Hyundai celebrates the legacy of the STELLAR and SONATA sedans with a special exhibition at Piknic Seoul from September 25, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Explore rare classics, design history, and personal stories that shaped a global automotive icon.
A Quiet Café Turns into a Tribute to Icons
Tucked away on the forested slopes of Namsan Mountain is Piknic, a café-gallery hybrid that usually attracts art lovers and weekend wanderers looking for a calm retreat. But this autumn, the venue has transformed into something extraordinary: a celebration of two cars that shaped Hyundai’s rise to global prominence — the STELLAR and the SONATA.
From September 25, 2025 through January 4, 2026, visitors can step inside a curated space where automotive history meets personal memory, and where two sedans tell the story of a brand’s evolution over four decades.
First Impressions: A Restored STELLAR 88 Greets Visitors
Before you even walk through the doors, the exhibition sets the tone. A 1988 Hyundai STELLAR, restored to pristine condition, stands proudly at the entrance. Nicknamed the “STELLAR 88,” this special-edition sedan was originally built to mark Hyundai’s role as the official vehicle supplier for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Finished in period-correct Shadow Blue Metallic paint, with a matching interior and vintage detailing, the car is more than a display piece — it’s a symbol of a turning point in Hyundai’s history. Back in the 1980s, the STELLAR was a familiar sight on Korean roads, serving families, professionals, and even law enforcement. Seeing it in such immaculate condition today feels like stepping into a time machine.
The STELLAR: A Bold Step Forward
Although it wasn’t Hyundai’s first independently developed model (that honor goes to the PONY), the STELLAR represented a major leap forward when it debuted in 1983. Styled by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, it combined aerodynamic design with features that were advanced for its era—like power windows and a tachometer—bringing premium touches to everyday drivers.
Perhaps more importantly, the STELLAR laid the groundwork for what came next. Just two years later, in 1985, Hyundai introduced the SONATA, initially as an upscale version of the STELLAR. It featured the largest engine available in Korea at the time (2.0L) and added luxuries like power seats, electric mirrors, and cruise control—features that were almost unheard of in the domestic market back then.
The SONATA: 40 Years of Evolution
Fast-forward to today, and the SONATA has become one of Hyundai’s most enduring nameplates. Each generation pushed the brand further:
- 2nd Generation (Y2) – Helped Hyundai gain a foothold in the U.S. market.
- 3rd Generation (Y3) – Brought advanced multi-link rear suspension.
- 7th Generation (LF) – Introduced Korea’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- Current Model (DN8, facelifted in 2023) – Showcases Hyundai’s modern design language with a Seamless Horizon Lamp lightbar and panoramic curved infotainment display.
By August 2025, combined global sales of the SONATA and STELLAR surpassed 10 million units, marking a major milestone just in time for SONATA’s 40th anniversary.
Inside Piknic: More Than Just Machines
The exhibition at Piknic goes beyond car displays. It’s designed to highlight the human stories behind the vehicles. Visitors can explore:
- Original design sketches and marketing brochures
- Engineering and R&D archives from Hyundai’s early years
- Personal photographs and anecdotes from owners and employees
Much of this content is drawn from the second issue of RETRACE Magazine, titled “STELLAR & SONATA.” The publication features essays, interviews, and columns that reflect not only the technological evolution of these sedans but also the emotional connections they fostered over the decades.
Event Details
- Location: Piknic, Namsan Mountain, Seoul
- Dates: September 25, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Special Event: Book Talk – October 18, Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul
