Korean Domestic Market (KDM) cars have seen a significant rise in popularity over the past decade, both in the real world and in the gaming industry. Once overshadowed by their Japanese, European, and American counterparts, South Korean automakers like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have been making waves with their high-performance models. Video games have followed suit, incorporating KDM vehicles into their rosters and giving players the chance to experience these powerful machines virtually. Here’s a look at some of the best video games featuring KDM cars.
1. Forza Horizon Series
The Forza Horizon franchise is known for its extensive car selection, and KDM cars have been making their mark in recent installments. Hyundai’s N lineup, including the Hyundai Veloster N and Hyundai i30 N, has been a fan favorite in the open-world racing series. The latest entries also feature the Genesis G70 and the Kia Stinger GT, both of which provide thrilling performance and a unique driving experience.
2. Gran Turismo Series
Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo series has always strived for realism and an extensive car catalog. Hyundai’s presence in Gran Turismo has been steadily growing, with models like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, a futuristic concept car designed specifically for the game. The inclusion of these cars has helped solidify Hyundai’s reputation as a serious contender in the performance car segment.
3. Need for Speed Franchise
The Need for Speed series, known for its street racing and car customization, has also included KDM cars in various titles. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has appeared in multiple installments, allowing players to tune and race this sleek sports car against top-tier rivals. However, Hyundai’s presence in Need for Speed goes even further back to the early 2000s. In Need for Speed: Underground (2003), the Hyundai Tiburon was one of the customizable vehicles available, allowing players to modify and race it through the neon-lit streets. This marked one of the first major appearances of a KDM car in a high-profile racing game, paving the way for future Hyundai models to be featured in the franchise.
4. Grand Theft Auto Series
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise is known for its vast open-world experience, filled with a variety of fictionalized vehicles based on real-world models. While no officially branded KDM cars appear in the game, several vehicles in GTA V and GTA Online take inspiration from South Korean manufacturers. The Karin Sultan, a fan-favorite sedan, has design elements that resemble early Hyundai and Kia models, while the Dinka Jester takes cues from modern performance coupes, including the Genesis Coupe. With Rockstar continuously adding vehicles to GTA Online, there is hope that future updates will bring even more direct representations of KDM cars.
5. CarX Drift Racing
For drift enthusiasts, CarX Drift Racing provides a satisfying physics engine and a diverse selection of cars, including some notable KDM models. The Genesis Coupe is a popular pick among players for its balanced handling and tunability, making it a staple in the drifting community within the game.
6. Assetto Corsa & Mods
While KDM cars may not be as widely available in stock form within Assetto Corsa, the game’s extensive modding community has brought in highly detailed versions of vehicles like the Hyundai i30 N, Kia Stinger GT, and various Genesis models. These user-created mods allow players to test the full potential of KDM cars on realistic racing tracks.
7. Car Mechanic Simulator
For those who enjoy the mechanical aspect of cars, Car Mechanic Simulator allows players to repair, modify, and restore various vehicles—including KDM models. While Hyundai and Kia aren’t always featured as official brands, community-created mods have introduced popular models like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Stinger GT, and Hyundai Tiburon into the game. This gives players the chance to work on and customize KDM cars in a detailed, hands-on manner, replicating the experience of real-world car tuning and maintenance.
8. The Evolution of KDM Cars in Gaming
The inclusion of KDM cars in video games has evolved significantly over the years. In earlier games, such as Need for Speed: Underground 2 and Juiced, the Hyundai Tiburon was one of the few Korean cars available. These early titles often treated KDM cars as beginner-friendly options, but as Hyundai and Kia have improved their performance divisions, newer games now place these cars on a more competitive playing field. The Kia Stinger GT and Hyundai i30 N are no longer underdogs but respected choices for virtual racers.
The Future of KDM Cars in Gaming
As Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis continue to push the boundaries of performance with their N and GT models, it’s likely that we’ll see even more KDM cars in upcoming racing games. With the rise of electric performance vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, future titles may also feature Korea’s innovative EVs alongside traditional combustion-powered sports cars.
KDM cars are no longer just budget-friendly alternatives to Japanese or German vehicles; they have become serious competitors in the world of performance automobiles. As more gaming developers recognize their growing influence, expect to see even more Korean cars burning rubber on virtual tracks worldwide.
