2017 Seoul motor show: on the ground in Korea

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Started in 1995 and run biennially since 2005, the Seoul motor show is one of Asia’s biggest auto shows behind Tokyo, Shanghai, and China. And while it may be smaller than the major European and US shows, this year CarAdvice was invited along to check it out first hand.

Held at the Korea International Exhibition Centre (KINTEX), the Seoul motor show takes place in Goyang city, north-east of Seoul, and is officially hosted by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA).

The 11th since 1995, this year’s Seoul motor show runs until April 9 and features 225 exhibitors, comprising 27 passenger car marques, and a variety of auto parts, auto accessories, and tuner car brands.

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Split between to two ‘halls’ – joined by a short outdoor walk way – KINTEX Hall 1 is this year home to Cadillac, GM, Kia, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG, Peugeot and Citroen, Porsche, Renault, Ssangyong, and Toyota, while KINTEX Hall 2 houses BMW and Mini, Honda, Hyundai and Genesis, Jaguar and Land Rover, Lexus, and the Nissan and Infiniti brands.

As you’d find at other motor shows around the world, each brand’s stand has its own distinctive flavour. Some are focussed on sportiness and performance, others luxury or outdoor recreation.

Regardless, just about all the stands feature female ‘personnel’ posing in front of every vehicle – a not uncommon sight at global motor shows, but in Seoul, there is undoubtedly more ‘Korean flair’ behind it.

With time to walk around and explore, here are some of our highlights and favourites from this year’s 2017 Seoul motor show, with a special call out to those behind the Power Plaza Yebbujana R2 and the Cammsys TX700e electric pick-up truck – too cool.

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