2010 Korean Grand Prix discussion

This area is for people who are attending or planning to attend the 2010 Korean Grand Prix

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Use the comments below to share your thoughts on the race, where on the track you intend to watch from, how you’ll get to the track and more.

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2010 Korean Grand Prix

87 comments on “2010 Korean Grand Prix discussion”

  1. Chris Yu Rhee
    24th March 2010, 6:50

    Does ANYONE have any info on this race in English? I live in Korea, understand and speak Korean pretty well, but have yet to see ANYTHING in English anywhere. Do they think that only the average Korean, who earns less than $20,000 a year, is going to plunk down close to a month’s salary to go to the whole weekend?
    We’re going down to the site sometime in the next month, so I’ll post pics, etc., but I’m not encouraged by what I’ve seen so far…
    I’d love to hear from someone who’s had success even buying tickets..

    1. Chris:

      I sent an inquiry into a website selling tickets for other GP’s to let me know when tickets are available. My Korean wife and I are planning to visit in October and I thought that attending the race might be a nice break from sitting with her relatives. I’ll post something if my inquiry ever receives a reply.

      1. Chris Yu Rhee
        1st April 2010, 6:49

        It’;; be interesting to hear if you can get any info. I am checking out all of the sources I can here and have come up with zip.
        The only thing I see is an omnipresent “Korean GP” banner on a Korean racing channel on Skylife satellite T.V.

    2. Hi I am the owner of Waegook Cook in Gumi. I am an expat and my wife is Korean. We have been busy with arrangements for the Korean F1 since it was first announced. We met with construction engineers and visited the track and attended the ticket launch. I will also be there for the opening of the track with Chandok in a Red Bull tomorrow. We foresaw language problems and started making arrangements long ago. We are well know in Korea for our trips and events we organize. Our rooms were already booked a year ago. many people have booked through us and we will have buses leave from Gumi / Daegu and Seoul. Our packages include tickets, accommodation, bus, transfers and a T-shirt. Packages start as low as Won 299 000. Tickets are getting harder to come by. We will also be making rooms and buses available separately soon.

      For more info please see:
      http://www.f1.waegookcook.com
      http://www.koreangp.webs.com
      E-mail: thewaegookcook@yahoo.com

  2. The Formula One race, dubbed the Korean Grand Prix, will take place Oct 22 to Oct 24 in the southwestern county of Yeongam, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul. KAVO held a press conference in Seoul and announced the ticket prices, which range from 117,000 won ($103) to 920,000 won ($794), exclusive of tax. The venue can accommodate 123,000 spectators.
    Booking starts from mid of April.

    1. Chris Yu Rhee
      4th April 2010, 10:38

      Thanks Samik,
      The problem is does anyone else know this information? I live in Korea. I haven’t seen it anywhere.

  3. Chris Yu Rhee
    6th April 2010, 23:40

    My wife just spoke to the person in charge of lodging for the Korean F1. They are going to have campgrounds, and they have a list of around 180 places to stay. I am putting together a to-do list for him of what would help foreigners, and would appreciate any suggestions.
    We are going down to the track to visit the site and check out the surrounding area, so I’ll post pictures later.
    Please put your suggestions in this thread if it’s ok with Keith.

    1. Sure that’s what it’s here for! I’m very keen to hear from people who are going to the first race in Korea, do let us know if you’re going there.

    2. Chris Yu Rhee
      20th May 2010, 13:53

      Had to cancel our trip down to the track. I’m sick as a dog. Nothing helpful yet from the people we’ve been talking to, except the English portion of the official website should be working by the end of this month.
      There are several Korean websites that are selling tickets, but you have to be a Korean citizen to buy from them. I can’t even buy them, even though I’ve lived here for seven years, because I’m not a citizen!
      The only place I’ve been told (by the people inside the housing office for the Korean F1) that foreigners are buying tickets is as a package through tour agencies.
      Bass Ackwards. That’s all I have to say so far… sigh.

  4. Do i need to take adult korea F1 tickets for my kids who are less than 5 year old. Is there any separate tickets for child, will they be allowed inside for free if they dont occupy any seats?

    1. Chris Yu Rhee
      21st July 2010, 6:41

      You do not need to buy a ticket for kids 6 or under, but they do not get a seperate seat.

  5. I’m stationed in Korea. I had a Korean friend purchase tickets for me, but the tickets have not been released yet, and they paid for the tickets 2 months ago. Nothing makes much sense here in Korea.

    I plan on going down during July 4th weekend to check things out. I will be surprised if the city of Mokpo will have the accomodations to support the amount of people coming to see the race, if there even is a race.

  6. just booked tickets for the race. Have flights and accommodation, but 200miles away!! I have spent days trying to find closer accommadtion, but cannot. Sites state that they are blocked for F1? Or cannot get on many sites
    Read on 1 web site that tickets were going on sale to koreans first. This was back in march.

