1. What is the Seoul Mobility Show 2025?
The Seoul Mobility Show, which has evolved from a traditional motor show into a broader “mobility” exhibition, was held once again this year at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The theme for 2025 was “Mobility, Everywhere.” From electric vehicles and hydrogen cars to autonomous vehicles, urban air mobility (UAM), robotics, and AI-based transport technologies— this event was a must-visit for anyone interested in the future of mobility.
Event Summary
• Dates: April 4 (Fri) – April 13 (Sun), 2025
• Venue: KINTEX Exhibition Center 1
• Admission: KRW 15,000 (Early bird: KRW 12,000)
2. How was the exhibition space organized?
The main exhibition hall at KINTEX was divided into brand-specific booths and themed zones. Even though I visited on a weekend when the crowd was fairly large, the layout allowed for smooth movement and a pleasant viewing experience.
Visitor Tip: Arrive right at 10 AM when doors open to explore the most popular booths without the crowds.
3. Top 3 Most Impressive Exhibits
① Kia – New PBV ‘PV5’
Introduced under the concept of “Spielraum” (play + space), the PV5 redefined the idea of a car as more than just a vehicle—it became a customizable moving space.
With a flexible interior layout and modular seats, the design felt fresh and practical.
In an era where people reconsider how they use personal space, the PV5 struck a chord.
It was exciting to see a domestic brand like Kia envisioning such a forward-thinking lineup of Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs).
② Hyundai – INSTERroid
Hyundai’s INSTERroid wasn’t a facelift or continuation of an existing model—it was a bold new concept.
It all started with the question: “How far can we stretch the imagination of a small EV?”
From its playful, boxy design to the contrast between front and rear wheel sizes that gave it a dynamic stance even while parked, everything about it oozed uniqueness.
It was refreshing to see a Korean brand capture the spirit of a “hot hatch” so well.
The INSTERroid blurred the lines between vehicle, play, and personalization, asking how cars can evolve in a world where emotion, tech, and gaming converge.
③ BYD – First Appearance of the Electric Sedan ‘SEAL’
Chinese EV giant BYD made its presence felt.
The mid-sized sedan SEAL impressed with its clean design and surprisingly high-quality interior.
Like many, I used to associate Chinese cars with low cost and low quality, but this changed my perception.
From intuitive UX to solid build quality, it felt like a clear sign of how far Chinese automakers have come.
Some flashy models like the “Wangwang” were a bit over the top for my taste, but perhaps that reflects a different design culture.
4. Experience Zones & Special Events
Lotte Homeshopping set up a popular photo zone featuring the character ‘Bellygom,’ while HD Hyundai drew crowds with its real construction equipment—especially among families.
The sight of young boys staring in awe at the excavators was heartwarming—pure joy from seeing life-size versions of their favorite toys.
Hyundai and BYD also offered EV test drive opportunities, which gave visitors a chance to experience driving electric firsthand.
But what personally stood out most was seeing an actual UAM (Urban Air Mobility) aircraft up close for the first time.
Until now, it had only existed in concept videos and headlines—but now, imagining these flying over Seoul in the near future felt excitingly real.
5. Final Thoughts – An Exhibition Beyond Automobiles
Compared to the old Seoul Motor Show, this event was no longer just about unveiling new models—it was a convergence of technology, lifestyle, and future urban mobility.
Autonomous driving, electrification, smart infrastructure… all encapsulated in one space.
If you’re curious about where transportation is headed, this is a show worth attending.
6. Quick Guide for Visitors
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Peak Hours | 1–3 PM on weekends |
| Must-See Booths | Hyundai, Kia, BYD, UAM Zone |
| Freebies | Limited goodies at select booths (first-come, first-served) |
| Transportation | Subway Line 3 Daehwa Station / GTX-A Kintex Station nearby |
7. In Closing
The 2025 Seoul Mobility Show truly showed how far Korea’s premier automotive event has evolved.
More than just a car show, it’s now a hands-on glimpse into the future of mobility itself.
That said, it was a bit disappointing to see fewer participating brands compared to past years.
Back then, there were so many booths that I couldn’t cover them all in a single day—but this time, the entire visit felt shorter.
Hopefully, next year’s event will bring in more diversity and scale.
For context, my first-ever motor show was the 2014 Geneva Motor Show—so perhaps my standards are a bit skewed.
Still, having a domestic event like this that’s growing each year is something to be thankful for.
This review is based on a personal visit and was written without any sponsorship or collaboration.
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