Incheon Plans 2028 Formula 1 Street Circuit Debut

Incheon, South Korea, has advanced plans to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time since 2013, with city officials unveiling a proposed street circuit design that a recent feasibility study deems economically viable. The initiative, targeting a debut race in 2028, centers on a 4.96-kilometer track around Songdo Moonlight Festival Park in the Yeonsu-gu district, just west of Seoul.

The preliminary study, conducted jointly by German circuit design firm Tilke and the Korea Industrial Development Institute, projects significant economic benefits over a five-year hosting period. It estimates total revenue at 1.16 trillion won, surpassing projected costs of 802 billion won, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.45. Officials anticipate the three-day event could attract 120,000 visitors daily, or 300,000 to 400,000 overall, generating 580 billion won in tourism revenue and creating nearly 5,000 jobs. The circuit would utilize existing roads, similar to those in Singapore, Las Vegas, and Monaco, featuring 15 corners and top speeds of up to 337 kilometers per hour. To mitigate disruptions like noise and traffic, the plan includes 1.8 kilometers of noise barriers, shuttle services, and...