Seoul: The government has successfully completed the development of core technologies for a next-generation high-speed train capable of operating at 370 kilometers per hour (kph). This development positions the train as the world's second-fastest high-speed train in terms of operating speed, the transport ministry announced.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the technologies for the envisioned train, named EMU-370, have been technically designed to achieve a maximum speed of 407 kph. This advancement was made under a national research and development program, as per the ministry's report. The government is set to begin manufacturing the first vehicles next year, with test operations slated to start in 2030 and commercialization expected post-2031.
Once commercialized, the EMU-370 is expected to rank second globally in commercial operating speed, following China's CR450, which is currently undergoing test operations at 400 kph and is planned for commercial service in 2027. Presently, major countries like France, Germany, and Japan operate high-speed trains at speeds of around 320 kph.
The project, running from April 2022 to December 2025, was spearheaded by the Korea Railroad Research Institute, with participation from seven public and private organizations. The initiative saw a total investment of 22.5 billion won (approximately US$15.23 million), with 18 billion won funded by the government and 4.5 billion won contributed by the private sector.