This Country Builds New Generation World's Second Fastest High-Speed Rail Project

South Korea (Korsel) is preparing to write a new chapter in the world's high-speed rail map. The ginseng nation's government is developing the latest generation of High-Speed Train. This ambitious project not only breaks speed limits but also transforms How the country is explored by rail. 

The project introduces EMU-370, a High-Speed Train designed to operate at 370 kilometers per hour, making it the world's second-fastest train for commercial service.

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport confirmed this development in an official announcement on Monday, December 22, 2025. 

This futuristic train was developed through a national R&D program led by the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), involving seven public and private organizations. 

The project ran from April 2022 to December 2025, with a total investment of 22.5 billion won, consisting of 18 billion won in government funding and 4.5 billion won from the private sector.

The South Korean government's plans extend beyond the design stage. Production of the first EMU-370 unit is scheduled to begin next year, with operational trials in 2030. 

If all goes according to plan, commercialization will commence after 2031—a timeline promising ultra-fast Travel experiences for tourists and Business travelers.

As reported by The Korean Times, once operational, EMU-370 will rank second globally in commercial operational speed, behind China's CR450.

This Chinese High-Speed Train is undergoing 400 km/h speed tests ahead of its planned 2027 commercial launch. 

The media outlet also noted that major high-speed Railways in France, Germany, and Japan currently operate around 320 km/h.

Currently, South Korea's fastest train is the EMU-320 or KTX-Cheongyong. However, EMU-370 brings significant improvements: 47.4% higher motor power, 12.3% lower air resistance, 33% reduced horizontal vibration acceleration, and cabin noise reduced by up to 2 decibels. 

With a capacity of 479 passengers and motor power of 560 kilowatts—equivalent to 75 mid-sized sedans combined—this train is designed for both comfort and extreme efficiency.

For travelers, the implications are substantial. The South Korean government states EMU-370 will make all domestic regions accessible within two hours, enhancing regional economic balance, while hoping this project strengthens the nation's position in the increasingly competitive global high-speed rail market.

"We'll begin developing core technology for the country's third-generation high-speed trains capable of 400 km/h next year," said Yoon Jin-hwan, Head of the Ministry's Railway Bureau.

For the Tourism sector, EMU-370 isn't just about speed. It promises a new way to explore South Korea—from coasts to mountains, metropolitan cities to remote areas—in mere hours.