Hyundai Motor Group has announced the start of the 2024 season operation of the largest HMG Driving Experience Center in South Korea, combining innovative driving experience facilities with advanced test tracks, starting from April 5 (Friday).
The HMG Driving Experience Center consists of the Korean Techno Ring test track (1,260,000 m², approximately 380,000 pyeong), a customer-exclusive building of 10,223 m² (approximately 3,092 pyeong) across two stories, and eight driving experience courses, making it the largest facility in the country capable of providing various driving and brand experiences at the same time.
The eight driving experience courses, offering dynamic driving experiences, include ▲ Braking Course ▲ Severe Condition Dry Surface Circuit ▲ Wet Surface Circuit ▲ 4.6 km High-Speed Circuit ▲ Multi-Purpose Driving Course for experiencing Gymkhana and Slalom events, as well as ▲ Wet Circular Course for Drift Experiences ▲ Kick Plate Course ▲ Asia’s largest off-road course designed for SUVs, featuring inclines, gravel, sand, bumps, and trenches.
Hyundai Motor Group will also introduce a variety of top-level driving programs to enhance the performance enjoyment of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
The driving programs are composed of ‘Driving Experience’ which systematically teaches driving skills from basic to racing techniques through actual driving, and ‘Driving Pleasure,’ allowing participants and their companions of all ages to enjoy driving experiences easily and without burdens, either directly or indirectly.
In the 2024 season ‘Driving Experience’ program, in response to customer requests for permanent circuit driving by those seeking a high level of sports driving, the ‘Track Experience’ program will be conducted at Inje Speedium (located in Inje, Gangwon Province).
The ‘Track Experience’ program offers experiences not only for the Avante N and Ioniq 5 N but also for the Avante N1/N2 Cup Cars (vehicles participating in the Hyundai N Festival). It features systematic education about circuit driving, enabling a seamless transition to motorsport competitions such as the ‘Hyundai N Festival.’ Notably, a specialized program will be organized to allow customers to control the Ioniq 5 N, which boasts an astounding 650 horsepower, providing a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
A high-level advanced training program exclusively for high-performance electric vehicles, the ‘GT Performance’ program, will also be newly operated. Utilizing the Kia EV6 GT, it provides over 7 hours of diverse and in-depth experiences, allowing participants to fully master the performance of high-performance electric vehicles. This small group program, limited to two participants or fewer, enables 1:1 close training from professional instructors.
In the 2024 season, ‘Driving Pleasure’ will include the newly established ‘Camping Experience’ and enhanced ‘Junior Driving Experience’ programs.
The ‘Camping Experience’ program, enjoyable with family, will be conducted at the auto camping site near the HMG Driving Experience Center. Up to four people can join a 1-night, 2-day camping experience with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV9, enjoying the scenic views of Taean while experiencing the excellent market competitiveness such as the electric vehicle V2L function and spaciousness.
The ‘Junior Driving Experience’ program for children has been diversified to expand options for family customers. New programs have been established for children aged 4-6 and 7-9, allowing them to create car models of their desired shapes and control them with a dedicated app, offering a unique and fun introduction to the automotive world.
A representative from Hyundai Motor Group stated, “The number of customers visiting the HMG Driving Experience Center has been increasing every year,” and added, “In the 2024 season, we have prepared programs where families can enjoy themselves beyond just experiencing vehicles. We aim to lead and establish Korea’s automotive culture through even more innovative and diverse programs.”
The HMG Driving Experience Center has welcomed over 20,000 visitors since its official opening in September 2022. The 2024 season will start ticket sales on March 11 (Monday) and will operate from April 5 (Friday) to December 1 (Sunday). Program reservations and detailed information can be checked through the official website.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr