Join us on an adventurous road trip in the Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric vehicle as we travel from the southern coast of South Korea to the border of North Korea, exploring the unique charging infrastructure and scenic views along the way.
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Good morning from a windy and beautiful South Korea! Today, we embark on an exciting road trip from the southern coast city of Busan all the way to the border of North Korea. The infrastructure here is impressive, the people are friendly, and the food is delicious. Join me as we explore how close we can get to North Korea and experience the contrasting vibes between the bustling south and the mysterious north.
We start our journey in Busan, where I have the new Hyundai IONIQ 9 parked at my hotel. This three-row electric SUV is fully equipped with dual 160 kW electric motors and a spacious interior featuring heated, cooled, and massaging captain's chairs. Although the design is unique, I’m still warming up to its aesthetics.
Before hitting the road, I charged the vehicle to 100% overnight, and we’re ready to explore the charging infrastructure along our route. South Korea uses the CCS1 standard for charging, and I’m eager to see how the IONIQ 9 performs on this road trip.
Our journey will take us approximately 400 miles north, and I’m considering a coastal route that promises stunning views. However, I need to ensure that there’s enough charging infrastructure along the way. South Korea’s charging network can be tricky for foreigners, as many stations require local payment methods. Therefore, I plan to rely on Tesla’s Supercharger network, which is more accessible.
As we navigate through Busan, I’m excited to find the nearest Tesla Magic Dock station. After some initial confusion about the charging capabilities of the IONIQ 9 at Tesla stations, I successfully activate the charger using a local friend’s Tesla account. This is a relief, as it allows us to continue our journey without any major hiccups.
As we drive along the coast, the scenery is breathtaking. The mountains and ocean views are stunning, and the local culture is vibrant. We stop at various rest areas, each with unique charging stations and local eateries. Unfortunately, many of the local charging stations do not accept foreign cards, which reinforces the need for a reliable charging network.
During our drive, we take breaks at picturesque locations, including a beach where we enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views. The IONIQ 9’s spacious interior and comfortable seating make it an ideal vehicle for long trips. The car’s performance is impressive, and the highway driving assistant works well, keeping us safe and comfortable on the road.
Despite the scenic drive, we encounter challenges with charging at various stations. Some stations do not accept foreign payment methods, and we experience issues with the Tesla Supercharger network. After a few attempts, we manage to get the IONIQ 9 charging successfully, but it highlights the need for better interoperability in charging infrastructure.
As we approach the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), we stop at a registration center to learn more about the area. Unfortunately, we arrive too late to enter the DMZ, but we catch glimpses of North Korea from a distance. The atmosphere changes as we get closer to the border, with a noticeable difference in architecture and fewer people around.
Although we couldn’t fully explore the DMZ, this road trip in the Hyundai IONIQ 9 has been an incredible adventure. The vehicle performed well, and I appreciate the spaciousness and comfort it offers for family trips. I want to thank Hyundai for providing the IONIQ 9 for this journey, and I look forward to sharing a full review of the vehicle soon.
This trip has been a unique experience, and I hope to return to explore more of North Korea in the future. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I look forward to sharing more exciting journeys with you soon!
