back to South Korea

A city study points to economic gains, with the race still hinging on government sign-off, private financing and F1 agreement.

Overview

  • Incheon officials, who on Thursday presented a positive feasibility study and a Tilke-designed 4.96 km layout in Songdo, set a 2028 target as they begin a formal bid.
  • The study projects a benefit-to-cost ratio of about 1.45, potential tourism revenue near 580 billion won and roughly 4,800–5,000 jobs over a five-year run.
  • City plans call for most funding from private operators, with public support estimated at about 237 billion won to limit the burden on taxpayers.
  • The proposed street course would use existing roads around Moonlight (Dalbit) Festival Park, with measures like a 1.8 km noise barrier and traffic controls to ease the impact on nearby residents.
  • Next steps include central-government review, possible rule changes and selecting a promoter, and F1 has not confirmed talks yet, a cautious approach shaped by Korea’s 2010–2013 race that ended over costs and weak demand.