A Journey to Test the Kia Stinger GT: From Milan to Seoul

The Beginning of My Kia Adventure

My relationship with Kia began in January 2017 when I received an exciting invitation to attend the launch of a new car—the Kia Stinger GT. The event was held in Milan, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of me, someone not exactly known for attending car launches, being asked to check out a vehicle that was far from the typical car one might associate with a woman driver. The Kia Stinger GT seemed designed to appeal to a different audience, an audience fueled by speed and power.

It wasn’t a typical “girly” car by any means. With its aggressive design and strong performance specs, it screamed Top Gear-fueled testosterone. Sure, the car was a striking cherry red, but it didn’t seem to fit the stereotype of a “woman’s car.” In hindsight, this very fact probably made me even more determined to take it for a spin. After all, it was 2017, and car driving has no gender bias!

The Need for a Global Journey

So, why did we travel halfway around the world to test drive this beast of a car? The answer lies in the Stinger GT’s delayed arrival to the UK. It wasn’t set to launch in the UK until November 2017, but to get our hands on the 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo engine in October, we had to make a trip to the heart of South Korea—Seoul.

After flying Prestige Class with Korean Air from London Heathrow, we arrived in Seoul. It was my first experience in business class, and let me tell you—it was nothing short of luxury. Spacious seating, personalized service, fine dining, and a huge entertainment system—everything made the 12-hour flight a breeze. The attention to detail and exceptional customer service was something I quickly recognized as a hallmark of Korean culture. I even managed to grab a few hours of sleep, helped by some delicious traditional Korean food and a late-night film binge.

Exploring Seoul and Its Culture

We arrived in Seoul on Wednesday afternoon and checked into the luxurious Westin Chosun Hotel. This five-star hotel is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the famous Myeongdong shopping district, where you can find everything from trendy Korean beauty products to the latest in fashion.

That evening, in an effort to combat the inevitable jet lag, we embarked on a walking tour of the Insadong neighborhood. Insadong is a charming area filled with traditional Korean teashops, artisan crafts, antiques, and calligraphy stores. Despite its small size—only about 700 meters long—the street is vibrant and full of life. We also visited the stunning Jogyesa Temple, which looked absolutely magical lit up against the evening sky.

Our cultural immersion continued as we strolled past the Avenue of Youth, sampling some piping hot Korean donuts along the way. The tour wrapped up with a quintessentially Korean experience: a spicy BBQ chicken and beer feast. The meal featured seven different levels of spiciness, from garlicky goodness to fiery hot dishes that had us breaking a sweat. It was exactly what we needed to shake off the travel fatigue.

A Magical Evening in Seoul

By 9 p.m., our group was feeling the effects of the time difference. We wound our way down to the moonlit Cheonggyecheon Stream, a serene urban waterway running through the heart of the city. The rainbow-lit bridges and architectural features added a mesmerizing glow to the evening. We even took a moment to toss coins into the stream and make wishes while local musicians played nearby. It was a perfect mix of culture, nature, and modernity—something I came to associate with Seoul throughout my stay.

To end the evening on a high note, we stopped by the Lounge & Bar at the Westin Chosun for a final nightcap. It was the ideal way to wrap up a day filled with culture, adventure, and the promise of what was to come—the thrilling test drive of the Kia Stinger GT the next day.

Preparing for the Test Drive

The day ahead was set to be an adrenaline-packed experience. Testing the Kia Stinger GT in its home country felt symbolic in many ways. Not only were we getting to know this powerhouse of a car, but we were also immersing ourselves in the culture and vibrancy of South Korea.

With its twin-turbo engine and sleek design, the Kia Stinger GT promised to be more than just a car—it was a statement of power and performance. I was ready to experience the thrill behind the wheel and see for myself what this new offering from Kia was all about.

And so, with the excitement of the day ahead, I retired to my room at the Westin Chosun, ready for the next chapter of this incredible journey.

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