    1. Chris Yu Rhee
      21st July 2010, 6:54

      AP,
      Where in the heck are your accomodations? Seoul?
      On a good day, it takes five hours to drive that far as you have to go down highway 15, which is murder.
      There are very few Western-style hotels in or near that area. You will have to stay at a Min-bahk, which is really just a place to sleep (on the floor-Korean style). Some are good, some are scary. Got to http://www.english.seoul.go.kr and check out if you can get any help there. I do believe there is a phone number for foreigners to call. Trust me, it would be a good investment to speak to someone there. They are VERY helpful. I would ask them if they know of a contact number for housing for the F1 race (the number of the guy I have only speaks Korean). If they don’t, ask if Cheonan (Chuh-nahn) has a similar foreigner phone number to call for help in getting a room or min-bak reserved.
      I was going to go down and shceck things out for Keith during my vacation time, but got sick as a dog, so I never went.
      There is also a site “www.f1.waegookcook.com” that has some info. He’s really involved and I even think he’s actually selling ticket packages. His wife is Korean, and he’s actually been to the track site.
      I hope I can go this year, but it’s doubtful now for me. Maybe next year!
      I hope this helps,
      Chris

  7. just had a look on http://www.f1.com and went to tickets and korea is on sale

    http://uk.wwte4.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=tsdt&stat=5&flgc=0&loid=178308&ofid=12661&sdat=22/10/2010&edat=24/10/2010&wtid=28&rfrr=&eapid=300-30004#details

    the issue i have is there not making it easy to book no offacial website or accomdation that i could find , also the f1 news isnt really getting around .

    if it helps thomas

  8. If is there anyone who wants to buy F1 Korean Grand prix ticket, I can help you.
    Please send me an e-mail angelp77@hanmail.net
    Actually, I am working for F1 Korean GP, so I can
    support you once I get your request !

    Thanks,

    1. Mary,
      Are you in any position to find out if the campsite is going to happen? The man we talked to said it was, but I haven’t seen any info anywhere. Also, there are only 4 hotels that show up with rooms. Seeing as the F1 teams haven’t even booked shipping for their cars and equipment yet, but have for the following races, I’m wondering about this whole thing.
      I still haven’t seen anything about the race, in English or Korean.
      Can you have someone put info up on the official website?
      Thanks

      1. Hi Chris,

        Yes, I’ve checked the official site,
        http://f1lod.f1korea.go.kr/en/
        but there is on campsite information in English, but in Korean, there will be a campsite at parking lot of Jeollanamdo goverment.

        1. Charlie Robinson
          18th August 2010, 11:51

          Mary, do you mean there will be no camping actually on site? How far is the parking lot of the Jeollanamdo government? Thanks.

          1. For the campsite, yes, unfortunately, near the circuit, there is no campsite, only use D Parking lot at goverment building.

            From D parking lot to Circuit, it takes 30 min. (16.99km) by car.

            More information, I will share with all of you!, as one of Korean! ^^

        2. Here’s the camping info link:

          http://f1lod.koreangp.kr/camping/campground/

          The text is in an image, so even Google auto-translation won’t work. I guess foreigners aren’t expected to come… sigh.

          1. Here are the important bits about camping:

            Campsite is open Oct. 22 through Oct. 24

            Jeollanamdo government building – I think it’s the City hall. I’ll check further.

            tents (room for about 500)-parking lot D or beside the lake
            RV’s and trailers (room for 20-30)-parking lot C

            I doubt there will be any electricity or water as we were originally told there would be last year in July, especially since the campsite was supposed to be AT the track.

            It’ll be cold at night, so I don’t think blankets will suffice…

  9. Thomas Hertslet
    8th August 2010, 1:13

    Hello, require some help. Bought two (2) tickets in April for the event. Can you help me identifying the proper location of the race? The best approach to the gates? Will there be a bus service?
    I attended the German Formel 1 in 2008 and the organisation was just phantastic. What can I expect in Korea?
    Looking forward to some good advice.
    Thank you Thomas Hertslet

    1. Hi Thomas,
      Now, you can choose your seat you want,
      when you buy the ticket,
      so, pls check the f1korea site and you’d
      better to check.
      Maybe you can cancel two tickets you have already bought and then, buy new tickets.

      If you need any more help, please send me an e-mail.

  10. Charlie Robinson
    14th August 2010, 8:31

    Don’t know how much truth there is in this article published 2 days ago (http://www.worldcarfans.com/110081227895/aragon-said-no-to-replacing-2010-korean-gp—report), but if there is any, it’s pretty worrying. I still haven’t purchased my tickets for Mokpo (from what I have heard, almost none have been sold so far) and am going to leave it very, very late. I’m yet to be convinced this is actually going to happen.

