hankyoreh

The next-generation EMU-370. (courtesy of Hyundai Rotem)

South Korea announced on Monday it had successfully developed core technologies for the world's second-fastest high-speed train, capable of speeding up to 370 km/h (230 mph), with test operations set to begin in 2030. Once this train is made commercially available, travel time between Seoul and Busan is expected to be reduced to around 110 minutes, bringing the entire country within a two-hour commute.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Monday that it had completed the development of core technologies for a next-generation high-speed train called the EMU-370 through a national R&D project. 

With a commercial operating speed of 370 km/h, the EMU-370 is 50 km/h faster than Korea's current fastest high-speed train, the KTX-Cheongryong, and ranks as the world's second fastest after China’s high-speed train operating at 400 km/h. The maximum design speed for EMU-370 is 407 km/h.

The government stated that this achievement is the outcome of a four-year national R&D project conducted between 2022 and 2025. A total of 22.5 billion won was invested into the project, with 18 billion won from the Korean government and 4.5 billion won from the private sector. 

According to the ministry, this project, led by the Korea Railroad Research Institute with participation from seven public institutions and private companies, successfully developed six core technologies independently. These innovations addressed hurdles such as driving resistance, vibration, and noise, which increase sharply when operating at speeds exceeding 350 km/h.

First, the project enhanced the output of the high-speed electric motor at the core of the high-speed train. Through optimal design — including miniaturization and high-density packaging of key components, improved cooling performance, and enhanced insulation — a high-efficiency, 560 kW-class high-speed electric motor was developed. This motor, the output of which is equivalent to that of 75 medium-sized cars, achieved a 47.4% increase in output compared to the KTX-Cheongryong.

New technologies were also developed to reduce air resistance while improving safety and comfort. Streamlining the front of the vehicle and minimizing protrusions like rooftop air conditioners reduced resistance by 12.3% compared to the KTX-Cheongryong. 

Lateral vibration acceleration, related to a side-to-side swaying movement of the vehicle, was also reduced by over 30%. 

Although high-speed trains typically generate significant aerodynamic noise due to irregular airflow over the train surface, the noise level within the train has been reduced to 68 to 73 dB, which is 2 dB lower than recorded in the KTX-Cheongryong. 

The doors for the high-speed train, previously reliant on imported material, have also been successfully recreated to allow domestic manufacturing.

As a result, the Korean government announced plans to begin manufacturing 16-car trains starting next year, with test operations scheduled to commence on the Pyeongtaek-Osong high-speed railway section from 2030. Commercialization will begin in 2031. 

Once operational, travel times between major cities will be reduced to the one-hour range, with travel between Seoul and Busan reduced to 110 minutes; a trip between Seoul and Gwangju will only take 70 minutes.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport expressed expectations that the development would “connect the entire nation into a single sphere and contribute to balanced national development.” 

“As the global market for high-speed rail systems operating at 350 km/h or faster is projected to expand, we also expect to lay the groundwork for exports,” the ministry added.

Kang Hee-up, the vice minister for transport, remarked, “Through the joint efforts of the government, public institutions, and private companies, we have independently secured the technology for high-speed operation at 370 km/h, becoming the second country in the world to do so just 20 years after introducing high-speed railways.” 

“Starting next year, the government will spare no efforts to support the development of core technologies for third-generation high-speed trains capable of running at 400 km/h, enabling Korea to leap forward as a global leader in railway technology,” Kang added.

By Shin Min-jung, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]