The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Dec. 22 announced the country's development of the core technology for the EMU-370, a next-generation bullet train with the world's second-fastest operating speed of 370 kph. (Korea Railroad Research Institute)

By Kim Seon Ah

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Dec. 22 announced its development of core technology for the EMU-370, a next-generation bullet train with a commercial operating speed of 370 kph.

Manufacturing of the train starts next year, trial runs in 2030 and commercial application after 2031.

Through its commercial launch after 2031, the EMU-370 will be the world's second fastest of its kind in commercial operating speed. This will greatly boost the convenience of rail travel for the public and secure export competitiveness and a leading role in global markets for bullet trains.

China has the fastest such train with 350 kph, followed by France, Germany and Japan with 320 kph. China is also testing its CR450 model that boasts 400 kph.

Led by the Korea Railroad Research Institute, the EMU-370 project saw the participation of seven public institutions and private companies from April 2022 to December 2025. The cost was KRW 22.5 billion -- KRW 18 billion from the government and KRW 4.5 billion from the private sector.

Based on the manufacturing know-how for the KTX-Cheongryong (EMU-320), whose speed is 320 kph, the project sought to raise the standard to 370 kph through streamlining high-speed operating technology including driving performance and safety.

sofiakim218@korea.kr