Politics · South Korea · 2 hrs ago
Gokseong makes third bid to build a motorboat racing track
Gokseong County in South Korea is making a third bid to build a motorboat racing track as part of a water-sports tourism complex.
The county’s plans include a resort, water park and rafting park near Gokseong town.
The national culture and tourism ministry rejected two earlier applications, in 2023 and 2024, citing falling racing revenue, possible losses for existing operators and concerns about the spread of gambling.
The county has since revised its plans, including how to secure water and attract private investment.
It says it has investment interest worth more than 500 billion won and has asked the Jeonnam-Gwangju integrated special city to support the project.
The minister has not said whether the project will be approved, and no decision date has been set; the ministry will review the application individually.
Gokseong County is making a third attempt to secure approval for a motorboat racing track and related water-sports tourism facilities.
The county’s earlier applications were rejected over falling racing revenue, potential losses for existing operators and concerns about the spread of gambling.
It revised its plans, including water supply, investment and operating arrangements, and submitted a third application last year.
On October 17, the regional mayor asked the culture minister to support the project, but the minister did not say whether it would be approved.
The ministry’s decision and its timing have not been set.
- Who
- Gokseong County is pursuing the project. Regional Mayor Min Hyung-bae asked Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young for support.
- What
- The county is seeking approval to build a motorboat racing track as part of a water-sports tourism complex.
- When
- The county submitted its third application last year, after applications in 2023 and 2024. The regional mayor met the minister on October 17.
- Where
- The planned complex is in the Hakjeong-ri and Singi-ri areas of Gokseong-eup, in Gokseong County.
- Why
- The county aims to establish a tourism complex with a racing track, resort, water park and rafting park.
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Gokseong County
Approval concerns
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
The ministry rejected earlier applications, citing declining motorboat racing revenue, potential losses for existing operators and concerns about the spread of gambling.
Gokseong County
The county is pursuing approval and says it has revised water supply, investment and operating plans.
Gokseong County applied for permission to operate a motorboat racing venue.
The county submitted a second application, which was also rejected.
The county submitted its third application with revisions to water supply, investment and operating plans.
The county obtained permission to use river water and submitted related materials to the ministry.
Regional Mayor Min Hyung-bae met Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young and requested support for the project.
- Previous applications
- 2023 and 2024
- Third application
- Submitted last year
- Planned location
- Hakjeong-ri and Singi-ri, Gokseong-eup
- Investment indications
- More than 500 billion won
- Ministerial meeting
- October 17, in Yeosu
- Approval decision
- No decision or decision date set
1 source
What people are saying
Please make Jeonnam-Gwangju play a central role in the era of 30 million tourists.
We are responding to additional requests from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism while improving water supply, private investment and operating methods.