  11. This is Mary, and I am not working for F1 Korean Grand prix, I just help you as a Korean. ^^*

    For the F1 Ticket, Anyone who bought the ticket already,
    you may choose your seat where you want,
    Please kindly check!

  12. Does anyone know what support races will be in Korea. This website only shows Formula BMW Asia but I have to hope there will be more than that.

  13. Saturday, September 4 is the opening of the Korean F1 track in Yeongam and Sunday there are some events too. The F1 Organizers just send me the schedule but it’s in Korean so I will just mention a few highlights.

    Anyone can attend free. The public will be granted access to the track from 13:00. Chandok in a Red Bull, Formula BMW and other cars will do a show run from 15:20. DVD shows, hot-air balloon rides, parades, camp fires etc will be things you can enjoy there. There is alos a MNET live music show from 16:30 to 18:00

    Free shuttle buses between Mokpo and the circuit. They leave from Hadang Pyeong Hwa Gwang Jang in Mokpo from 11:30 till 13:40 and will return to Mokpo from 18:00 to 19:00.

    I attached a photo with the schedule on our facebook event wall but it’s in Korean:
    http://www.facebook.com/thewaegookcook?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=403036655460&index=1

    Tickets are almost sold out. If you haven’t booked yet we strongly suggest you do so ASAP. Buses from Gumi and Seoul have been confirmed. Rooms and buses for people who bought their own tickets and not part of our package deals will be made available separately soon. packages still available from as little as Won 299 000 depending on where you sit.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.

    Regards

    Derrick Smith
    http://www.f1.waegookcook.com
    http://www.koreangp.webs.com

  14. I attended the circuit event this past weekend. Even got a picture with Karun Chandhok. Still a lot of construction around the track.

    We took the KTX from Seoul which is about a 3 hour ride. Once we got to Mokpo we took taxis everywhere which added up. The track is pretty far from Mokpo station. My wife and I don’t read or speak the language so it is challenging getting around, but we did it. Sometimes I had to phone a Korean speaking friend to tranlate for me. We plan to drive down for race weekend. It will be a long road trip but at least we will have our own transportation for the entire weekend.

    There seemed to be a lot of motels around. I’m hoping it won’t be too difficult to find a room somewhere. If not we can always camp out in the car. lol

    I have been told I will get my ticket delivered tomorrow. I just wonder whether or not there will actually be any stands for us to sit because they have only built the main grandstands so far. My tickets are for grandstand H which were not built yet. There is still time and I trust they will erect something (I hope).

  15. Just to answer a few questions you have raised.

    1. Early tickets and cancellation:
    Our tickets arrived today September 6. The tickets bought in the beginning, only showed your stands and had no assigned seats but they assigned the best seats for the early birds. Unless you want to be seated with someone who bought his or her tickets on a later date there is no reason for canceling. They assigned the best seats on a first come first serve basis. If however you need to cancel to sit with someone make sure that there will be seats left after canceling. There are not many available and some blocks are completely sold out. There is no cancellation fee on the same day as your booking but later cancellations have a 10% penalty.

    Accommodation:
    Forget about pitching up on the day. Almost a year ago my wife and I spent hours to find suitable accommodation. We managed to book 70 rooms in Gwangju and months after that the motel owner suddenly doubled the prices and we had to settle for that or not have rooms for our guests. The few motels, which have not been booked out are holding out for last minute sales at double the price.

    Language and Information:
    I am glad I speak enough Korean to help myself and that my wife is Korean If you are not so lucky join our package tour.

    Taking your own car:
    We have permits allowing us to park right at the track. All other vehicles will be stopped. Free shuttle buses are available but the traffic is going to be horrendous. I suppose there will be lines waiting for these shuttle buses. Ours go non-stop between the track, our motel and other venues. Our buses leave from Gumi (nearby Daegu) and Seoul.

    Stands and Track Progress:
    Everyone had doubts but I have faith in Korea. We had really bad weather this year and that hampered the progress. They are cutting it very close but I see no reason why the race won’t go ahead. The financial implications and pride will see to it that everything is ready on time. The tickets were delivered today. Chandohk was very impressed, Bernie wants it and they would have announced any cancellations way in advance. The facilities might not be in tip top shape yet, but who cares as long as we can see the race.

    For more information on our packages including accommodation, bus, tickets etc please see:

    Regards
    Derrick Smith
    http://www.f1.waegookcook.com
    http://www.koreangp.webs.com

    1. I am getting the impression that Waegook Cook is using fear as a way to convince viewers to book with his package tour.

      Yes, there could be a lot of people attending the event but I have heard the numbers are low right now because of fears over the track not being finished.

