Eighty-eight dealers and customers from United States and Canada traveled to South Korea in September to see Hyundai Construction Equipment’s plant and take in the local attractions. Attendees were treated to first-class accommodations –– including the Millennium Hilton Seoul and Kyongju Hyundai Hotel in Kyongju, just a bus ride away from the Hyundai operation in Ulsan, South Korea.

The trip featured a look at Hyundai’s shipyard and its equipment factory, a trip to the POSCO steel mills in Pohang and Gwangyang, the chance to see the robotic production of hybrid cars and a construction equipment demonstration as well as the opportunity to see the sights of Seoul and a visit to the infamous DMZ that separates North and South Korea.

Dealers and customers alike were impressed with Hyundai’s operation and the warmth and outgoingness of the South Korean people.

Jeff Asbell of Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking Inc. in Carl Junction, MO, said he was very impressed with the employee dedication of the Hyundai workers and said it was a first-class trip.

Walters Morgan Construction Inc. in Manhattan, KS, owns five Hyundai 290 excavators and two 555 mini-excavators. Dick Green, vice president of Walters Morgan Construction Inc., said the company took a chance with Hyundai back in 1994.

“Looking back on that purchase it was the right decision,” he said.

Both Asbell Excavating & Trucking and Walters Morgan Construction are customers of another attendee of the VIP Tour –– Victor L. Phillips Co. Asbell and Green said they receive “excellent service” from Victor L. Phillips.