The Korea International Circuit, built in Samho-eup, Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, was the first racetrack in Korea designed to meet the standards of Formula One (F1), the international auto racing federation. Spanning 5.615 kilometers with 18 corners, the circuit was designed by the renowned German circuit designer Hermann Tilke. The circuit's construction was part of an ambitious plan for Korea to host a world-class motorsport event.
Initially, a contract was signed for the F1 Korean Grand Prix to be held at this circuit for seven consecutive years starting in 2010. In practice, however, the race was held only four times, from 2010 through 2013. When the 2014 race schedule was suddenly moved up from October to April, the shortened preparation window ultimately led to that year's race being canceled altogether. In 2016, the European Grand Prix, held in Baku, took its place, and from 2017 the race was renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, establishing itself on the F1 calendar. Of the four races held at this circuit, Sebastian Vettel holds the record for most wins, with three victories. An international event that launched with grand promises of a seven-year run quietly disappeared after little more than half that time.