Business Aviation Trip Planning into South Korea: 2013 Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix
The 2013 Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix runs October 4-6 at the Yeongam international circuit. The race circuit was completed in 2010, and Korea is a new addition to an increasingly busy Formula 1. Yeongam is located some distance from major cities. For those planning to operate an aircraft into South Korea for this year’s event, it’s recommended that the trip planning process be initiated as early as possible.
Here’s a general overview of what you should be aware of:
1. Primary airports to consider
There are four airports to consider for the Korean Grand Prix, but some are at a considerable distance from the event. The closest airport is Muan-Gun (RKJB) – about a 30-minute drive from the circuit. Other options, although further away from the track, include Busan (RKPK) at three hours and Incheon Intl (RKSI) and Gimpo (RKSS) – both about four hours away. All of those are Airports of Entry (AOEs); however, operating hours differ. Due to increased traffic expected at all area airports over the Formula 1 period, it’s recommended that aircraft parking, ground transportation and aircraft services be requested well in advance.
- Airport of Entry (AOE): Yes
- Operating hours: 0900-1800 local
- Prior Permission Required (PPR): Not required
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A-1): Not available; however, JP-8 is available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
Airport hours will most likely be extended during the Korean Grand Prix period.
Customs and immigration normally operate 2200-1300 UTC, with customs officers normally dispatched from another airport. Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) hours may be extended during this event, depending on approved landing permits. Due to increased traffic during this period, the Korean Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires one month’s lead time to process landing permits.
Landing permit confirmation will also act as confirmation of both aircraft parking and CIQ arrangements for this location.
RKJB only has JP-8-type fuel, and uplift arrangements must be made in advance.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours: 0600-2300 local
- PPR: Required
- Airport slots: Required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A-1): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
RKPK is a military airport. To arrange a PPR, seven days’ lead time is needed.
Airport slots are required for all operations into this airport. It’s best to request slots as soon as the schedule is known. All airport slot confirmations are provided in UTC with deviations of + one hour/- 30 minutes.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- PPR: Not required
- Airport slots: Required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A-1): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
Airport slots are required for all arrivals and departures to/from RKSI. It’s best to request slots as soon as a schedule is known. Airport slots are processed by the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and are confirmed in UTC time with deviation of – /+ 15 minutes. It’s important to note that airport slots must be approved prior to applying for a landing permit. All flight plans must be filed using the approved slot times.
Remote aircraft parking is available at RKSI. This is a large vacant-looking airfield with nothing surrounding it except for a fence encircling the entire airport.
RKSS should be used as an alternate in the case that RKSI is experiencing fog or low visibility.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours: 0600-2300 local
- PPR: Not required
- Airport slots: Required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A-1): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
RKSS only accepts international flights 0700-2200 local. If the aircraft’s arrival is delayed after 2200 local, it will need to operate to RKSI. For departures after 2200 local, the options are as follows:
- Reposition the aircraft to RKSI to pick up passengers
- Depart from RKSS the next day after 0700 local
No overtime is possible at RKSS.
Customs is available 0630-2230 local daily.
Airport slots are needed for all arrivals and departures. It’s best to request slots as soon as the schedule is known. Slot confirmations are provided in UTC with deviation of +/- one hour.
Certain aircraft are restricted from this airport:
- Aircraft with capacity of more than 20 passengers
2. South Korean landing permits are needed for all flights
Landing permits are required for all aircraft traveling to South Korea. Official lead time is seven working days. The only exception to this rule is for travel to RKJB, as this airfield requires one month’s advance notification. When operating to RKJB, be aware that your landing permit confirmation also serves as your aircraft parking approval. When operating to South Korea, be mindful that a local business contact must be provided, along with full aircraft, crew and passenger information, as well as a complete schedule.
3. Consider hotel and transport options
The vicinity around RKJB is rural, and the nearest practical hotel options are in Gwangju or Mokpo. RKPK has 4- and 5-star options available, including several international hotel chains. A wide range of high-quality crew accommodation options exists in the Seoul area.
Pre-paid transportation (car with driver) is suggested during the Korean Grand Prix period. As there will be heavy traffic to contend with, together with possible road closures and a general lack of vehicle parking in the area, rental vehicles are not recommended.
4. Additional information
Additional information on the Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix at Yeongam can be found at the Korean Formula 1 website.
Conclusion
While RKJB is the best option, logistically, for those wanting to land as close to the Korean Grant Prix circuit as possible, advance planning for this location is critical. Be mindful of limited operating hours at RKJB and the fact that one month’s advance notice must be provided for permits.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this article or operating to Korea, contact us at greglinton@univ-wea.com or christinevamvakas@univ-wea.com.
