By Yi Whan-woo

The Korean International Circuit needs to be readied to host Korea’s first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix from Oct. 22 to 24, with the completion of crucial elements.

The preparations are currently 90 percent complete according to the Korea Auto Valley Organization (KAVO) who is running the event in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province. The last 10 percent could make the difference in the quality of the event as the portion relates to circuit facilities and accommodation.

The circuit is noted for its counter-clockwise design that is to challenge the drivers. Safety barriers need to be installed around the track, as does a lighting system.

“The installment of the barricades and lighting usually comes in the final stage of the preparations,” a KAVO official told the Korea Times.

The 5.615 kilometer track comprises 18 corners that require high-skilled cornering coming out of the straights.

The lighting system also needs to be put in place to enhance the convenience of the spectators.

To convey a total of 600 tons of equipment including F1 cars, supplement units, facilities for accident repairs, and medical supplies, the KAVO has been cooperating with the Korea Airport Corporation (KIA), which will hold a meeting on Friday to decide how to bring the equipment through Muan International Airport, located 36 km from the circuit.

The active use of the airport is important not only for the convenience of the teams, but also for the international fans to reduce travel time. Such issue is to be included on the agenda of the Friday meeting held by the Busan Regional Aviation Administrator, according to the Muan International Airport official. Busan City oversees the nine local airports in the southern parts of Korea.

“The administrator is already prepared for up to three planes the size of a Boeing 747 to land at the airport during the event, and the specifics will be discussed in the meeting,” the airport official explained.

The fans who will visit the venue by plane leased by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing body of the grand prix, should be able to reach the circuit with the shuttles provided by the South Jeolla Province.

The province also plans to bring the fans by air by leasing three planes for the main race on Oct 24.

The shuttles will be running from Mokpo Station, located 19.8 km from the circuit, for those who will visit by train from the northern part of the nation.

The details for the operation of the shuttle are still ongoing despite the plan to run the busses every 10 minutes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

KAVO has found accommodation for more than 40,000 in Mokpo, where the train station is located. The convenience in reaching the circuit from the city would depend on public transport.