Inje Speedium

Overview

Inje Speedium is South Korea's premier racing circuit, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Gangwon Province. Located at coordinates 38.00050911837878° N, 128.29127672185265° E, this state-of-the-art facility offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape while delivering a challenging and technical driving experience. The circuit has established itself as a centerpiece of Korean motorsport culture, hosting national championships and international racing events. With its combination of high-speed straights, technical corners, and elevation changes, Inje Speedium presents a comprehensive challenge for drivers of all skill levels.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The circuit features a 3.908 km (2.428 mi) main layout with 19 turns, designed to international safety standards. Its most distinctive characteristics include a 644-meter main straight allowing speeds up to 270 km/h, followed by a tight hairpin that demands precise braking. The track's elevation changes—rising and falling approximately 40 meters throughout a lap—add significant technical complexity. Drivers particularly note the challenging sequence of turns 7 through 10, which require perfect weight transfer and throttle control. The circuit can be configured into shorter layouts for different competition categories, with the smallest configuration measuring 1.6 km. The asphalt surface is engineered for excellent grip in various weather conditions, though the mountainous location can create unpredictable microclimates during race weekends.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Inje Speedium boasts comprehensive facilities that make it a complete motorsport destination. The main grandstand provides seating for up to 10,000 spectators with excellent visibility of key racing sections. The paddock area features 34 professional garages equipped with compressed air, power, and data connections. Additional amenities include a race control tower with state-of-the-art timing systems, a medical center, helicopter landing pad, and multiple hospitality suites. For teams and manufacturers, the circuit offers dedicated testing areas, including a skidpad and specialized surface zones for wet-weather tire development. The facility also houses a motorsport academy providing driver training programs, a motorsport-themed hotel, restaurant, and retail complex where visitors can enjoy the racing atmosphere even on non-event days.

History

Completed in 2013, Inje Speedium was developed as part of South Korea's growing investment in motorsport infrastructure following the country's involvement in Formula 1. The circuit was designed by renowned track architect Alan Wilson, with input from Korean racing drivers to ensure it showcased the beauty of the region while providing a world-class racing challenge. Since its inauguration, the track has hosted rounds of the Super GT Championship, TCR Asia Series, and Asian Le Mans Series. In 2016, the facility underwent significant upgrades to its safety systems and spectator areas, solidifying its position as South Korea's most advanced racing circuit. The venue has played a crucial role in developing Korean motorsport talent and has become a cultural hub that connects international racing with local automotive enthusiasm, helping establish South Korea's growing reputation in global motorsport.