

2024.08.20 Kia
In Jeju’s summer, calmness and intensity coexist. The blazing sun meets the moist sea breeze, drenching Jeju’s verdant mountains and fields with rain. Sea, sky, oreums, and an unpredictable climate converge to create a dynamic, enchanting beauty that makes Jeju’s summer truly remarkable. Perhaps the Kia EV9 reflects these shifting hues of Jeju’s summer. Despite its powerful performance driven by advanced electrification technology, it provides a supremely comfortable experience for its passengers. It might be the perfect companion for exploring the hidden sides of Jeju’s summer.
Jeju was formed by volcanic eruptions. Lava erupted above the sea, and layers of volcanic ash accumulated to create the island’s foundation. Lava flowing from the peak of Hallasan spread to the island’s edges, solidifying into clusters of black basalt. When this basalt collides with the turbulent sea, it generates the thunderous roar of crashing waves. To experience the sound up close, we leisurely drove the EV9 through the moss-covered basalt along the Gimnyeong shoreline. The rugged terrain and narrow passages would be daunting for most SUVs, but the EV9 provided reassurance with its 360° surround view monitor and terrain modes (Auto/Snow/Mud/Sand), which optimize traction across various surfaces.
The EV9, poised against the waves, blended seamlessly into Jeju’s pristine coastal scenery. Its Pebble Grey body felt as solid as the surrounding rocks, while the sleek metallic molding along its side traced the landscape like the distant ocean’s horizon. With its imposing yet composed stance, the EV9 asserted a distinct presence in this scene where the sky and sea converge.
If basalt symbolizes Jeju’s coastline, oreums represent the island’s unique inland scenery. These monogenetic volcanoes, formed from a single eruption, are characterized by their gently rising ridges that reach toward the sky. It is only in recent years that oreums have gained attention in Jeju. Historically, Hallasan and the sea were the main attractions, but over time, many have become captivated by the allure of oreums.
Located in the mid-mountain region on the western slopes of Hallasan, Saebyeol Oreum stands out as one of the finest among Jeju’s 360 oreums, donning rich green hues in the summer. What’s particularly intriguing is how its five peaks connect with neighboring oreums along the ridges. Despite the thick fog that could roll in at any moment and the ever-changing weather alternating between cloudy and clear, a quiet sense of peace pervaded Saebyeol Oreum.
The interior of the EV9 served as the perfect space to fully immerse in the experience of Saebyeol Oreum. The expansive front windshield framed the landscape like an art piece, while the premium bio-synthetic leather seats provided comfort as passengers admired the view. Moreover, with no engine noise or vibrations, the climate control system operated silently, transforming the EV9’s interior into a serene viewing lounge.
We ventured to Sanbangsan, a mountain on the southwestern coast, to explore the hidden beauty of Jeju. Sanbangsan rises majestically with three towering cliffs against a relatively flat landscape. In the summer, its peak is often shrouded in mist, concealing its full grandeur. The summit and surrounding areas have been preserved in a near-pristine state, earning recognition as the ‘Sanbangsan Cliff Plant Zone.’
The EV9 quietly accompanied us through the breathtaking moments shaped by the natural beauty of Sanbangsan. We followed the roads surrounding Sanbangsan, taking in the scenery to deepen our appreciation of Jeju’s lush landscape. As the summer mist created an air of mystery and stillness, the EV9 advanced quietly yet swiftly. A deep press of the accelerator unleashed the full combined power of the front and rear motors, delivering 283kW (about 385 horsepower) and 700Nm (approximately 71.4 kgf·m with the boost option), propelling the 5,010mm, 2.5-ton vehicle forward with impressive force.
The hefty weight of the vehicle pressed the wheels firmly against the road, giving the EV9 exceptionally stable handling. The advanced electrification technology, paired with its robust body, delivered not only superior acceleration but also a remarkably comfortable driving experience.
One of the reasons Jeju is so beloved is its ‘exotic scenery.’ The palm trees you’ll often come across while driving through Jeju are rarely seen on the mainland. Encountering these tropical symbols can make you feel as though you’ve arrived in a warm, southern paradise. Grateful for the palm trees’ broad leaves that provided a momentary respite from the intense sun, we parked the EV9 among the verdant palms by the roadside to capture the scene in a photograph. In harmony with nature, the EV9 shone as brightly as Jeju’s summer.
Defining Jeju’s summer, where sunlight, rain, and wind intertwine in complex ways, is no easy task. The island’s landscape shifts like a temperamental artist, changing with the seasons, weather, and the passage of time. However, by taking the time to explore Jeju’s diverse landscapes – rocky beaches, grassy oreums, and forest paths – you may uncover the true essence that Jeju has kept hidden.
The EV9, which accompanied us on our journey to explore Jeju’s summer, proved to be a consistently comfortable and reliable companion. Its spacious interior and dependable driving performance made it easy to explore every corner of Jeju and uncover its hidden charms. Experiencing Jeju’s summer with the EV9 revealed a landscape filled with natural beauty and mysterious allure.
Photography. Choi Minseok
*All photos were taken in legally designated areas with safety measures in place.