2025.04.30 Hyundai Motor Company
Spring in Full Bloom: Jeju and the All New Palisade
We headed to Jeju in the new Palisade to share a springtime moment with a joyful local family. Here is a look into that journey.
What does Jeju mean to us? For many, it is the first place that comes to mind when spring begins to bloom. As the earliest region in Korea to welcome the spring breeze, Jeju greets visitors with cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and camellias in full bloom. It is also an ideal destination for those seeking peace and renewal away from city life. As singer Choi Sung-won once wrote in <제주도의 푸른 밤 (A Blue Night in Jeju Island)>, it is a place where one can “leave everything behind.”
And so, in search of the season's first spring breeze, we made our way to Jeju. Our companion on this journey was the new Hyundai Palisade—a vehicle designed to deliver the kind of comfort and ease that brings peace of mind, much like the island itself. We were also on our way to visit a family of four: Mr. Ahn Hong-jun and his loved ones, who have built a joyful life here in Jeju.
In 2020, Ahn relocated from Seoul to Jeju in search of a new way of life. What began as occasional visits turned into a month-long stay, then a full year—and eventually, a permanent move as he fell in love with the island. “I wanted my wife and two children to experience a freer, happier life surrounded by nature,” he said of the decision.
He continued, “The relaxed pace of life, shaped by nature, has transformed everything. The skies are much clearer than in Seoul, the nights shimmer with stars, and I can take peaceful walks along scenic oreum trails or by the cool sea whenever I wish. I consider all of this a precious gift from Jeju.”
Driving Through the Colors of Spring
The drive to the eastern side of Jeju to meet the Ahn family was lined with vivid colors of spring—a fitting backdrop to experience the capabilities of the new Palisade. A well-crafted vehicle reveals its character quickly, even on a short drive. This updated model features a smaller engine, yet its turbocharger delivers robust torque from low revs. We rarely needed to push beyond 2,000 rpm, and acceleration remained consistently smooth and assured.
We soon left the wide road behind and settled into a more relaxed pace. Unlike in the city, where the focus is always on arriving as quickly as possible, in Jeju we found ourselves seeking the most leisurely route instead. There was quiet joy in discovering new scenery along the way. As we drove through dense forests, it felt as though the fresh air was filling not only our lungs, but also our minds.
The new Palisade delivered a smooth, composed ride across all types of road surfaces. Whether on freshly paved asphalt or older roads weathered by time and the elements, it offered unwavering comfort—making every journey feel effortlessly serene.
As we followed the winding paths carved by nature, a quiet joy emerged. Even without music, the scenery set its own rhythm. The new Palisade accelerated with confidence, decelerated with grace, and responded to every steering input with precision. Its seamless handling allowed me to set the pace exactly as I wished.
Jeju’s iconic stone walls reflect the islanders’ enduring harmony with nature. Carefully stacked with intentional gaps, the stones allow fierce winds to pass through—a design that ensures resilience even in the face of typhoons. More than mere structures, these walls are living cultural legacies, shaped by generations of ‘dolchaengi’—Jeju’s master stonemasons.
Welcoming Spring with a Family of Four
We met the Ahn family and handed them the keys to the new Palisade. The moment the large SUV pulled into the yard, the two children dashed out, brimming with curiosity. Their parents, Ahn Hong-jun and Kim Hyun-joo, quickly and skillfully gathered their things, and the family was ready to go in no time. Thanks to the Palisade’s wide-opening doors and spacious interior, loading bags and securing child seats was remarkably easy. Judging by the bright smiles on Ro-ha and No-eul’s faces in the back seat, the new Palisade had already won them over.
As Mr. Ahn drove along roads awash in vibrant green, a familiar saying came to mind: “Your driving habits change when you have a family.” You become more gentle, more mindful—hoping your loved ones can relax and feel safe with every mile. The new Palisade seemed to understand that instinct, responding with an exceptionally smooth and comforting ride.
As we watched the children run between blooming cherry blossoms and golden canola fields beside the sparkling Jeju sea, we were reminded of the irreplaceable joy that family brings. It was also a moment to reflect on the importance of safe driving—for the sake of protecting those precious smiles. “When it comes to a car that carries children,” said Mr. Ahn, “nothing matters more than safety and space.”
Mr. Ahn also offered some insight into what makes driving in Jeju unique. “Most rural roads are single-lane, so driving here calls for patience and mutual respect. You might even encounter a deer sud-denly crossing your path. Many roads lack traffic signals or streetlights, and roundabouts are common. That is why, in Jeju, safe driving is not just important—it is essential.”
With clear skies, a gentle breeze, and sunshine all around, it was the perfect day for an outing. On the way home, the Ahn family’s smiling faces reflected the joy of the day. It was a moment that reminded us of the meaningful role a vehicle can play in family life—offering the freedom to explore together and the chance to create lasting memories along the way.
What did Mr. Ahn think of the new Palisade? "I used to shy away from larger vehicles, but my experience with the new Palisade changed my perspective. It accelerates smoothly, responds promptly, and offers an impressively comfortable driving experience. The controls are highly intuitive. Most of all, the generous interior space and overall ride quality far exceeded my expectations."
Your Partner on Every Road
As we wrapped up our day and made our way home, a warm sunset stretched across the Jeju sky. The golden hour had arrived, bathing the landscape in a shifting palette of colors. It is said that the most brilliant moments of a sunset last no more than 20 minutes. On any other day, we might have been too weary to fully take it in—but here in Jeju, that sunset felt unmistakably different.
It felt like it had been ages since I last truly watched a sunset. Watching the orange sky fade into violet, then gradually dissolve into night, was a view that never lost its charm. We decided to linger a little longer and take it all in. With the window down and my favorite music playing, I sat quietly—gazing at the darkening landscape instead of a screen.
Today, I wanted to spend the day a little differently. I began to wonder where that feeling came from. Was it the calm presence of Jeju’s nature, quietly easing my thoughts? Or the comfort of the new Palisade, offering a space where stillness could settle in? Perhaps it was both. When nature touches the heart, the car becomes more than just a vehicle—it becomes a companion that helps us embrace the journey more deeply.
By Minhee Ahn
Video by HMG Journal
Photography by Minseok Choi
Today, I wanted to spend the day a little differently. I began to wonder where that feeling came from. Was it the calm presence of Jeju’s nature, quietly easing my thoughts? Or the comfort of the new Palisade, offering a space where stillness could settle in? Perhaps it was both. When nature touches the heart, the car becomes more than just a vehicle—it becomes a companion that helps us embrace the journey more deeply.
By Minhee Ahn
Video by HMG Journal
Photography by Minseok Choi