      Plenty of tickets are still available and there are loads of places to stay in and around Mokpo. Here are a couple sites which name a few:

      http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/AC/AC_EN_4_8.jsp?recommCid=&areaCode=38&category=B02010500&menuId=condominium&#selectBox

      http://eng.mokpo.go.kr/home/eng/culture/lodging/

      There are even more places to stay that are not online and as a last resort you can always stay in Gwangju and commute down to Mokpo, though it is over and hour away.

      Bottom line, it will be tough to find someplace last minute but don’t be fooled into believing the only way a foreigner can go to the race is through the packages above.

      Best of luck to you all in getting things sorted out,
      B

      1. Hi

        Our package tours are not the only way to book, just convenient and cheaper than most other options. A year ago I couldn’t find accommodation in Mokpo because the local government booked them all out and some motel owners wanted to hold out to see if they could get higher prices. Our package deals are almost booked out and many people booked just the rooms with us. Sure, there will be other options and I encourage people to try and find better deals and still join in the excitement of so many foreigners on the same buses all the way to the track.

        Regards

        Waegook Cook
        http://www.f1.waegookcook.com
        http://www.koreangp.webs.com

        1. B,
          Waegook cook has put a lot of effort into this event, starting (at least) the middle of last year.
          If I was going (I’m not) and didn’t have gobs of camping equipment, I’d seriously consider a headache-free package deal. I’ve lived in Korea a long time, and so has he.
          He’s done a good job putting stuff together. Too bad he didn’t work for KAVO. Maybe there wouldn’t have been so many doubts about the race…

          1. Thanks Chris

            Next year should be much easier. It was almost impossible to navigate through all the endless obstacles of no information, track delays, language barriers etc but I am glad we did the groundwork and we are almost fully booked. The next year will be easier (that is if the Charlie says the track is fine. We will know tomorrow or Wednesday. The inspection started and everything sounds OK but the report is expected to be out on Wednesday.
            http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5682219&fSectionId=756&fSetId=381

            Although our packages are almost booked out we still have have some rooms for Saturday and Sunday. Rooms are located across from Gwangju bus terminal. They are neat and comfortable. All the people on our package tours will be staying there too. Not part of the package the rooms are available at Won 120 000 per room (prices expected to go up in the few days before the F1. Travelers coming alone can share a room with other travelers (Won 60 000) per person but will have to arrange their own tickets and transport.

            If there is space on one of our buses for people booking the rooms they will have the first opportunity to get transfers straight from the motels to the track but it depends on availability once our package tours are finalized in a few days. There are also public buses leaving from Gwangju to the track.

            Chris, thanks for your confidence. I think you did a great job on this blog because it gave people options and important information. E-mail me because I think together we will be able to make information on the F1 in the future much easier for foreigners to access.

            Derrick
            (Waegook Cook)
            http://www.f1.waegookcook.com
            http://www.koreangp.webs.com

  16. I’m not sure I agree with everything you say there, Derrick. I checked the ticket availability a couple of weeks ago and hardly any had been sold. Looking now, suddenly it appears that only a few are left. I find it very difficult to believe that that many have been sold in that time. I have met not a single Korean who is even aware of this event. The marketing for it over here has been nothing short of appalling. I also refuse to believe that there would be that many last minute bookings from overseas F1 fans, especially given the bad publicity this event has had in the last few months.

    My guess is that they have given out a lot of free tickets recently. You live in Korea yourself and I am sure are aware of the importance of attendance figures to Koreans. They do this trick with their football matches all the time. They hand out thousands of free tickets before the match, most of the which are not used, but are included in the attendance statistics. Personally, I’m tempted to gamble on picking up a couple of nice seats for a very discounted price off a tout on the day.

    The one thing you’ve said which I did find rather more worrying is that there will be no parking on site. I took it for granted that we would be able to drive to the circuit. If that is correct, that is indeed a serious pain in the neck, especially on top of the fact that the nearest camping they are offering is in the carpark of some government building 30 minutes away by car! They really have ballsed this one up.

  17. Hi Charlie

    As you know there are different ways to buy tickets. We use Interpark, the main booking site in Korea for discounted tickets. You can of course also use other ticketing agencies in Korea for the discounted tickets or even get them at some banks. I book tickets on a regular basis and yesterday I was lucky to get one extra seat for people who needed a third seat next to two others. Many of the people who request tickets in the same blocks or even just on the same stands can not be helped. You get a seating map on the site. White is booked and purple is available. Many stands are all white and the purple on others are far and in between. True, they made three new stands available K,L and M and they are talking about opening O and P. Maybe you are looking at sites like F1.com. They don’t sell the tickets at the discounted prices and book entire stands or blocks out. Maybe you can find seats there. I am just talking about the site I use. I have a picture of yesterday’s booking and I just uploaded it on Flickr so that you can see what I mean.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/waegook/4966529415/

    I suggest you don’t wait too long.

