Competition among Gyeonggi Province municipalities to host the relocated Gwacheon Racecourse is intensifying following the government's official announcement of relocation plans. While some hail the facility as a "golden goose" promising substantial tax revenue and economic revitalization, others voice concerns over potential drawbacks including traffic congestion and noise pollution.
According to a Seoul Economic Daily investigation on the 3rd, at least eight of the province's 31 cities and counties—including Siheung, Hwaseong, and Goyang—have publicly expressed interest in hosting the racecourse since the government announced relocation plans as part of its January 29 real estate measures. More municipalities are expected to enter the race after the government decided to search for a new site within Gyeonggi Province.
The primary motivation for municipalities is the guaranteed tax revenue. The Korea Racing Authority pays approximately 50 billion won annually to Gwacheon City in local and leisure taxes—equivalent to 10% of Gwacheon's annual budget of roughly 500 billion won. Municipalities calculate that population growth and job creation effects are also substantial, considering the 3.4 million annual visitors and approximately 8,000 direct racecourse employees among the roughly 20,000 workers in the horse industry. Expectations are also high for improvements in transportation and urban infrastructure, including expanded regional road networks, enhanced public transit services, and commercial district development.
Southern Gyeonggi municipalities emphasize integration with existing transportation, cultural, and tourism infrastructure. Hwaseong City highlights large-scale development potential at the reclaimed Hwaong District combined with urban development projects, while Siheung and Ansan are planning cultural, tourism, and leisure complexes linked to the Sihwa industrial and tourism belt.
Northern Gyeonggi municipalities cite relatively abundant development conditions and the cause of balanced metropolitan development. Goyang City is reviewing sites near Janghang and Daehwa-dong areas and the breeding farm vicinity, touting advantages including KINTEX, GTX-A, and the Jayuro expressway connected to Hallyu and MICE industries. Dongducheon and Paju are pursuing development of returned U.S. military base sites, while Yangju and Pocheon point to the racecourse as a catalyst for revitalizing local economies long restricted by development zones.
However, critics note that hosting the racecourse does not guarantee a "promised future." Tax revenue from racecourses fundamentally serves as compensation for inconveniences local residents must endure, including traffic congestion, noise, and environmental pollution. The area near Gwacheon Racecourse has chronically suffered from traffic gridlock every weekend, with surrounding roads and open spaces filled with vehicles, while issues of exhaust, noise, and soil contamination have been consistently raised.
Some critics question whether municipalities lacking adequate accessibility and transportation infrastructure are making "false hope" bids with an eye toward votes ahead of June local elections. A civic group representative stated, "Before pursuing bids, it is essential to conduct thorough preliminary feasibility studies, carefully assess viability, and secure public acceptance by sufficiently gathering residents' opinions."