Innovative, efficient and aesthetically beautiful, a ride in a Korean car is guaranteed to be felt in your Seoul.
Move over Japan, Korea has emerged as a prominent automotive force in East Asia. Famous for their stunning designs, performance, and affordability, Korean car brands have become instantly recognizable on roads across the globe.
Korean car brands have distinguished themselves internationally by their extensive guarantees. With some stretching up to 7 years, this commitment shows how serious the South Koreans are about the quality and reliability of their vehicles.
In this exploration, we’ve delved into the history, technology, and offerings of the finest South Korean car brands.
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Just like you, we are obsessed petrolheads. In this article, we’ve compiled an in-depth exploration of the top Korean car brands, investigating their origins, engineering and innovative features. From the cutting-edge technology of Hyundai to the luxurious interiors of Genesis, no stone has been left unturned.
It is important to note that this article does not include Korean car manufacturers that are no longer in production such as Daewoo Motors.
KIA
The name Kia originates from the Chinese language and means to ‘arise out of Asia’. The brand has truly lived up to its name in the last decade. With an undisputable reputation for reliability and a powerful new logo, Kia has arisen out of Asia to become a favorite on roads worldwide.
Celebrated as a design leader for the future, Kia is known for its elegant contours and chic exteriors. Their jaw-dropping futuristic designs can be seen in the recently released EV6 and EV9. Looking like something from the movie Tron, these cars have been designed to be sleek, elegant, and a little different for the next generation of drivers.
These unique and stunning designs have seeped into the rest of their range too. One of Kia’s most popular rides, the Sportage, has had a big makeover in 2023. Beautifully designed and with elegant curves, you would have no idea that this car is one of the most affordable on the market.
| Founder: | Kim Chul Ho |
| Founded In: | 1944 |
| Manufacturer: | Hyundai |
| Types of car: | Compact, sedans, SUVs, crossovers, hybrid and electric |
| Best-selling car: | Kia Sorento |
| Website: | kia.com |
Hyundai
Hyundai has a history of achieving remarkable milestones. The car company created South Korea’s first mass-produced car, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s automotive sector. Since then, Hyundai has continued to push the envelope with advancements in technology. Their latest models, such as the Hyundai Tucson and Sante Fe, contain the latest Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) and Smart Sense systems.
Hyundai is passionate about going green and its large range of hybrid and fully electric vehicles is here to prove it. The IONIQ, their leading electric vehicle, has received dozens of accolades for its innovative features and distinctive design. While the Hyundai NEXO has embraced hydrogen (read: emits only water and heat) as the future of fuel.
| Founder: | Chung Ju-yung |
| Founded In: | 1947 |
| Manufacturer: | Hyundai |
| Types of car: | Compact, sedans, SUVs, crossovers, hybrid and electric |
| Best-selling car: | Hyundai Elantra |
| Website: | hyundai.com |
Genesis
Genesis is South Korea’s response to Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and the indulged and aesthetically refined offspring of the Hyundai Group. The luxury Korean car brand has been extremely busy since its inception, designing and producing the G60, G70, G80, and G90—a lineup that spans from sports sedans to sophisticated coupe SUVs.
Genesis automobiles are designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. From its beautifully designed interiors to its refined exterior aesthetics, every facet of a Genesis ensures the ultimate driving experience. As a relatively new brand on the scene (founded in 2015), Genesis is set to give luxury German car brands a run (or is it a drive?) for their money.
| Founder: | Hyundai Motor Company |
| Founded In: | 2015 |
| Manufacturer: | Hyundai |
| Types of car: | Luxury sedans, Luxury SUVs, Coupe SUVs |
| Best-selling car: | G80 |
| Website: | genesis.com |
Ssangyong
From beginnings as a truck, bus and army vehicle manufacturer, Ssangyong threw their hat into the ring of the automobile industry in 1984. To align with their history, they only focus on larger SUVs and Utes. Ssangyong has had a rollercoaster of a journey since then. Bordering bankruptcy in late 2022, they were saved by a consortium led by KG Group. Despite the turbulence, Ssangyong has come back stronger than ever. Their 2023 range is their best range of vehicles yet.
Ssangyong has always had a strong focus on reliability and affordability and is giving established players some real competition. The newest kid on the block, the 2023 Ssangyong Torres is a rugged yet elegant 4×4 that is competing with America’s Jeep or Japan’s Forrester.
| Founder: | Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop |
| Founded In: | 1954 |
| Manufacturer: | KG Mobility Corporation |
| Types of car: | SUVs, Utes |
| Best-selling car: | Ssangyong Tivoli |
| Website: | ssangyonggb.co.uk |
Frequently asked questions about Korean cars
Every Korean car brand in our line-up offers a range of reliable vehicles. Notably, the Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, and Santa Fe, as well as the Kia Forte, Optima, and Sportage, have earned acclaim globally for their reliability. Check our list of the best Korean car brands for more.
According to statistics from 2022, the Kia Sorento had the most car sales of a Korean car manufacturer in 2022, with 69,000 units sold.
The choice between Hyundai and Kia often depends on individual preferences and specific models. Both Korean car brands are known for their outstanding safety, reliability and value for money. Also, both Hyundai and Kia are part of the same automotive group, so they share components such as engines, chassis, switchgear and transmissions.
Yes, Korean cars are known to be of good quality. Korean car brands are known for their extensive warranties to demonstrate the manufacturers’ confidence in the quality and reliability of their vehicles.
