South Korea Develops World’s Second-Fastest High-Speed Train Technology

The government of South Korea has successfully developed core technologies for a next-generation high-speed train capable of operating at 370 kilometers per hour (kph), making it the world’s second-fastest high-speed train in terms of operating speed. The train, named EMU-370, has a maximum speed of 407 kph and was developed under a national research and development program. Manufacturing of the first vehicles is set to begin next year, with test operations scheduled to start in 2030 and commercialization expected after 2031. The EMU-370, when commercialized, will rank second globally in commercial operating speed, following China’s CR450. Major countries like France, Germany, and Japan currently operate high-speed trains at speeds around 320 kph. The project, led by the Korea Railroad Research Institute with participation from seven public and private organizations, ran from April 2022 to December 2025 with an investment of 22.5 billion won (US$15.23 million), including contributions from the government and the private sector.
South Korea could potentially become a strategic partner in the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine, according to a senior official from Ukraine. The official highlighted South Korea’s strengths in high-speed rail, smart mobility, and green energy technologies, which are deemed crucial for transforming Ukraine’s infrastructure. Ukraine is facing extensive destruction, with over 300,000 buildings damaged or destroyed, and the recovery in the transport sector alone estimated to cost US$78 billion. During a recent visit to Seoul, the Ukrainian official met with representatives from the Export-Import Bank of Korea and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to discuss financing for Ukraine’s plan to acquire 20 Korean-made high-speed electric trains.