🏎️ Korea's Night Race + EDM + Fireworks: The 2026 Gangwon Motor Festa Guide for Foreign Visitors
Korea's biggest motorsports festival hits Inje Speedium on July 18, 2026 — a Family 4-Person ticket costs just 150,000 KRW (approx. $111 USD), with 6 shuttle bus routes from Seoul and Gangwon cities. 🎆
Here's the full guide: ticket types, shuttle routes, how to get there, and must-know tips for international visitors. ✨
※ Please verify the latest ticket availability and shuttle bus schedules on the official NOL Ticket platform before your visit.
The 2026 Gangwon International Motor Festa is South Korea's premier motorsports and culture festival, held at Inje Speedium (인제스피디움) in Inje-gun, Gangwon Province. Running since 2018, this one-day event on Saturday, July 18, 2026 packs an extraordinary amount into a single summer day — the Superrace Championship Night Race (4th Round), the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia race, an international drift show, an EDM party, and a spectacular fireworks display. Gates open at 1:30 PM, and all tickets must be booked through the online platform NOL Ticket. A Family 4-Person bundle is available at 150,000 KRW (approx. $111 USD), making it a budget-friendly group outing. Shuttle buses run from 6 departure points, so you don't need a car to enjoy the event. For more scenic mountain experiences near Gangwon Province, also check out the Bukhansan Cloud Garden Trail Korea 2026 hiking guide.
1. About the 2026 Gangwon International Motor Festa
Event Overview and History
Launched in 2018, the Gangwon International Motor Festa has become Gangwon Province's flagship summer event, combining professional motorsport with music, food, and camping. Located at Inje Speedium — Korea's only full-circuit international motor complex — the festival sits deep in the scenic mountains of Gangwon Province, about 2.5 hours from Seoul by car. This year's 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, July 18, starting at 1:30 PM and running late into the night. The main event is the 2026 O-NE Superrace Championship 4th Round, held as a dramatic nighttime race under full circuit lighting. This is paired with the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia, where Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 cars roar through the darkness. Outside the circuit, you'll find an international drift show run by Park Si-hyun and Lee Sang-hwa, an EDM party, and a fireworks display. A 1-night 2-day camping zone is also operated for those wanting the full immersive experience. All tickets are sold exclusively through NOL Ticket (online only). Foreign visitors can purchase using a global credit card. Mobile QR tickets are issued — no printing needed.
Three Highlights You Must Know
The centerpiece of the 2026 Gangwon Motor Festa is the Superrace Championship Night Race. This is not a typical daytime circuit event — the entire track is lit for night racing, creating an electric atmosphere unlike anything you'll find at a regular motorsport event. The Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia adds a supercar dimension that few motorsport festivals in Asia can match, with roaring Huracan EVO2 cars carving through the floodlit circuit. Beyond the racing, the EDM party and fireworks finale mean this event caters to non-motorsport fans just as well. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable summer night out in Korea, this festival delivers.
Camping Zone: Race + Camping in One
One of the most unique features of the 2026 Gangwon Motor Festa is the 1-night 2-day camping zone operated inside the circuit grounds. Imagine camping beneath the summer stars with the sound of race engines in the background — it's an experience you simply can't replicate elsewhere in Korea. The camping zone is a separate add-on from the standard admission ticket, so check NOL Ticket for availability. For families or friend groups planning a Gangwon summer trip, combining the Motor Festa with a night of circuit camping is an outstanding two-day itinerary. Check Camping Zone and Tickets
💡 Heads up: Hotels near Inje and Sokcho fill up fast in peak summer! Book your accommodation before tickets sell out.
Planning to stay overnight near the venue? The towns of Inje, Sokcho (속초), and Yangyang (양양) are your best base options. Sokcho in particular offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses and is only about 40 minutes from Inje Speedium by car. International booking platforms like Agoda and Booking.com list Sokcho accommodations at approximately 60,000–150,000 KRW ($44–$111 USD) per room for mid-range options in July. Book at least 2 weeks in advance for peak summer dates.📊 2026 Gangwon International Motor Festa: Quick Overview
Night Race + EDM + Fireworks + Lamborghini — all in one summer night!
Korea's most intense motorsport festival runs one day only at Inje Speedium, combining world-class racing with live entertainment.
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 1:30 PM
Venue: Inje Speedium, Inje-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Tickets: Family 4-person bundle 150,000 KRW (approx. $111 USD) / Book on NOL Ticket online
Shuttle Buses: 6 routes from Seoul (Hoehyeon, Sadang, Sports Complex stations) and Gangwon cities (Sokcho, Wonju, Chuncheon)
Seats are limited — check NOL Ticket now before routes sell out!
2026 Gangwon Motor Festa: Key Info
Saturday, July 18, 2026
One night at Inje Speedium: Superrace 4th Round Night Race, Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia, international drift show, EDM party and fireworks. Family 4-person ticket 150,000 KRW. Shuttle buses from Seoul and Gangwon cities. Book tickets and shuttle seats together on NOL Ticket!
