A return of South Korea to the Formula 1 calendar is moving closer to reality. A recent feasibility study has confirmed that bringing the sport back would make economic sense, giving fresh support to plans for a new race in Incheon.

The country last hosted a Grand Prix in 2013 at the Korean International Circuit, but the project struggled from the beginning. The circuit was not fully prepared, and interest among local fans remained low. As a result, Formula 1 disappeared from South Korea after just four races. Since then, however, the popularity of the sport has grown, particularly among younger audiences.

Officials now believe the conditions are very different. “Based on the results of this service, we will continue to consider attracting the competition,” the Incheon Metropolitan Government said after publishing the study. The plan focuses on a new street circuit around the Songdo area, designed to match modern Formula 1 venues.

The proposed track would be almost five kilometres long, with 15 corners and a combination of fast straights and technical sections. It takes inspiration from circuits such as the Marina Bay Street Circuit, aiming to deliver both speed and spectacle. Organisers expect up to 400,000 visitors over a race weekend, underlining the scale of the project.

There is also strong financial backing behind the idea. Government support, combined with projected tourism revenue, could generate billions and create thousands of jobs. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has already described South Korea as “an untapped market”, adding that “it would be great if we could come back and show how Formula 1 has changed over the last 10 years.”