Hyundai Motor Company is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Sonata with a special heritage campaign that revisits the long-standing connection between the Sonata and its predecessor, the Stellar. This initiative highlights Hyundai’s history of innovation, design, and customer relationships spanning over four decades.
From Stellar to Sonata: The Beginning of a Legacy
First introduced in 1983, the Hyundai Stellar was the brand’s second uniquely Korean passenger car following the Pony. It marked the beginning of Hyundai’s mid-size sedan lineup. In 1985, the first Sonata debuted as the premium trim of the Stellar, and over eight generations, it has evolved into one of Hyundai’s most successful global models, with cumulative sales nearing 10 million units worldwide.
“By Your Side – Stellar & Sonata” Exhibition in Seoul
To commemorate this milestone, Hyundai will host the “By Your Side – Stellar & Sonata” exhibition from September 25, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at Piknic, a cultural venue located near Seoul’s Namsan.
Stellar 88 Restoration Display: Outside the Piknic greenhouse, visitors will see a restored Stellar 88 Special Edition, originally launched in 1988 to celebrate the Seoul Olympics.
Heritage Archive: Inside, Hyundai will showcase rare photos, design sketches, blueprints, catalogs, and advertisements, highlighting the evolution of the Stellar into the Sonata and the memories shared with customers over the years.
The exhibition is free of charge, and Hyundai customers who verify their membership through the MyHyundai app or vehicle key will receive discounted admission to the nearby “Hilton Seoul Autobiography” exhibition, which Hyundai is also sponsoring.
Retrace Magazine: Stellar & Sonata
As part of the campaign, Hyundai will publish the “Retrace Magazine: Stellar & Sonata”, the second issue in its heritage magazine series following the 2023 Pony edition. With 16 exclusive features, including interviews, essays, and columns, the magazine reflects on the deep meaning of “relationships” through the history of Stellar and Sonata, as well as the experiences of customers and employees.
To celebrate its release, a book talk event will be held at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul on October 18, 2025, where readers can hear behind-the-scenes stories about vehicle development and the making of the magazine.
Exclusive Heritage Goods
Special merchandise—including the new Retrace Magazine, notebooks, and postcards—will be available during the exhibition at Shop Piknic (B1 floor), as well as at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul, Goyang, and Busan, and through the Hyundai Collection online store.
Honoring the Past, Driving the Future
A Hyundai spokesperson stated, “Restoring the Stellar 88 was not just about reviving the past, but about honoring the dedication and innovation of our employees who built Hyundai’s independent technology. We hope this campaign allows people to rediscover the value of long-lasting relationships formed through Stellar and Sonata.”
They added, “We will continue to cherish the connections made with countless customers and expand human connections through mobility, in line with our brand vision of progress for humanity.”
