Student shows
Hongik University Transportation Design degree show highlights
Car Design News takes a look at work from the graduating 2026 students from Hongik University's transportation design course
Based in Seoul, South Korea, Hongik University is responsible for shaping a host of well-respected automotive designers – Seungmo Lim (head of Kia Design China), Ilhun Yoon (Head of Genesis global design centres) and Jeongbin Moon (head of Kia Next Design Group), to name a few.
The recent showcase from this year's transportation design students shows similar promise, with an interesting mix of off-roaders, hypercars, grand-tourers and more.
Below is a selection of seven students' work. Enjoy.
Jihoon Seo – X.rt Machina
This off-roader concept integrates robotics and 'physical AI' to create an interactive vehicle layout. Users can enhance their senses and capabilities through robotics, with the ability to explore any terrain regardless of environmental or weather conditions. This bunker/spacecraft-like vehicle prioritises volume through a combination of large masses and intersections.
Jehun Park – Audi R-AXIS
R-AXIS is a hypercar that imagines the future of Audi performance cars. The design begins with Audi’s performance heritage, drawing inspiration from Lucca and the Type 52. Raw metalworking, innovative packaging and aerodynamic form are reinterpreted and recombined under a single design language.
Kangsik Park – Bentley Massive Classicism
This project explores Bentley’s grand touring heritage by translating traditional panel beating and rolled architectural proportions into a modern language. Conceived as a mobile pavilion, the vehicle bridges luxury lifestyle with hunting culture through Mulliner functional packaging. By harmonising coachbuilding with modern outdoor refinement, the vehicle acts as an intimate sanctuary for remote journeys.
Panseo Choi – Halo
Choi’s concept is set to exist in 2040, a year that he predicts will bring shorter and less meaningful relationships between people. Halo aims to combat this, bringing people together and with a sense of stability through a design inspired by a so-called 'mountain basin.' In the shape of a halo, the overarching structure on the vehicle encourages connection.
Seohee Park – Rolls Royce Nocturne
The Rolls Royce Nocturne concept aims to extend the Black Badge legacy into a new era for the brand. Seohee Park was inspired by timeless tradition and monumental architecture, with the concept’s sculptural form conveying presence of power through mass and simplicity. Park’s target audience is thought leaders and creators who shape the world around them.
Seongwoo Gwon – Audi Magnetar
Designed for 2040, this clever concept is a vehicle CDN doesn’t often see designed in student shows – a safety car. Gwon’s concept will use a magnetic field to safely control F1 cars on magnetic tracks. Despite the Audi branding, the car maker is presented not as a competitor, but as the brand that guides and controls the race.
Taerin Kim – Porsche MUTANT
The MUTANT concept has been designed for those who still find joy in driving, even in an era where fully autonomous vehicles are the norm. It transforms like a living organism to adapt to any terrain – most of the time it blends into the flow of autonomous traffic, but when the driver feels the urge, MUTANT allows them to take the wheel.
