Pungja buys camper for 40 million won, forgoes VAT refund

Korean design studio Lotux Grey Studio has unveiled a dedicated camper van concept based on the Kia PV7. The model features a cargo area 65 cm longer than the PV5 and a wider body. It is equipped with NCM batteries of 71.5 kWh and 96.2 kWh, supporting 350 kW ultra-fast charging that can reach 80% in the mid-20-minute range. The battery allows up to 10 days of self-sufficient power without external electricity. The design includes a two-story pop-up roof with manual lifting and panels, accommodating four people. Dimensions for the long version: 5350 mm length, 1995 mm width, 1990 mm height, 3500 mm wheelbase. The production PV7 is expected in the second half of next year, followed by a light camper based on the PV5. Kia plans to roll out 23 derivative and conversion models globally.

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.

Two public campsites in Gunsan, South Korea, built for 5.7 billion won, have ceased operations due to the absence of private operators.

On the 14th, a video titled “KIA PV5 Car Camping” was posted on the YouTube channel “Pungja TV.” Pungja announced the purchase of a Kia PV5 camper van, saying the wait for delivery took 4–5 months and the interior build about 2 weeks. He stated the total process from order to receipt took just over 6 months. The Kia PV5 is sold for between 40 million and 50 million won depending on trim.