Electrified PBVs as campers: Suwon Camping Car Show 2026 opens October 9 in Gwanggyo

The Suwon Camping Car Show 2026 will take place from October 9 to 11, 2026, at the Suwon Convention Center in Gwanggyo, Suwon, South Korea. The event is hosted by the Korea Leisure Vehicle Industry Association and organized by Interfesta. About 30 domestic and international manufacturers of motorhomes and caravans will participate. Exhibits will include electric PBV campers based on the Kia PV5 and Hyundai ST1, traditional motorhomes, caravans, and truck campers. Admission is 5,000 won at the door or 3,000 won (40% discount) with online reservation.

The Suwon Camping Car Show 2026 will take place from October 9 to 11 at the Suwon Convention Center (SCC) in Gwanggyo, South Korea. More than 30 manufacturers and custom companies will participate, showcasing motorhomes, caravans, truck campers, and electric camper vans based on Kia PV5 and Hyundai ST1 EV platforms. Visitors can receive consultations on contracts, options, and after-sales service. Admission is 5,000 won on-site or 3,000 won with a 40% discount via online reservation.

Korean design studio Lotux Grey Studio unveiled a camper van concept based on the Kia PV7, featuring an extended cargo area and NCM batteries of 71.5 and 96.2 kWh.

On September 14, a video was published on the YouTube channel "Poongja TV" showing the delivery of a custom camper van based on the Kia PV5. TV personality Poongja, who recently lost 33 kg, waited about six months for the vehicle: nearly five months in the queue due to high demand and just over two weeks for the interior conversion. Such campers are priced between 40 and 50 million won. The interior features a flat floor, storage drawers, a table, a mosquito net, a microwave, a fridge-freezer, and a touch-sensitive sink; the electric vehicle allows all appliances to run, provides heating in winter and cooling in summer. An automatic awning with remote control is installed outside.

Kia has revealed the production version of its electric PV7 van at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany. The model will launch in South Korea and Europe in mid-2027. The PV7 Long measures 535 cm long, 66 cm longer than the PV5, and 190 cm wide. It will offer a 96-kWh battery with over 460 km of WLTP range or a base 71.5-kWh pack. Sussex Campervans has already announced plans for a PV7-based camper.

A civic coalition in Seongnam has filed a public audit request with the Board of Audit and Inspection over the creation and operation of an auto campsite in Yuldong Park, Bundang District. The group alleges that from 2023 the city ignored or circumvented legal regulations: it changed the name from 'campground' to 'campsite', failed to register the facility under the Tourism Promotion Act, and exceeded area limits. Gyeonggi Province special judicial police are investigating city officials on suspicion of unregistered operation; the city argues the site falls under urban park and land use laws, not tourism legislation.