Gimhae City Council Opposes Korea Racing Authority's Regional Circuit Horse Racing, Adopts Resolution

The Gimhae City Council in South Gyeongsang Province has voiced its opposition to the Korea Racing Authority's introduction of regional circuit horse racing.

On June 27, the council held the second plenary session of the 271st regular meeting and adopted a resolution titled "Resolution to Preserve the Functions of Busan Gyeongnam Race Park and Oppose the Introduction of Regional Circuit Horse Racing."

This resolution, proposed by council member Heo Yunok, expresses opposition to the "Regional Circuit Horse Racing Implementation Plan" announced by the Korea Racing Authority earlier this year.

Gimhae City Council adopted a resolution opposing the introduction of regional circuit horse racing by the Korea Racing Authority. Photo by Gimhae City Council

The core of this plan is to establish a regional circuit horse racing system by grouping the Yeongcheon Race Park, scheduled for completion in March next year, with Busan and Gyeongnam as well as the Yeongnam region.

If the plan is implemented, races will be held not only in Busan and Gyeongnam, but also in Yeongcheon.

The Korea Racing Authority plans to conduct a pilot operation in 2026, the first year of opening, and gradually extend the operating period. It also plans to hold races in Yeongcheon every Sunday, except during the hottest and coldest seasons.

Busan Gyeongnam Race Park panorama. Provided by Busan Gyeongnam Race Park

The council urged the establishment of effective countermeasures, stating that the implementation of the plan could significantly reduce the number of races held in the region, thereby threatening the local economy and the livelihoods of those working in the horse industry.

Heo emphasized, "Busan Gyeongnam Race Park has been an essential facility guaranteeing the livelihoods of local horse industry workers and has served as a key foundation driving the regional economy."

She added, "The Korea Racing Authority is concretizing plans to transfer racehorses and personnel affiliated with Busan and Gyeongnam to Yeongcheon through the introduction of the regional circuit horse racing system. As a result, not only is a reduction in the annual number of races at Busan Gyeongnam Race Park predicted, but considerable tax revenue losses are also expected."

Heo further pointed out, "In an effort to attract the racecourse, Yeongcheon City has offered the Korea Racing Authority an unprecedented condition of a 50% leisure tax reduction for 30 years. Such tax benefits are in serious violation of fairness and are highly likely to undermine a level playing field."

Through the resolution, the council declared, "Racehorses and owners affiliated with Busan and Gyeongnam should compete at Busan Gyeongnam Race Park, and dispersing them to Yeongcheon Race Park would seriously damage the function and regional identity of the existing facility, which we firmly oppose."

Additionally, the council strongly called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Racing Authority to: establish institutional measures to prevent tax revenue losses due to the reduction in the number of races; devise practical support measures to ensure the stable livelihoods of local horse industry workers; establish an operational approach that prioritizes balanced regional development and fiscal stability; and develop comprehensive measures to safeguard the status of Busan Gyeongnam Race Park.

The resolution adopted on this day will be delivered to relevant organizations, including the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Governor of South Gyeongsang Province, and the President of the Korea Racing Authority.