Dave McNally Photography

Story, pho­tos by Dave McNally

ILSAN, Repub­lic of Korea — More than one mil­lion auto­mo­bile enthu­si­asts are expected to descend on the Korea Inter­na­tional Exhi­bi­tion Cen­ter for the 2009 Seoul Motor Show.

Offi­cials claim the show as the world’s “most dynamic and spec­tac­u­lar inter­na­tional show accred­ited by the Inter­na­tional Orga­ni­za­tion of Motor Vehi­cle Manufacturers.”

Although orga­niz­ers admit the world­wide eco­nomic down­turn “frus­trated some of the brands from par­tic­i­pat­ing,” major for­eign man­u­fac­tur­ers, like Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Audi, Ford and Toy­ota unveiled new prod­ucts to attract Korean consumers.

The show fea­tures many new vehi­cles, con­cept cars and even a look at his­tor­i­cal automobiles.

Many Korean car com­pa­nies used the show to unveil new mod­els, espe­cially hybrids and envi­ron­men­tally friendly ini­tia­tives. Offi­cials hope the motor show will show­case the nation’s 54-year-old auto man­u­fac­tur­ing indus­try to the world.

The mas­sive KINTEX venue is the largest exhi­bi­tion cen­ter in Korea. Ilsan, a Seoul sub­urb, was well-prepared for the crowds. The drive from down­town Seoul takes about 45 min­utes in traffic.

Atten­dance to the exhi­bi­tion has grown by leaps and bounds since com­ing to Korea in 1995.

While many peo­ple arrived by sub­way or bus, orga­niz­ers have acres of addi­tional park­ing lots near the exhi­bi­tion hall. The show was be open to the pub­lic through April 12.