Korea’s 2025 Hyundai Card DaVinci MOTEL Boasts Stellar Lineup
SEOUL, Aug 14, 2025 – Hyundai Card, Korea’s leading finance company, announced the dates and line up for the ‘2025 Hyundai Card DaVinci MOTEL.’ The event will take place from September 19 through 21 in Seoul’s Itaewon district with a star-studded line up of Korean and international artists including TAEYANG, HWASA, wave to earth, DAVICHI, m-flo and Leina.
‘DaVinci MOTEL’ was first launched in 2019 as a cultural and intellectual festival bringing together luminaries from the arts and creative industries, academia, business and technology. The different sessions are conscientiously designed to inspire participants through various intimate formats such as talks, exhibitions and street performances. While most festivals cover one exclusive topic such as film or music, DaVinci MOTEL offers a convergence of subjects and distinctive opportunities to meet with top trending icons from an array of genres.
Over the past few years, DaVinci MOTEL has already become an essential festival where participants, speakers and performers come together and converse about the latest trends and most discussed matters. Drawing inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci – the ultimate Renaissance genius, who revolutionized art and science – and vintage California motor hotels from the 1960s where travelers rested during long drives, the festival aims to foster a combination of intellect and emotion.
K-pop artists and global speakers gather in one place
This year’s event will host 39 high-profile teams over the three-day period featuring a mix of K-pop artists, J-pop artists, scientists, architects, designers and more.
Fans can meet global touring K-pop artists in an intimate setting at DaVinci MOTEL. In the performance lineup 19 top musicians such as TAEYANG, HWASA, DAVICHI, Balming Tiger, wave to earth, Colde & Khakii will perform. Additionally, Korean artists known for their live performances such as Jae Hyung Jung, Isaac Hong, O3ohn X Car, the garden, jisokuryClub will also participate. Back by popular demand, Hyundai Card’s Vice Chairman & CEO, Ted Chung will host a session with Executive Producer of Antenna, Hee-yul You titled “Intimate talk between TED and Heeyul.”
Newly added this year are J-pop performances by sophisticated hip-hop legend m-flo and singer songwriter Leina.
A gathering of global speakers covering all different genres including culture, fashion, architecture, and AI
Continuing the momentum of international speakers this year, British translator Deborah Smith known for her translation of The Vegetarian by Korean author Han Kang for which she was a co-winner of the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, will share on the power of translation bringing Korean literature to the world. Fashion designer and founder of BODE, Emily Adams Bode Aujla will give a talk titled “Storytelling, craft, and American heritage” to share her experience as a designer in New York and how BODE started making clothing from vintage textiles.
Lebanese-born architect, Lina Ghotmeh will share about her work including the redesign of the Western Range galleries of the British Museum in London at her talk “Enchanting Spaces, the British Museum and Beyond.” President of Sony AI, Michael Spranger will share on creativity and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Increasing convenience for global attendees
DaVinci MOTEL has continued to grow as an international festival with an increasing number of attendees travel from overseas. To provide a more seamless experiences, the team at Hyundai Card continues to provide new and improved services. At this year’s event, Korean-English simultaneous translation will be provided for all sessions. After purchasing tickets, attendees can book performances and talks of their choice in advance, on a first come first served basis through the Hyundai Card DIVE application in English. QR codes for entry into sessions will also be available through the DIVE app, providing a one-stop journey from reservation to entry. A limited availability of day tickets will be sold on site for those who decide to join last minute.
Additionally, Hyundai Card will livestream DaVinci MOTEL performances on YouTube, allowing off-site enjoyment.
An annual celebration in Itaewon
Following the inaugural DaVinci MOTEL in 2019, the event has expanded to become an annual celebration in Itaewon, extending its reach beyond the center of the multicultural neighborhood. This year visitors can enjoy additional events at around 40 stores and restaurants that are spread throughout Itaewon and have expanded into the Hannam area. There will be various street performances at designated busking areas around Itaewon. Vibrant brand popups including Lotte Department Store, Emart, Olive Young, and Maker’s Mark along with the DaVinci Store selling official merchandise, will enhance the festival’s lively atmosphere. Visitors with DaVinci MOTEL tickets will receive multiple benefits at the brand popup stores furthermore onlookers will also be able to participate in various events even without tickets during the three days. DaVinci MOTEL will transform the entire neighborhood into a celebration, making it a must visit event during the autumn season in Korea.
Event details and ticket information
Tickets go on sale at 12:00 (Korean Standard Time) 19th August for Hyundai Card members. For non-members, tickets open the following day on 20th August. Three-day passes along with daily passes allow access to all talks and performances coinciding on the designated dates. This year, attendees will be able to purchase tickets via Interpark, while previously tickets were limited to one per person, this year everyone will be able to purchase two tickets, making it easier to book for friends and family. Reservations for sessions can be made in advance starting on 26th August via the Hyundai Card DIVE app. Further information about the 2025 Hyundai Card DaVinci MOTEL can be found on the Hyundai Card DIVE app and Hyundai Card’s official Instagram (@hyundaicard).