    Regards

    Derrick

  18. The parking lot at the track was nothing more than dirt and gravel. The driveway to the track is a bit long and will cause a lot of congestion.

    It doesn’t surprise me one bit that parking would not be allowed at the track. Welcome to the land of the not quite right. Why would they even consider accommodating the thousands of people from all over Korea and the world that plan to attend a huge international racing event (sarcasm).

    I have a question…do you think those shuttle buses will be marked and easy to identify? Is there some sort of route planned out and where are the stops going to be?

  19. On my tickets there is a diagram of the track and there are about 6 different parking areas situated around the track so it looks like they will have some kind of parking for those that are driving.

    1. DB,
      Where are the parking areas indicated? Have you seen the aerial photo that was taken on August 30th? There are still rice fields around most of the track.

      I read this on another F1 site which shall remain nameless in respect to F1Fanatic:

      “According to the International Sporting Code, F1’s governing body should already have approved or rejected the new South Korea circuit ahead of its inaugural grand prix.

      Instead, the venue has been given until September 21 to prepare for Charlie Whiting’s final inspection, with a FIA spokesman admitting “a lot of work remains to be completed” at the Yeongam site, according to the Telegraph.

      Appendix O of the Code says the final inspection for a permanent venue should take place “not later than 90 days before the first international event to be held” there.

      If adhered to, Korea’s final inspection should have taken place at the end of July, given its late October race date.

      And if a circuit fails its final inspection, the sporting regulations state that the event “will not be considered for inclusion in the following year’s championship unless the FIA judges the cancellation to have been due to force majeure”.

      Countering ongoing speculation about the state of the site, race organisers have released some photos showing completed buildings and an apparently freshly-laid track surface.

      But other, unofficial photos recently did the rounds showing that aspects of the venue are far from complete.

      However, the Telegraph’s Tom Cary said the FIA is “satisfied” with progress.”

      The silence in Korea is deafening. I haven’t heard one word about the track being completed on time, or not. Anywhere.

      Sounds fishy to me… (sigh)

      1. DB,

        Here’s the link to F1 Fanatic’s article on the aerial photo:

        https://www.racefans.net/2010/09/03/korean-f1-track-aerial-photo-emerges/

        1. Yeah I’ve seen that aerial photo. Parking may be no more than a dirt patch next to some bulldozers or along the side of the road about a mile away. I guess we’ll all wait and see.

        1. No disrespect intended, but that a diagram of what the parking areas are “supposed to be”, not what they actually are.

          Haven’t you or your wife noticed the TOTAL media blackout (English AND Korean) about the track being so far behind schedule?

          I’ve help build projects larger than this, and I knew a year ago that it was going to be tight. Too tight for my taste in the U.S. using U.S. contractors, but in Korea, I would have said it was impossible if I was the track’s Construction Manager.

          Unfortunately I have to say at this point, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

          Let’s all hope I’m wrong…

          1. Hi Chris

            We respect you for all the big projects. Had to meet a few of my own, but the fact is that although I have met the track engineer of the Korean F1 and the rain came down in torrents since, I believe the race will go ahead.

            I suppose it’s a betting game and I am betting on McLaren. Let’s see what Korea holds.

          2. Chris Yu Rhee
            6th October 2010, 8:25

            Here’s a link to an article showing them putting down the final layer of asphalt on October 5th! Cutting it a little close, I think. Won’t it be too greasy to race on?

            http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2926802

          3. Interesting, thanks for the link Chris!

          4. Regarding the article “Korean Grand Prix to go ahead on schedule”,

            (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/10/136_74047.html)

            This is the third(?) time they’ve said it would be ready.

            If you read the article CAREFULLY, it is very interesting. (caps added for emphasis)

            “Before the inspection the only thing left to do is working on the surface of the track. The inspection team may put first priority on safety and appropriateness of the racetrack ahead of other factors such as CLEANLINESS and MAKESHIFT STANDS,” Kim (Kim Jae-ho, KAVO general manager for marketing and communication)said.

            Great. He’s admitting in a national media source that the stands we’re supposed to sit in aren’t up to par, and that the race track and facilities are dirty – and he’s the director of marketing? Sounds like the Commonwealth Games in India redux.

            And this zinger, “The FIA prohibits the use of the (FINISHED) track until the race begins. THAT’S WHY we have been DELAYING THE COMPLETION of the construction,” Kim said.

            I can’t believe that they’re buying this excuse. Does the construction equipment have to drive on the track to install stands, etc.? Landscaping? Buildings? I thought that’s why they had construction roads on a job site.

            I’m actually a little pissed, because my wife decided months ago that she wouldn’t let me buy tickets because she thinks this race isn’t going to happen. She herself has been around my projects enough to know.

