Seoul Racecourse Park

Took a trip up to Seoul this weekend to get away from the base and find out what it has to offer. I went with a buddy from the squadron (who was in Korea less than 10 months ago) and he got me familiar with some of the little things I didn't know yet (i.e. the express train system, lodging, etc). We went our separate ways on Saturday and I made my way down to Seoul Racecourse Park.

Hopped on the the subway around 11:00 and 40 minutes and one transfer later, I emerged from underground to this:

Happyville is on the right and Luckyville is the building jutting out in the distance.

At the end of this long tunnel, you finally get to the gate.  Using my T-money card (the card used for traveling the rails), I paid my 2000 won admission and wondered if it was actually a horse track. There are two connected grand stands: Luckyville and Happyville.

Right in front of the grandstands, just inside of the gate is the paddock.  It's down in a bowl, with stadium seating.



I made my way over to the Luckyville grandstand to find the foreign visitor desk. After a brief lesson on how to bet and an english copy of the race program, I was on my way.

To the right are a (losing) betting ticket, the card for placing bets on the bottom, and the special pen you need to use in order for the marks to register in the machines.

Betting amounts are fixed on the card 1,2,3,5 hundered won. 1,2,3,4,5 thousand won, and 1,2,3,5,10 ten thousand won. Unlike in the states, Korea doesn't have a Show bet, they have a Win and Place.  Unlike our Place, their's covers 1st thru 3rd.

This is the length of the front stretch, with both grandstands covering the length of it. Not many people around outside, but it was only about 35* out, so most stayed inside until they were actually running.  There are fake turf patches in the distance for seating and picnics.  The infield is also built up with places for families and activities for kids.  I'd imagine in spring and summer that this is a pretty happening place!

Panoramic from the 4th level of the Grandstand

All in all it was a fun day.  A bit on the cold side, and I did lose my money, but it was a great experience and I'm sure I'll head back when the weather gets nicer!