Hyundai opens Asia’s largest driving center in S.Korea

Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea’s top automaker, on Wednesday opened the largest driving center in Asia to showcase the performance of its vehicles by providing customers with a chance to experience various aspects of professional driving such as speed racing.

The group plans to allow the general public to routinize fun driving at the HMG Driving Experience Center located within Hankook Tire & Technology Co.’s proving ground in Taean on the western coast of South Korea with an aim to boost customer value. Visitors can drive various automobiles from Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp. and Hyundai’s premium brand Genesis.

“We will offer another level of customer value here in this Asia’s largest driving course,” said Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun.

RACING CIRCUIT, OFF-ROAD COURSE AND MORE

The group set up eight driving courses at the driving theme park including a high-speed racing track, a slippery circular course for drifting and an off-road course. Visitors can select various road conditions based on their driving experience while experiencing extreme driving with professional drivers.

Chung drove the GV80, a sport utility vehicle of Genesis, on various courses with guests of the opening ceremony.

The HMG Driving Experience Center, which is set to open on Sept. 16, offers the general public an opportunity to try out aspects of professional driving such as high-speed racing. 

The group aims to attract 15,000 customers a year to the center, which will have facilities to exhibit new models and concept cars, as well as lounges to relax. 

Write to Han-Shin Park at phs@hankyung.com
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.