F1 Korean Grand Prix successfully wraps up

Hosted for the second time in Korea, the 2011 Formula 1 Korea Grand Prix successfully wrapped up on October 16 at Yeongam, Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province).

On October 16, the day of the final race, more than 80,000 F1 fans visited Yeongam to see the exciting matches. Around 11,000 people came to watch the practice round on October 14 and 65,000 people visited the circuit on October 15 for the preliminary rounds. The total amount of visitors was recorded as 163,000, similar to last year's attendance. On the final day, however, this year's event had 4,000 more visitors than last year's. (Above picture: More than 80,000 F1 fans visited Yeongam to see the final race (Photo: Yonhap News))

According to the F1 Korean Grand Prix Organizing Committee, 85,000 out of 120,000 seats were filled. The 1-7 parking lot was almost full, and shuttle buses operated without break to carry hordes of visitors from the circuit to bus stops including Mountain Daebul, Namak City, and the North Port.

"Without counting visitors who entered after the game started, around 80,000 people attended the final race day", an official from the committee said. "This was the largest number of visitors in a single day among all sporting events in Korea".

Transportation and facilities have improved compared to last year. Thanks to the newly built road, the trip from Mokpo City to the F1 circuit only took 30 minutes, which would have been a 90-minute drive last year. New shuttle bus routes also operated between the circuit and four parking lots to prevent traffic at the crowded venue. Visitors were also satisfied with the increased convenience of facilities where they could get snacks and beverages. Visitors also praised the airing of races in real time by DMB services.

F1 Auto Racing on October 16 (Photo: Yonhap News)

On the day of the preliminary rounds, a K-pop concert was held in the parking lot. A total of 17 famous Korean singers includingGirls' Generation, Super Junior, Orange Caramel,T-ara, 4minute, Infinite, Brown Eyed Girls, and F.T. Island performed their popular songs for two hours at the concert.

K-pop fans from Japan, China, and Vietnam stood out conspicuously at the concert. Some 300 Japanese fans came by chartered plane to the venue to see celebrity racer Ryu Si-won race for a support race event.

The final trophy was awarded to Sebastian Vettel of the Red Bull Racing team who also won the Japanese Grand Prix last week. He finished 55 laps of the 5.615 km of the circuit in one hour, 38 minutes, and 1.994 seconds on the final race of the Korean Grand Prix which gave him his tenth victory for this season.

The trophy he received was designed by Professor Jo Eui-hyeon from Chosun University. Based on the shape of the sculptures that are added on the top of Hanok, or the Korean traditional house, Hanok, objects such asPhoenix, clouds, and Yeongam circuit logos were engraved on the body.

Left: the winner Sebastian Vettel from the Red Bull Racing team; Right: the final race day (Photo: Yonhap News)

On October 15, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button from the British team McLaren wore a racing suit that was designed with the Korean alphabet, Hangeul. The suit was designed by Korean F1 fanKim Hyo-jin, who was awarded from the uniform design competition held by one of McLaren's sponsors, Hugo Boss. Her design of the suit will also compete against other winning pieces from other countries in November.
Immigrant wives providing translating services were a big help at the event. A total of 14 immigrant wives residing in Korea worked as translating volunteers for the F1 Korea Grand Prix, helping out with communication between non-Korean visitors and Korean staff.

The next Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held from October 28 to 30 at the Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi, India.

By Jessica Seoyoung Choi
Korea.net Staff Writer