Korean cars are sold worldwide, from the likes of Hyundai, Kia and KGM.
Most of these companies formed in the mid-20th century, but it wasn't until the '80s that they started appearing on British roads.
Are Korean cars any good?
Initially, Korean cars from the likes of Hyundai and Kia were targeted towards the budget end of the market. So they were often more basic machines, with inferior refinement and performance compared to more familiar brands. That's not to say those early cars were 'bad' – they just catered to a different kind of customer, making new-car ownership available to drivers on a tighter budget.
Things didn't stay that way for long, though. As Korean brands established a foothold in export markets like the UK and Europe, they started to improve their local reputation. This was partially thanks to their reliability, which often compared well against more established carmakers.
Once the foundations were laid, Korean brands could push further upmarket. Today, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis and KGM are building the most desirable and advanced cars they've ever made. In many cases, these models feature cutting-edge technology and design that leads the global market, rather than merely matching it.
Are Korean cars good quality?
Broadly speaking, yes, Korean cars are usually built to an excellent level of quality. In our experience, this applies whether you're talking about an affordable Kia Picanto, or a luxurious Genesis model.
This is especially true for Korean cars built in the last 10 years or so. For these models, the level of design competence and on-board technology is at least on par with typical European or American competitors, and often surpasses them.
Older Korean cars tended to feel a little more plasticky than their direct rivals, which was usually necessitated by their lower purchase price. However, the materials on display in today's Hyundai and Kia models, including leathers, vinyls and textiles, sometimes brings them within touching distance of pricey, premium brands.
Are Korean cars reliable?
Again, as a blanket statement, Korean cars tend to be very reliable. Export models from Korean brands are often seen racking up the miles in less-developed markets, which test a car's durability far more harshly than the UK's relatively tame roads.
Plus, the majority of Korean cars come from the Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. That means there's lots of shared components and wide parts availability in the event your car need a repair.
Reflecting the confidence they have in the dependability of their cars, Korean brands often include some of the longest factory warranties on the market. This includes Kia's seven-year warranty, Hyundai's five-year warranty, Genesis' five-year warranty and KGM's five-year warranty.
Are Korean cars safe?
Like most cars sold on the UK's roads, virtually all Korean models have been tested by Euro NCAP. This is an independent safety body that tests crash performance and active driver assistance technology.
As an example, several Korean models were tested by Euro NCAP in 2025. All received at least four out of five stars for overall safety performance, and most earned the full five-star rating.
Are Korean cars cheap?
In the past, Korean cars were often among the most affordable cars you could buy. However, that's now changed in the UK and many other markets as brands like Hyundai and Kia have pushed further upmarket. They are now usually priced in line with their direct rivals, without the cost saving you might once have expected.
Despite the steeper pricing, Korean cars still offer good value for money. That means the model you end up with will usually have a long standard equipment list, including a full infotainment system and useful driver aids.
Are Korean cars worth buying?
If you're looking for a new set of wheels, you should definitely consider putting Korean cars on your shortlist. The two largest brands – Hyundai and Kia – offer a large choice of models, covering most major segments and with a wide variety of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains to suit virtually any driver.
In most cases, these cars are backed by a long warranty, which is transferrable between owners, and a long standard equipment list. Plus, more recent cars from Korea have pushed the envelope in terms of design and technology, which makes them desirable to own and entertaining to use.
What are the best Korean cars?
There are lots of excellent cars made by Korean manufacturers. We've already chosen our picks for the best Korean cars on sale.
However, just to call out a few favourites, we reckon the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Kona are excellent choices in the popular family SUV category. The platform-sharing Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto are arguably the best city cars you can currently buy. Also check out innovative Korean electric cars including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, or the superb Kia EV3.
How many Korean car manufacturers are there?
There are just two Korean companies selling cars in the UK. The largest is the Hyundai Motor Group which also encompasses the Kia and Genesis brands, and KGM (previously known as SsangYong).
Motorists of a certain vintage might also remember Daewoo. This Korean company sold cars in the UK under its own brand for several years, before rebadging its lineup as Chevrolets for a few extra years. It pulled out of the European market entirely in 2014.
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