            I just wish that there were someone that could say yeah or nay.

            October 11th can’t come fast enough. Since tickets are still being sold at a discount, maybe, just maybe… :^)

      2. I saw an advert on the side of a bus in Ulsan yesterday! That is the first thing I’ve heard or seen.

        If it does go ahead, what with the attendance be like? Very few people I suspect.

  20. Hello
    I ‘m thialand people but I stay in korea.I want to know abouth price of ticket. How much is it? for 1 people.I don’t have information .Thank you very much
    **if you not busy you answer in my e-mail too

  21. I finally located the EXACT location of the circuit on a satellite, and guess what? There are NO CURRENT PICTURES of the track to be found on the net.

    Here’s the link:
    http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/?lat=35.16999817&lon=126.87999725&zoom=8&pin=Gwangju,%20South%20Korea&type=hyb&rad=0&wxsn=0&svr=0&cams=0&sat=1&sat.num=1&sat.spd=25&sat.opa=85&sat.gtt1=109&sat.gtt2=108&sat.type=IR4&riv=0&mm=0&hur=0

    If you want driving directions, here it is:
    http://www.koreangp.kr/f1lod/

    The first has the highest resolution available, but since everything is at least 2 years old (I wonder if they are hiding something) there is no evidence of a track.

    Funny how that one aerial photo that someone took is the ONLY picture I can find of the track’s state of completion.

    It’s 12:22AM on Sept. 28th, and I wonder when we’ll find out if there is going to be a race… Oh, yeah, it’s raining in Seoul now, and supposed to rain later this morning at the track.

  22. Chris, the coordinates in that link are little off. You need to go about 50 miles southwest to Mokpo. The track is located south of the city across from the Hyundai Hotel. But don’t bother trying to find it because it’s not on the satellite imagery yet.

    Google Maps is faster.
    http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=mokpo&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.489543,65.654297&ie=UTF8&hq=mokpo&hnear=&radius=15000&ll=34.734771,126.403627&spn=0.033928,0.064116&t=h&z=14

    1. Your link took me to Wichita, Kansas, which was interesting because Pfister Park is near the center of your coordinates on your link.

      My great Uncle was the Pfister part of Price-Pfister.

      I’ve found the track location exactly, but ever since our little brother up North, Kim Jong Il, started throwing temper tantrums, firing missles over Japan, setting off atomic bombs, and sinking South Korean warships, ALL of the satellite imagery of South Korea that I can find has been changed to pre-2006 as far as I can figure (based on what buildings I know have been built since 2006 where I live).

      There is a complete and TOTAL media blackout on the track’s problems here, both in the Korean AND the English media, excepting a few minor articles about Uncle Bernie’s doubts…

      I had some beautiful pictures of our school’s bus going down the street before then, but now the apartment complex we live in doesn’t even exist in the satellite photos, and we’ve been in this place here almost four years.

      1. LOL Kansas? That’s funny. Oh well, I think we all know where the track is by now.

  23. Has anyone here in Korea heard of what time the Renault demo will take place on Sunday, October 3rd?

    I know that it will be held near Seoul City Hall but no times have been announced that I can find.

    Ref: http://www.gravitysportmanagement.com/?p=3632&categoryname=_ambrosio&categoryid=5&pageid=24

    Thanks.

  24. I attended the Renault demo yesterday. I got my pic with Jerome D’ambrosio before the start and also took a short video clip of his run. I brought some friends from work who had not seen an F1 car in real life and they loved it.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0mpsBDEecU

    1. You lucky dog! I had to work! I’ve been to races with older F1 cars (70’s and 80’s vintage) and I wonder if they’re louder than the old cars. Sweet music!

      1. Ahhhh – historic racing. You can’t beat it. Give me a good day out watching that at somewhere like Brands Hatch over a F1 anyday.

  25. Here is an album with pics I’ve taken so far this year. I’ll update it more with pics during the race.

    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2042271&id=1229584834&l=58ddc77211

    1. I love the picture with your wife(?) in it. Taken around Sept. 4th? As a CM of a projects similar to this, it adds to my doubts…
      8 months, huh? Then where?

      1. Yeah, that was when my wife and I went to the grand opening event.

        …wherever the job takes me.

  26. I am attending, with a couple of friends. We’re tackling public transport from Ulsan (or Busan). I have no idea where we’re going, but I think we’re going to head for Gwangju or Mokpo with our tents and hope for the best. The lack of information is a joke!

    1. Hi Keirde

      You will be able to catch a bus to the main parking area which is located 7km from the rack from Mokpo and Gwangju. They have shuttle buses going from the main parking area to the track. They might also have buses going straight to the track.
      More info at:
      http://f1lod.f1korea.go.kr/en/traffic/shuttle/
      We have motels rooms at Won 120 000 per room (2 people per room) across from Gwangju Bus terminal. If you get stranded call us and we will try and accommodate you.