🏎️
2. Shuttle Bus Routes: 6 Departure Points
How to Get There from Seoul (3 Routes)
Inje Speedium is located about 150 km east of Seoul in the mountains of Gangwon Province — roughly a 2.5-hour drive. There is no direct subway or train to Inje-gun, which makes the official shuttle bus service an excellent option for international visitors without a car. Three Seoul departure points are operated: Hoehyeon Station (Line 4, Exit 3), Sadang Station (Line 2/4), and Sports Complex Station (Line 2). Shuttle buses depart on the morning of July 18 and return after the event. Round-trip shuttle tickets must be purchased separately on NOL Ticket alongside your admission ticket. Seats are limited and fill up quickly, especially on the Sadang and Sports Complex routes — book both your entry ticket and shuttle seat at the same time.
From Gangwon Province (3 Routes)
If you're already based in Gangwon Province — for example enjoying the beaches of Sokcho (속초) or Yangyang (양양) before the festival — you can catch a shuttle from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal, or Chuncheon Intercity Bus Terminal. The Sokcho route is ideal for travelers combining the Gangwon Motor Festa with a Sokcho beach trip. A popular itinerary is to arrive in Sokcho one day early, enjoy the East Sea coast, stay overnight, then take the morning shuttle to Inje Speedium on July 18. For exact departure times and fares, check the NOL Ticket reservation page for real-time seat availability.
Getting There from Incheon Airport
From Incheon International Airport, the most practical route is to take the Airport Railroad (AREX) to Seoul Station (approx. 50 min, 9,500 KRW / ~$7 USD), then transfer to Line 4 toward Sadang or Hoehyeon Station to catch the shuttle bus. Alternatively, take an express bus from Incheon Airport Bus Terminal directly to Sokcho (approx. 3 hours), stay overnight, and take the Sokcho shuttle the next morning. International visitors are advised to book their shuttle bus ticket well in advance, as seats are allocated per route and cannot be switched on the day.
3. Tickets: Types, Prices and How to Book in 4 Steps
Step 1: Access NOL Ticket
All 2026 Gangwon Motor Festa tickets are sold exclusively through NOL Ticket, an online Korean ticketing platform. Visit the NOL Ticket website or download the NOL app on your smartphone. You can sign up using a Google account (social login supported), making it straightforward for international visitors. The platform supports major international credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Mobile QR tickets are issued directly to your app — no printing required.
Step 2: Choose Your Ticket Type
Individual tickets and the Family 4-Person bundle (150,000 KRW, approx. $111 USD) are both available. The Family 4-Person bundle offers better value for groups of four compared to buying individual tickets. If you want to include the 1-night 2-day camping zone experience, select the camping add-on package at this stage. Shuttle bus seats can also be added here — don't skip this step if you're coming from Seoul or Gangwon cities, as seats are limited.
Step 3: Complete Payment and Save Your Mobile Ticket
Payment is accepted via credit card, Kakao Pay, and Naver Pay. After payment, go to "My Tickets" in the NOL app to access your QR code. Screenshot or download your ticket in advance — the QR code works offline at the venue entrance. Your shuttle bus QR is a separate code from your entry ticket, so keep both ready on your phone.
Step 4: Arrive Early and Scan In
Gates open at 1:30 PM on July 18. Arriving between 1:30 and 2:30 PM lets you explore the circuit grounds, grab food, and find a good viewing position before the races begin. Show your entry QR at the gate for scanning. If you're on a shuttle bus, show your separate shuttle QR to the bus driver. English signage is available at the main entrance and key festival areas. Book Entry and Shuttle Tickets
💡 Booking tip for foreign visitors: Use a Visa or Mastercard on NOL Ticket. If you encounter issues, Trip.com also offers Gangwon travel packages that may include transport from Seoul.
Looking to book KTX or express bus travel to Gangwon Province for your trip? Check out the Seoraksan Cable Car Korea 2026 guide for scenic Gangwon Province travel tips that pair well with a Motor Festa visit.4. Sokcho and Inje: Where to Eat and Stay
Sokcho Central Market (속초 중앙시장)
Sokcho, about 40 minutes from Inje Speedium, is one of Korea's most popular East Sea coastal cities. The famous Sokcho Central Market (속초 중앙시장) is a must-visit for food lovers — try dakgangjeong (crispy sweet-spicy fried chicken, 12,000 KRW per box) and sundae (Korean-style blood sausage). Arriving in Sokcho the evening before July 18 and exploring the market for dinner is a great way to start your Gangwon adventure. The market also has a small seafood section where you can taste freshly caught East Sea crab and squid at very reasonable prices.
Inje Town: Hwangtae (Dried Pollack) Restaurants
Inje is famous for hwangtae (황태) — sun-dried pollack — a Korean winter-to-spring delicacy. Inje town center has numerous restaurants serving hwangtae-guk (dried pollack soup, 8,000–15,000 KRW per person), an excellent hearty meal before or after a long day at the circuit. From the town center, Inje Speedium is only about 10 minutes by car or taxi.
