The Let's Run Park Yeongcheon, the fourth racecourse in South Korea, will officially open on September 11. This marks the culmination of efforts that began in 2009 when the site was first selected, taking 17 years to come to fruition. A key feature of this new racecourse is the introduction of a 'regional racing' model, which has become a standard in advanced racing countries like the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong.
This innovative approach aims to overcome legal and institutional limitations that have delayed the project and to modernize the operational structure of horse racing in South Korea.
The prolonged development of the Yeongcheon racecourse has been largely attributed to issues surrounding the reduction of leisure taxes. The Korea Racing Authority initially planned to build large-scale facilities under a 30-year agreement that included a 50% reduction in leisure taxes, established in 2010. However, a revision to local tax laws in 2012 made such reductions impossible, halting progress on the project.
A breakthrough came with the signing of a third agreement in 2018, which divided the project into two phases. The first phase will see an investment of 185.7 billion won to construct essential facilities, including two racetracks, a grandstand, and 100 stables.
To avoid redundant investments in large stable facilities and enhance operational efficiency, the regional racing model was realized. Unlike the existing racecourses in Gwacheon, Jeju, and Busan-Gyeongnam, which operate with horses fixed in their respective areas, the Yeongcheon racecourse will follow a regional racing system, moving horses from Busan-Gyeongnam to Yeongcheon for each race day.
This structure significantly reduces the initial investment and maintenance costs associated with building large stable facilities. By utilizing proven horses and infrastructure already in place in Busan-Gyeongnam, operational costs are greatly minimized, allowing for immediate operations. In the second half of this year, a total of 72 races will be held over 12 weeks, starting with a commemorative race on September 13.
The success of the regional racing model hinges on minimizing stress for horses during long-distance transport and managing their condition. To address this, the Korea Racing Authority has fully incorporated the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' guidelines for horse transport welfare.
Thirteen specialized, vibration-free transport vehicles, each with a capacity of 13.5 tons, have been custom-built, featuring air conditioning, adjustable partitions, and special rubber flooring to prevent injuries. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with real-time GPS tracking and classical music playback systems.
Veterinarians and farriers will conduct thorough examinations before and after transport, and monitoring objective indicators such as weight recovery rates and disease incidence will be crucial during actual operations.
Unlike traditional racecourses, the Yeongcheon racecourse is designed as an eco-friendly leisure space for local residents. The grandstand, which can accommodate approximately 3,500 people, features a tiered design inspired by traditional Korean architecture, and a large waterfront park has been developed inside the racetrack.
The parking lot, which can hold 1,746 vehicles, is equipped with solar power canopies. Plans are also in place to expand transportation networks, including the extension of Daegu Metro Line 1 to Yeongcheon and the opening of the Kumho and Daechang Hi-Pass interchanges. The development of these infrastructures is expected to enhance the area's potential as a tourist destination.
However, the second phase of the project, which includes a riding academy and additional stable facilities costing 120 billion won, remains contingent on resolving the leisure tax issue. As Let's Run Park Yeongcheon takes its first steps with a cost-effective, advanced operational model, there is significant interest in whether it can establish a stable and mutually beneficial presence in the region over the long term.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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