      Thanks

      Derrick
      http://www.f1.waegookcook.com
      http://www.koreangp.webs.com

  27. lol – well, those instructions regarding the park and ride are as clear as mud!!

    Are they saying that you need to buy a ticket for the park and ride 7km from the circuit, or if you want to actually park at the circuit?

    Also having trouble actually finding a road map online of where any of this is. The map on the directions link on their website seems to point to middle of Yeongam town centre. I’m guessing the circuit, isn’t there!

    1. I know it’s terrible and I can just hope lessons are learned this year.

      As far as I understand the parking area in question is only for private transport. You can pay for a parking ticket and get the free shuttle bus from there. I think the buses from Gwangju and Mokpo to the track might go all the way, but your guess is as good as mine. I know we have a special permit for our bus allowing us to go straight to the track and park there. I know they have bus parking at the track. This might be to accommodate public buses and private tour buses with permits. I’ve been to the track a few times and it’s not in the town. It’s located next to the Hyundai Hotel. There is a big bridge you will see on the satellite maps. Left of it the shore makes a perfect half circle. It’s right there.

      Wish I could help more.

      Thanks

      Derrick

  28. Thanks Derrick. You’ve already been a million times more helpful than anything on their site. I’m honestly thinking of chucking the whole lot in, to be honest, relieved I didn’t buy the tickets when they first came out. The question I keep asking is, at what point does it just become more hassle than it’s worth. I’ve been to umpteen motor racing events, mostly in England and a couple in Europe and the whole process is easy – and a lot of fun. It’s easy to get there and park. You camp on site, have a great time with good facilities whilst you’re there. Sure, sometimes you have to queue for a while to get out of the parking at the end, but that’s about the limit of any inconvenience. I was excited about the prospect of taking my son to the first Grand Prix in the country we are now living, ordered him a little McLaren/Hamilton shirt and myself a Mansell red 5 Renault T-shirt (who was my childhood idol) – now I’m just not sure I can be arsed with the whole thing. It sounds like (if it goes ahead) it’s going to be a nightmare.

    Sorry to put a dampener on proceedings folks…

    1. Charlie,
      In one of the F1 Fanatic threads one of the Koreans working within the F1 organization said the campsite will be at the main government’s parking area, and it says that in English as well on the official Korean F1 website. I do remember a mention of a shuttle bus from the campsite, and that it can hold about 220 tents and 20 or so RV’s (camping car in Korea).
      Check it out.
      Waegook cook’s been involved a lot in this, so I’d trust his advice if you need help.

      This sort of reminds me of the old days at Laguna Seca and Sears point when they were basically just racetracks with nothing else.
      No fences, nothing. Used to sit on the hill overlooking the corkscrew and could see almost half the track from there.
      They even let us do a couple of laps on our bicycles at Sears Point one time! Wore the sides of my front tires almost completely off going around the corners at 50+!
      What fun!
      Can’t do that now…

    2. Thanks Chris. I think after all we went through this year you should just push through now that it’s “going to happen”

      Hopefully it will only get better in years to come.

      1. Chris Yu Rhee
        8th October 2010, 7:13

        Have you been able to see if they’ve erected the stands around the track?
        The article read as if they have only completed the grandstands.

        I can’t imagine that they have not put up the other stands around the track by now, unless thay hadn’t poured the footings prior to all the rain.

        I’m on pins and needles until next Monday…

        1. The last I saw was with Chandok’s drive and the only the Main Grandstand was up and they were busy with Stand A where I will be sitting. I think they will basically have temporary stands because I can’t see that they could have done that much since then. I am also very anxious about Monday but it sounds like the inspection will be pushed through.

  29. Nice! And no, I’m sure they don’t allow that now – on a similar note, if you’re ever passing through Germany, stop off at the Nurburgring and you can take your motor round the old Nordschleife which is open for all comers (for a nominal fee). An equally enjoyable trip down memory lane.

    Yeah, heard about the campsite from possibly the same Korean. It’s a way out though – 30 mins she said, so lord knows what that’ll be on the day and she wasn’t sure about transport from there either. Let’s see what happens with this inspection and I’ll take it from there. I am keen to go – and a few years ago, would’ve jumped on a bus to the middle of nowhere on a wing and a prayer, armed with nothing but a toothbrush – but the years have softened me somewhat!

