KORAIL Begins Full-Scale Development of 370 km/h High-Speed Train

Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) has commenced comprehensive development of the EMU-370, a next-generation high-speed train with a commercial operating speed of up to 370 km/h. On September 15, the company held a project kickoff meeting at Hyundai Rotem's Changwon plant in South Gyeongsang Province, attended by around 40 officials from both KORAIL and Hyundai Rotem, the train's manufacturer.

They discussed the production schedule, manufacturing facilities, project organization, design plans, and quality assurance measures ahead of entering the main production phase. The EMU-370 will feature 16 cars per trainset, with a maximum commercial speed of 370 km/h and a design speed of 400 km/h. The train will utilize the Intelligent Energy-Efficient Operation System (IEOS), a first-of-its-kind Korean high-speed train technology that automatically optimizes running patterns for individual rail sections to enhance efficiency and cut energy consumption.

Safety and comfort features include strengthened ride-comfort standards, weather-resistant operating conditions, and condition-based maintenance systems that monitor key components for timely upkeep. The exterior will boast an aerodynamic design, while the passenger cabin will have an updated interior, including a dedicated first-class section and expanded luggage storage.

KORAIL aims to leverage this project not only to introduce new rolling stock but also to bolster its capabilities in high-speed train operation and maintenance. Cha Jae-hwan, head of KORAIL's Rolling Stock Division, emphasized the importance of the EMU-370 as the company prepares for a future of higher-speed rail service in Korea, vowing to meticulously manage the production process to ensure a safe and convenient high-speed train for passengers.