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The Formula One (F1) Korean Grand Prix will return to the Korea International Circuit (KIC) in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do Province on October 12th through 14th. Autumn foliage and the serene Yeongamho Lake in the surroundings of the KIC will certainly provide a scenic backdrop. Don’t miss the thrilling auto races at the 2012 F1 Korean Grand Prix!
Formula One is a large-scale auto racing event, with races held all over the world. Like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, F1 is recognized as a major global sporting event. The F1 Korea Grand Prix, which will be held for the third time in 2012, is scheduled to be held for three days. On October 12, 2012, racers will conduct morning and afternoon practice sessions. Through the practice laps, competitors check racing conditions, the circuit, and their machine. On Day 2 (October 13), there is another practice session in the morning and a qualifying race in the afternoon. The qualifying lap is split into three sessions, through which the top 24 racers get assigned their grid positions. October 14 is the day of the big race.
The cars assemble on the starting grid in the order they qualified on the previous day, prepared to race 55 laps on a 5.6km circuit for a total race distance of 308 kilometers. Exhilarating tension rises as the race unfolds. With the cars racing at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, nobody can tear their eyes away from the race. The top ten finishers will have points added to their overall championship rankings (25/18/15/12/10/8/6/4/2/1 points, respectively). The top three finishers are awarded on the winner’s podium, and their national flags are raised. |
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▶ High Stakes at F1 Korean Grand Prix
The F1 Korea Grand Prix is the 16th round in the 20-race F1 World Championship Race. At the end of the championship, results from each race will be tallied to determine the winners of the Drivers’ Championship as well as the Constructors’ Championship. |
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▶ About the Korea International Circuit (KIC)
Race circuits, comprised of several sections as diverse as the cars that race upon them, serve as a testing ground for the ultimate speed challenge. At 5.615km in length, the Korea International Circuit (KIC) poses unique challenges to the world championship racers and their crews, and exciting entertainment for thousands of spectators. |
1. Longest Straightaway
The KIC is comprised of two sections: a temporary street circuit used for major races like the Grand Prix, and a 3.045km permanent track, which is open all year round. It also features Asia’s longest straightaway, on which an F1 simulator recently reached top speeds of 320km/h. |
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2. Unconventional Track
Unlike the majority of the F1 circuits, the KIC is a counter-clockwise track, which brings additional challenges to the racers. Other counter-clockwise circuits include the Istanbul Circuit in Turkey, Singapore Circuit , Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates, and Sao Paulo Circuit in Brazil. |
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3. Modern Facilities with a Touch of Tradition
The KIC is one of the most highly advanced circuits in the world. Its track was built in a dual, hybrid structure to allow its length to change according to the type of race. At the same time, it incorporates elements of Korean traditional architecture in its design. For instance, the main grandstand of the circuit features a roof that resembles the eaves of a hanok (Korean traditional house). Overall, the circuit is a large venue that can accommodate up to 120,000 spectators. |
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▶ Nearby Tourist Attractions
Yeongam is home to a number of cultural and natural attractions, including Wolchulsan National Park, the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin (Baekje Dynasty scholar), Gurim Maeul (2,200-year-old village), Dogapsa Temple on Wolchulsan Mountain, and a pottery museum. Furthermore, other major cities in Jeollanam-do Province such as Mokpo, Jindo, Suncheon, Boseong, and Gwangju are located within one to three hours by car from Yeongnam. The nearby city of Gwangju will be hosting a kimchi festival on October 13th through 17th, and a design biennale from September 7th to November 11th. |
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 Recommended Tourist Attractions
Yeongam – Wolchulsan National Park, Historical Site of Dr. Wangin, Yeongam Gurim Maeul (Village), Yeongam Pottery Museum, Dogapsa Temple
Mokpo – National Maritime Museum – Home to the nation's only institute for underwater archeological research & maritime cultural heritage, Gatbawi Rock
Jindo - Dorisan Mountain Observatory - Offers panoramic views of the Dadohae islands, Jindo Bridge
Suncheon - Suncheonman Bay - Coastal wetland area of incredible beauty and ecological value Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park, Naganeupseong Folk Village
Boseong - Daehan Dawon (Daehan Daeop Tourist Tea Plantation) - Views of expansive mountainside green tea fields
Slow Cities – Jeungdo Island, Cheongsando Island, and Samjicheon Village in Damyang – Take a breather from modern life in Korea’s relaxing “slow cities.”
Gwangju – Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival - Experience over 100 types of Korean kimchi, Gwangju Design Biennale
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Related Tour Websites of Jeollanam-do:
Mokpo City Tour
Slow City - Jeungdo Island
Slow City - Cheongsando Island
Jeollanam-do Tour Website (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Related Columns:
2011 F1 Korean Grand Prix: Pulsating Race of World’s Top Speed Machines
Suggested Tour of Yeongam-Mokpo area of Jeollanam-do Province
Wonders of nature: Incredible Biodiversity at Suncheonman Bay!
DAMYANG - A garden without bamboo is like a day without sunshine |
Info
2012 F1 (Formula One) World Championship Korean Grand Prix
☞ Period: October 12 - 14, 2012
☞ Venue: Korea International Circuit (KIC) (Jeollanam-do Yeongam-gun)
* * Race Schedule
| October 12, 2012 |
October 13, 2012 |
October 14, 2012 |
Practice 1 10:00-11:30
Practice 2 14:00-15:30 |
Practice 3 11:00-12:00
Qualifying 14:00-15:00 |
Race 15:00-17:00 |
☞ Ticket Sales
Online: Auction (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
Phone: +82-61-288-5152 (Korean, English) / Auction: +82-1566-1369 (Korean)
* How to book: http://ticket.auction.co.kr/Home/F1Korean/PopInfoEng.aspx (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
☞ Inquiries: +82-1588-3448 (Korean, English)
☞ Transportation & Accommodation: http://f1lod.koreangp.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Official homepage: http://www.koreangp.kr (Korean, English)
** What is F1? **
The Formula One World Championship is the premier single-seater auto racing sponsored by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Simply called Formula One or F1, the championship consists of 17 to 20 Grands Prix held every year at select circuits around the world. ‘Formula’ refers to the set of rules that participating cars must comply. Modern F1 cars are single-seat, open-wheel race cars constructed by the racing teams themselves. At the end of a championship, results from each grand prix are tallied up to determine the winners of the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship.
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| Last updated in July 2012 |
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