Mayor Ju Kwakdeok: “Attracting the Gwacheon Racecourse Is a Strategic Move to Transform Namyangju’s Next 100 Years”

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on March 6 that it has launched a strategic campaign to attract a horse racing park, leveraging its extensive transportation network and new city infrastructure, in line with the government's plan to relocate the Gwacheon Racecourse.

Namyangju City Hall panorama. Provided by Namyangju City

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The city has officially declared its intention to attract a racecourse to enhance balanced development and self-sufficiency in the northeastern metropolitan area, presenting a vision to establish the facility as a "future-oriented tourism hub" beyond a mere leisure venue.

The greatest competitive advantage in this bid is the city’s "outstanding transportation network." Namyangju City has emphasized its excellent accessibility, positioning itself as the optimal location for the relocation of the Gwacheon Racecourse.

Plans are underway to expand railway infrastructure in Namyangju, including the GTX-D, GTX-E, and GTX-F lines of the metropolitan express railway system, as well as the extension of subway lines 4, 8, and 9. Additionally, the construction of a new privately funded expressway connecting the central region, along with the Metropolitan Circular Expressway and the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway passing through the area, make Namyangju a strategic hub with excellent accessibility from across the metropolitan area.

In particular, the abundant demand generated by the development of Wangsuk New Town-the largest among the third-phase new towns-will serve as a key foundation for securing a stable base of visitors to the complex leisure facilities.

Given the nature of the facility, which triggers large-scale population movements, transportation accessibility is crucial. The city believes that the efficient linkage of its existing metropolitan railways and expressways will provide excellent visitor access and ensure revenue stability. Furthermore, new public housing districts nearby, abundant green spaces, and transit-oriented development projects are seen as advantages for the living environment of Korea Racing Authority employees.

Additionally, the city has highlighted ecological experiences and healing linked to the Han River waterfront as a core vision for the project.

Namyangju plans to organically connect walking and cycling paths between the candidate sites under consideration and the Han River, creating a unique "Blue-Green tourism belt." The city intends to fully incorporate eco-friendly content such as an "animal-assisted care farm," and "rehabilitation horseback riding and ecological experience centers," aiming to establish a next-generation, high-quality experiential tourism destination and a stay-type healing attraction for all generations to enjoy and relax together.

The economic ripple effect on the local economy is also expected to be significant. The city estimates that, if successful in attracting the racecourse, more than 4 million visitors could be drawn annually, and approximately KRW 50 billion in leisure taxes could be secured each year. This is anticipated to enhance the city’s fiscal independence and contribute to expanding resident convenience facilities and reinvesting in local welfare projects.

Ju Kwakdeok, Mayor of Namyangju, stated, "Namyangju now stands at a pivotal turning point, emerging as a central city in the metropolitan area through the GTX and new town development projects. Attracting the Gwacheon Racecourse is a strategic project preparing for the next 100 years of Namyangju's future, and it will serve as the optimal solution for balanced development in the metropolitan area by simultaneously promoting a healthy leisure culture and revitalizing the local economy."

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