A motorsports festival featuring motorcycle races and children's riding experiences will take place in Yeongam.
The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City announced that the '2026 Korea World Bike Festival' will be held at the Yeongam International Circuit (KIC) from the 17th to the 18th.
The event will include the 'GP7 Asia Challenge 2026,' approved by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Asia, alongside the domestic 'Korea Road Race Championship (AKRC).'
Notably, the GP7 Asia Challenge will feature 16 promising riders from 10 countries and regions, including South Korea, the United States, the Netherlands, Italy, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, China, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Qatar, and Thailand.
The competition will be conducted in a one-make format, with participants aged 13 to 17 racing identical 'OHVALE GP7 250' motorcycles. This format emphasizes the riders' skills, judgment, and race management over mechanical performance.
Domestic competitors will also participate.
The 'Korea Road Race Championship' will showcase a variety of motorcycle races, from junior events to high-capacity 1000cc races featuring top domestic riders.
In addition to the races, there will be experiential programs for families.
Korea Mobility Group (KMG), the operator of the international racing circuit, will host 'KIC Halloween Moto Joy.' Attendees can enjoy stunt shows, zombie makeup, feeding baby lambs, circuit bus tours, and perfume-making activities, along with a motorcycle and related products showcase.
A program allowing children to experience riding bikes will also be available.
Yamaha's 'Kids Riding School' will offer mini bike riding experiences for children aged 6 to 10. A 'Kids Balance Bike' program will be available for children aged 2 to 6 to develop their balance skills.
Admission to the races is free, while some experiential programs will have fees.
Park Suk-hee, head of the tourism industry division of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, stated, “This festival provides an opportunity for domestic athletes to gain international experience while allowing visitors to enjoy motorsports and various activities.” She added, “We will continue to expand diverse programs to establish the international racing circuit as a representative sports and tourism space for the region.”
Meanwhile, the Yeongam International Circuit will host both professional motorcycle races and family-oriented experiential programs during this event. The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City plans to enhance the utilization of the international racing circuit by linking international competitions with experiential content to attract motorsports tourists.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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