  30. Chris Yu Rhee
    9th October 2010, 5:50

    While up at the Incheon Airport area I saw a shiny new BMW bus that had absolutely no markings whatsoever checking out the local hotels… Hmmmm
    It’s got to be a team bus for the BMW Sauber crew. It was so cool looking, Silver with blacked-out windows, and especially the BMW badge on the back.
    Then this morning someone was walking around with a BIG Mercedes Logo on a shirt that’s exactly like the casual shirts the team crew members wear.
    All I can figure out is either they’re manding the equipment at Incheon and driving it down (I hope not), or they are here early to check out layover hotels by the airport before they go down to the track.

    Uncle Bernie says it’s on, and that they’ve (KAVO) performed miracles in the last couple of weeks.

    Why couldn’t they have done these miracles earlier? From the loks of it the main grandstands are the only stands that are in-place. I guess all the others will be temporary… sigh

    1. Chris Yu Rhee
      9th October 2010, 5:52

      “landing”, not “manding”, and “looks”, not “loks”.

      Fat Finger Syndrome (FFS) strikes again…

  31. Here’s the link to the camping site. It’s only in Korean…

    http://f1lod.koreangp.kr/camping/campground/

    I’ll have it translated and I’ll post the English soon.

    1. Here are the important bits:

      Campsite is open Oct. 22 through Oct. 24

      Jeollanamdo government building – I think it’s the City hall. I’ll check further.

      tents (room for about 500)-parking lot D or beside the lake
      RV’s and trailers (room for 20-30)-parking lot C

      I doubt there will be any electricity or water as we were originally told there would be last year in July, especially since the campsite was supposed to be AT the track.

      It’ll be cold at night, so I don’t think blankets will suffice…

  32. I just had a Korean coworker order a KIC parking permit for me from the Interpark site. That way I can park at the track (Lot #3). It was 20,000 won for 3 days. Technically Friday is a free parking day, but from what I understood it was a 3 day permit. So one less thing to worry about. Now if my truck can actually make the 6 hour drive to Mokpo is another thing…

  33. Did anyone notice that Alex Yoong and Steve Slater were openly chuckling about the Korean Grand Prix? “Alex, you’ve been researching this track for about a year now. Can you tell us a little about it?” (chuckles)
    That’s scary. Even the media guys at Star Sports don’t know anything…

  34. Hi all, who’s going to this race? I’m from Australia and will be working the event as a trackside marshal.

    1. That’s cool. How did you score that gig?

      My wife and I will be attending all 3 days.

      1. The Korean Automobile Racing Association (한국자동차경주협회) posted an ad for marshals and officials in April. A Canadian buddy of mine tried out, but didn’t follow through with all the training and was dropped.

        If you read Korean, you can read about it here:

        http://blog.naver.com/airin29?Redirect=Log&logNo=30084013701

        It’s probably not a good sign that they misspelled Grand Prix (GRNAD PRIX) in English.

        I volunteered through the official Korean Grand Prix volunteer site (koreangp-volunteer.or.kr) and was selected to be an interpreter.

        I’ll be attending training at the circuit this Saturday. If anyone else is, give me a call: 010-6623-4142

        1. I can’t read Korean but would’ve loved to have volunteered. You guys have the best seat in the house, plus how cool is it say that you were a track marshall at the first F1 race in Korea.

    2. My next question was, “Where are they going to get all of the trackside marshals since the race approval is at the eleventh hour?”
      I doubt that they could train enough people, especially locals in that area.
      Where did you find out about how to become a marshal for the race?

      1. See my reply to @DB above this message.

      2. The Korean’s have been recieving training from Australian motorsport officials, and a large team of experience marhsals are coming over to assist with the physical training proir to the event (starting this weekend actually at the track) and also help during the event itself.

  35. Edwart Burger Jr
    14th October 2010, 8:51

    Any Camping area avaiable in Korean 2010 F1?

    Hello Dears,
    Im looking for comping areas avaible near F1 area Circuit (1 Hour maximun). Anybody can HELP-ME. I already have tickts but no more Hotels or Motels avaiable near there.

    HELP ME Please.

    Regards
    EDE

    1. We have rooms available by Gwangju Bus terminal. The motels we booked are across from Gwangju Bus Terminal and include the basic necessities such as own bathroom, TV, double bed, many of them have PC etc. Buses run to the track from City Hall which is within a short taxi ride from the motel. If we have space on any of our buses for transfers you will be able to commute between the motel and the track straight from the motel. This is however subject to availability. The motel is an hour to an hour and a half from the track depending on traffic.

      The rooms are Won 120 000 per room or Won 60 000 per person sharing per night. I have one available for Friday and some for Saturday and Sunday. If you are interested you can e-mail me at thewaegookcook@yahoo.com

  36. Some info on how to get to the track, the position of grandstands and more in this article:

    http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20101015000647

  37. I have read on some sites about the free shuttle buses, from gwanju and soeul. On the KAVO site I can only see from car parks in Mokpo. Can you just arrive or have to book a parking space, i don’t really want to drive. Can anyone help.

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