Hyundai

Hyundai refers to a group of companies and related organizations founded by Chung Ju-yung in South Korea. The first Hyundai company was founded in 1947 as a construction company, and the Hyundai Group eventually became South Korea's largest conglomerate company (chaebol).

The most well-known Hyundai organization is the Hyundai Motor Company, the world's 5th largest automaker selling mid sized sedans and SUV's like the Sonata and the Santa Fe. Hyundai Heavy Industries is the world's largest shipbuilder, and Hynix is a top semiconductor producer. Other companies currently or formerly controlled by members of Chung's extended family may be loosely referred to as a part of the Hyundai chaebol.

The Hyundai Group underwent massive restructuring following the 1997 East Asian financial crisis and the founder's death in 2001. Today, many companies bearing the Hyundai name are legally unrelated, with each company having a different chairman. Former components include Hyundai Group, Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, Hyundai Department Store Group, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, and Hyundai Development Group. After the separation, Hyundai Group focuses on elevators, container services, and tourism to Mount Kumgang.

The word "hyeondae (hyundai)" means "modernity" in Korean, and is pronounced [çʌn.dɛ]. It is often pronounced as [hʌn.de(j)] in North America, as [haɪ.ʌn.daɪ] in the United Kingdom, as [hi.jʌn.dæɪ] in Australia, and as [ɣɛɴdai] in Japan. Early American advertising for the Hyundai Excel car informed readers that the name "rhymes with Sunday", which is similar to the correct Korean pronunciation.