Accommodation: Sokcho Hotels and Inje Pensions
For a comfortable base near the festival, Sokcho offers the widest selection of international-friendly hotels. Search for Sokcho accommodations on Agoda or Booking.com — mid-range rooms cost approximately 60,000–130,000 KRW ($44–$96 USD) per night in July. If you prefer a more nature-immersive stay, private pensions (small guesthouses) in Inje or Yangyang are available at 80,000–150,000 KRW per night for two people. July is peak season — book at least 2 weeks ahead.
5. Night Race vs. Daytime Race: What's Different?
Most foreigners aren't familiar with night racing — here's a quick comparison to set your expectations for the 2026 Motor Festa.
| Category | Night Race (Motor Festa) | Standard Daytime Race |
|---|---|---|
| Time | After sunset (evening) | Midday 12:00–18:00 |
| Atmosphere | Circuit lights + fireworks | Clear daytime visibility |
| Temperature | Cooler and comfortable | Hot Korean summer sun |
| EDM Party | Yes — runs alongside the race | Not available |
| Photo Opportunities | Dramatic light trails and sparks | Sharp daytime imagery |
6. Tips and Warnings for Foreign Visitors
Book Shuttle Seats Early
The shuttle buses from Seoul have limited seats per route, and the Sadang and Sports Complex routes tend to sell out first. Book your shuttle seat at the same time as your admission ticket on NOL Ticket to avoid disappointment. International visitors who miss the shuttle and don't have a car may find it very difficult to reach Inje Speedium by public transit on the day of the event.
What to Wear and Bring
Even though the event runs into the night, Inje's mountain location means temperatures can drop significantly after dark in July. Bring a light jacket. Racing circuits produce significant engine noise — if you have noise-sensitive children or companions, bring earplugs. A portable phone charger is highly recommended as you'll be using your mobile QR tickets all day. Most vendors at the venue accept credit cards, but smaller food stalls may be cash (KRW) only — bring some cash as backup.
Parking Information
If you're driving from Seoul, the journey is approximately 2.5 hours via the Donghae Expressway (동해고속도로). Parking is available at Inje Speedium, but it fills up quickly on large event days. Arrive well before 1:30 PM if driving. The shuttle bus is strongly recommended as it eliminates all parking stress and lets you enjoy the evening program without worrying about a late-night drive back.
Entry Time and Program Flow
Gates open at 1:30 PM. The afternoon program includes pre-race activities, circuit walks, food and merchandise zones, and support races. The main Superrace Night Race begins after sunset. The EDM party and fireworks finale cap the evening. Most foreign visitors find that arriving around 2:00–3:00 PM allows enough time to explore the grounds before the night races begin. Taxi apps like KakaoTaxi work in Inje, but availability late at night is limited — plan your return transport in advance.
Weather Contingency
Gangwon Province's mountainous terrain means weather can shift quickly. Check the forecast before traveling and bring a small raincoat or umbrella. In the event of adverse weather, check the official NOL Ticket announcement page or the festival's official social channels for updates on schedule changes. Check Shuttle and Ticket Availability Now
💡 Klook offers a range of Gangwon Province activities — book surfing, rafting or bungee jumping in Yangyang and Inje to fill the day before or after the Motor Festa!
Combine the Gangwon Motor Festa with outdoor adventures! Book Yangyang surfing or Inje river rafting on Klook to turn your July 18 festival trip into a full Gangwon Province summer adventure.Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where do I buy tickets for the 2026 Gangwon International Motor Festa?
A. Tickets are sold exclusively on the NOL Ticket online platform (app or website). Search for "Gangwon International Motor Festa" on NOL Ticket. The Family 4-Person bundle costs 150,000 KRW (approx. $111 USD). Shuttle bus seats can be added at the same time. Major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted.
Q2. How do I get to Inje Speedium from Seoul without a car?
A. The easiest option is the official shuttle bus from Seoul, departing from Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), Sadang Station (Line 2/4), or Sports Complex Station (Line 2). Purchase your shuttle bus ticket together with your admission ticket on NOL Ticket. From Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Seoul Station (50 min, 9,500 KRW) then transfer to the appropriate subway line.
Q3. Is this event suitable for families with children?
A. Yes — the Family 4-Person ticket is specifically designed for family visits. Note that racing circuits produce loud engine noise, so earplugs for young children are recommended. Check NOL Ticket's official notice for any age restrictions on specific programs.
Q4. What time does the event end?
A. Gates open at 1:30 PM on July 18. The night race, EDM party, and fireworks finale run into the late evening. Check the official NOL Ticket event page and social media for the confirmed program end time closer to the event date.
More to Explore
Planning a full summer in Korea? Check out these related guides below.
For more scenic mountain adventures in Korea, see the Bukhansan Cloud Garden Trail guide — just 30 min from Seoul.
Looking for scenic cable car views in Gangwon Province nearby? Check the Seoraksan Cable Car Korea 2026 guide.
Soo Blog
Curating Korea travel, events, and festival guides from official sources.
Compiled from verified official information for foreign visitors planning their Korea trip.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
Curating Korea travel, events, and festival guides from official sources.
Compiled from verified official information for foreign visitors planning their Korea trip.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
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