Korea’s Largest Motorsports Festival, ‘Jeonnam-Gwangju GT,’ to Be Held in Yeongam on the 12th and 13th

【Financial News, Jeonnam-Gwangju = Hwang Tae-jong】 ‘Jeonnam-Gwangju GT (Grand Touring),’ Korea’s largest motorsports festival, will be held on the 12th and 13th at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam County, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City (Gwangju Metropolitan City).
 According to Gwangju Metropolitan City, ‘Jeonnam-Gwangju GT’ is the new name for the former ‘Jeonnam GT,’ changed to mark the new beginning of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City. Celebrating its 10th edition this year under the theme ‘September: Now We Run Together!’, the event will look back on the achievements and journey of ‘Jeonnam GT’ over the past decade and serve as a signature motorsports event that looks toward a new future following the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju.
 A Gwangju Metropolitan City official emphasized, "The 2026 Jeonnam-Gwangju GT is a meaningful event that celebrates the achievements of Jeonnam GT over the past 10 years while marking a fresh start for Jeonnam and Gwangju as they move toward a shared future." 
 About 150 cars will compete across seven categories, including the signature Jeonnam Endurance, Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000, Prototype & TC2000, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (Prius PHEV), Alpine, Sportsbike 400, and Gymkhana.
 Jeonnam Endurance is an endurance race in which rankings are determined by pit-stop, driver-change, and tire-change strategies as competitors seek to cover the greatest distance over 120 minutes. A pit stop is a temporary halt in the pit area for refueling, tire changes, vehicle repairs, or serving penalties. 
 Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 is Korea’s top-level class, featuring 6,200cc stock cars—race cars modified from commercially available vehicles. This event will serve as Round 6 of the eight-round ONE Superrace Championship. 
 Prototype & TC2000 is a competition in which purpose-built prototypes and production cars modified for racing compete at the same time.
 Sportsbike 400 is a competition in which motorcycles under 400cc race for speed. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (Prius PHEV) is Korea’s only plug-in hybrid category, while Alpine is a one-make race for French sports cars. Gymkhana is a skills competition in which participants navigate a designated course as quickly and accurately as possible.


 Qualifying sessions and a Pit Walk will be held on the first day of the event, the 12th. During the Pit Walk, visitors can meet the race cars and drivers in front of the pit area where participating vehicles are managed and stored.
 On the second day, the 13th, the opening ceremony, a Grid Walk, a celebratory performance by girl group Apink, and finals in each category will be held. During the Grid Walk, visitors can meet the race cars, drivers, and models lined up on the track’s main grid.
 The event will also feature a range of motorsports-themed activities, including virtual racing, karting experiences, miniature-car races, and a bubble show. It will be staged as a festival for motorsports fans, local residents, and families.
 A Gwangju Metropolitan City official stated, "We will continue developing Jeonnam-Gwangju GT (Grand Touring) into a sports content brand representing the region, while reflecting its significance as a symbol of unity in Korean motorsports and regional integration."
 Meanwhile, admission to the 2026 Jeonnam-Gwangju GT is free. The event can also be watched live from the main grandstand through online channels including YouTube, CHZZK, and Soop.

[email protected] Hwang Tae-jong Reporter