We visited the HMG Driving Experience Center in Taean, South Chungcheong Province on June 22. Despite the gloomy weather and pouring rain, the center was crowded with visitors who came with friends and family.
The HMG Driving Experience Center, opened by Hyundai Motor Group in 2022, is the largest driving facility in the country. It offers a driving program that systematically teaches a variety of skills, from basics to racing techniques.
On that day, we received Level 1 and Level 2 training with Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles (EV). Level 1 helps boost your confidence in driving, while Level 2 can be seen as an introductory program to racing.
At 10:50 AM, we entered the lecture room for the first class of the Level 1 program. Before driving, a professional instructor conducted safety training, teaching us how to adjust the seat position and hold the steering wheel, as well as course guidance among others.
After completing the theoretical education, we moved to the driving course and got into the Ioniq 6, Hyundai’s electric sedan. Under the guidance of the instructor, the students moved to the slalom course. Here, we had time to get used to the car by repeatedly practicing driving in a zigzag pattern to avoid cones.
After gaining some confidence in the S-course, we moved to the emergency braking and evasion sections. Following the instructor’s instructions, we accelerated and then slammed on the brake pedal at the last point. With a screeching sound, the car stopped dead in its tracks.
Once we all got used to emergency braking, we tried emergency evasive driving. To avoid obstacles, we turned the steering wheel to the right immediately after hitting the brakes. Although it would be overwhelming in a real situation, we bravely turned the wheel and escaped the evasion section by looking in the direction we wanted to go.
When we got used to operating the car, we moved to the dry surface course to pick up more proper driving senses. Following the instructor, it’s a section where we go around a 2-mile circuit with 16 corners. Despite the slippery surface due to heavy rain, we gradually increased our speed and became seasoned in driving by the end of the training.
After about 20 minutes of rest, we moved to the Level 2 training area at 1:50 PM. Just like the Level 1 program, we moved to the driving area after completing safety training education. This time, we rode the Kia EV6 GT. We spent time getting used to the car through more challenging slalom courses and emergency brake training, similar to Level 1.
The highlight of the day’s training was “Fox Hunting.” Also known as “Tail Biting,” Fox Hunting is a game where two cars compete to get closer to each other’s vehicles. Participants unleashed their competitive instincts on the slalom and sharp curve courses, competing to cross the finish line. If a car touches a cone, it is immediately disqualified, so delicate driving skills are required.
Level 2 also offered more intense training courses than Level 1. The Kick Plate course creates a situation where the car slides using special equipment. In this situation, participants quickly turned the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the rotation to get the car back in place.
There’s also a drag race where visitors can fully appreciate the speed of the EV6 GT by starting on a flat course. When we fully pressed the accelerator pedal on a straight road, we reached 160 mph in no time.
The final course of Level 2 was also a circuit experience. Unlike Level 1, the instructor in the lead vehicle changed the order of the three cars and provided more detailed guidance on steering directions and braking techniques, offering individualized instruction to each participant.
After more than four hours of training, the instructor delivered a certificate along with a commemorative photo. Participants who completed Levels 1 and 2 can experience the Level 3 program. The HMG Driving Experience Center had plenty to offer for driving enthusiasts and family customers. There is also an HMG Junior Driving Experience program for children, making it an ideal place for family outings.