While Koreans are known for taking pride in their own products, it is no secret that the affluent set nowadays choose luxury items from other parts of the globe. One such example is Rolls-Royce. The British luxury carmaker is no stranger to Korea, having opened its first showroom in the nation’s capital, Seoul, in 2004. This was followed by another Rolls-Royce dealership in the Southeastern city of Busan last year.
To celebrate its success in South Korea, the House of Rolls-Royce, together with the Bespoke design team, have come up with two very special one-off models that showcase Korean heritage mixed with the hallmarks of British luxury motoring. Revealed at a time when Rolls-Royce is experiencing a historic 33% growth relative to the same period last year, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Seoul Edition and the Rolls-Royce Wraith Busan Edition showcase two sides of Korea as well as the true Spirit of Ecstasy.
Take the Rolls-Royce Ghost Seoul Edition as an example. The outside is finished is Andalucian White—symbolizing purity and hope, which are very much akin to traditions in the capital city as well as the rest of the country. This is offset by twin coachlines in Mugello Red and Cobalto Blue, whose hand-painted motif captures the city’s Namsan Seoul Towers. All three shades combine to pay homage to the nation’s Taegukgi flag that bears the same colors.
Stepping inside reveals a black interior with seats featuring Mugello Red piping, Arctic White accents, and Cobalto Blue stitching. The dignified ambience is further heightened by luxuries that are truly befitting of the brand, such as lambswool floormats, RR-embroidered headrests, perforated leather seats with massage and ventilation functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system. This is capped off by the signature Starlight headliner, while the dashboard receives the Piano Black treatment inlayed in silver and enhanced by the Seoul Tower Motiff. This same touch can likewise be seen at the back of the rear seat picnic table.
Unlike the business-like appeal of the Seoul Ghost, the Rolls-Royce Wraith Busan Edition takes its cue from the coastal city that’s a bit more laid-back yet still holds a dignified identity all its own. This can be seen in the Royal Blue and Jubilee Silver paintwork, representing the sea surrounding the glass buildings of the city. The single Blushing Pink coachline, meanwhile, flows over the wheel arches and centers, just like the pinkish sky at dusk that illuminates the mountains, as well as the glass towers and the scenic Gwangandaegyo suspension bridge that span the length of the bay. This is finished off by an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy lighting the way up front.
The cabin is likewise a mix of modern and serene environments, with Navy Blue being the dominant theme. This is complemented by the Selby Grey leather with Cobalto Blue accents and Blushing Pink stitching on the seats, instrument panel, and RR embroidery on the headrests. The leather waterfall between the rear seats and Piano Black inlay centers play host to the architectural theme, while the Starlight headliner is a fitting touch to the pumping or soothing sounds given off by the 1300W, 18-channel Bespoke Audio system.
Either way, both cars show off two sides of modern-day and traditional Korea. Each one can be vibrant yet still give off that sense of calm.
