GENESIS KOREA TRAVELOGUE: CRUISING THE SOUTHERN COAST IN THE REDESIGNED GV60

YEOSU, Korea, Oct. 22, 2025 — “A road trip [is] a form of travel that goes beyond simple long-distance driving; it’s about enjoying the journey itself. It’s not just about the destination, but the encounters, experiences, landscapes and sometimes even unexpected surprises that become cherished memories along the way,” says guitarist Dongjun Kim.

“For me, driving is freedom... allowing me to [go] wherever my heart desires,” says keyboardist Inho Jo. Vocalist Minho Jin echoes his bandmates’ sentiments. “Driving is a form of respite. While moving in my own space — the car — I take the time to reflect on musical thoughts or aspects of life.”

The three musicians, who together make up the indie band Bleur, were invited by Genesis to share their love of touring on a road trip with the redesigned GV60.

Korea is an ideal destination for touring enthusiasts, offering a seamless blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness and modern conveniences. In addition, the country’s exceptional infrastructure, including expansive, well-maintained highways, abundant rest stops and roadside attractions, makes grand touring here both accessible and memorable.

In this first edition of Genesis’ Korea Travelogues, join Bleur as they explore the historical coastal city of Yeosu on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. They show that there is no better way to do it than with the Genesis GV60.

The Adventure Begins: Departing Seoul

The GV60, with its sleek lines and modern design, stands out as the perfect companion for this journey. The deceptively small size of the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) conceals a spacious trunk large enough to carry the essentials and musical gear for the three bandmates on their two-day trip.

After about four and a half hours of cruising in the comfortable cabin of the GV60, the band arrives in Yeosu energized for their adventure.

First Stop: Hamel Lighthouse
Location: 458-7 Jonghwa-dong, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

The first destination within Yeosu is the historic Hamel Lighthouse, a bright red beacon standing tall against the backdrop of Yeosu's coastline.

Hendrick Hamel, for which the lighthouse is named, was a Dutchman who sailed for the East India Company 375 years ago. He was shipwrecked during a voyage to Japan and washed ashore in Joseon, which was what Korea was called at that time. Not allowed to leave the country, he and his fellow crew members lived here for 13 years before escaping from Yeosu on a small fishing boat. An account of his time on the Korean peninsula was published in 1668, the first written record of Korea in the West.

Standing at the edge of the breakwater, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the sea and the harbor, a hub for travel to the surrounding islands and a port of return for fishing boats in the area. It also serves as a reminder of the many comings and goings that have shaped this region, both a literal and metaphorical beacon for travelers. 

Second Stop: Turtle Ship Bridge 
Location: Jonghwa-dong, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

Within sight of the lighthouse is the 744-meter-long Turtle Ship Bridge, connecting Yeosu’s vibrant downtown to the tranquil island of Dolsando, full of preserved natural beauty. The GV60’s optional panoramic sunroof stretches across almost the entire top of the vehicle, allowing both front and back passengers to feel open and connected to the vistas around them. The trio snaps a photo with the bridge, lighthouse and breakwater providing a stunning backdrop for the GV60, its pylons towering over the deep blue waters below dotted with fishing boats and crossed by the occasional ferry.

Third Stop: Goso-dong 
Location: 64 Goso 3-gil, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

Next, the travelers head to Yeosu’s artistic and historic Goso-dong neighborhood, known for its unique bistros and workshops. The winding roads of the neighborhood also feature many vibrantly painted murals along a route that starts way up at the historical Jinnamgwan Hall and winds down all the way to Yeosu Marine Park. Jinnamgwan Hall is a pavilion famously used as a headquarters by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War. Yeosu Marine Park, right next to the bay, attracts an eclectic selection of cafes and restaurants with its beautiful views.

Fourth Stop: Musulmok Beach 
Location: 2876 Dolsan-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

After their neighborhood adventure, the travelers make their way to Musulmok Beach, a place steeped in both history and tranquility. The GV60’s excellent suspension smooths out the ride down the bumpy coastal track.

This beach is known as one of the battlefields of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. He is a national hero for his many naval victories against vastly superior numbers of Japanese maritime forces. He is well-known for using turtle ships, an early form of armored ship with cannons, in his fleet actions against invaders.

Final Stretch: Nangdo Trail 
Location: 499-24 Nangdo-ri, Hwajeong-myeon, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

Finally, the group ventures to Nangdo, an island accessible by a series of breathtaking bridges connecting the mainland to multiple islands. First is Hwayang Bridge connecting the mainland and Jobaldo Island. The road continues over Dunbyeong Bridge to Dunbyeongdo Island. From there, a third bridge, Nangdo Bridge, connects to the third island in the chain, Nangdo Island.

On Nangdo Island they find a place to park the GV60 and set off on Nangdo Trail, which winds leisurely through the island’s forested and coastal areas. With the sea to their left and land to their right, they walk west and soon enter a lush forest — the scent of acacia fills the air, and the sounds of nature surround them.

Hiking along the southern coast of the island, they eventually arrive at a small lighthouse. Cut off from the mainland at high tide, Nangdo Lighthouse is surrounded by the sea and beyond their reach.

Continuing their westerly hike, the trio eventually finds a collection of basalt columns, hexagonal structures left over from an ancient volcanic eruption, now worn down with the tide. Known as Cheonseondae, the cliffs are said to be a place where celestial beings descended from the heavens and lingered here, enchanted by the island’s beauty. Along the trail the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs can also be occasionally spotted, inspiring the imaginations of visitors.

The Essence of Travel                                                                              

Before they start the final leg of their journey, the bandmates decide to commemorate their trip the best way they know how — with a sunset jam session. They leave Nangdo Island and drive to the other side of Yeosu’s bay, to its easternmost Baekyado Island.  There they take advantage of a unique property of their electric GV60, its vehicle-to-load (V2L) system. Taking out their electric keyboard, guitar, microphone and speakers, they plug them right into their car and have an instant sound stage. The Genesis GV60’s V2L system can power a variety of external devices, from instruments to lights, camping gear and even electronics.

Planning a trip to Korea? Be sure to rent a Genesis to explore destinations beyond Seoul and experience all that the country has to offer. And stay tuned for the next travelogue.

For more on the group’s journey in Yeosu, watch the video below: