Hyundai Rotem Co. has unveiled the second-generation model of the KTX-Eum, South Korea’s first electric multiple unit (EMU)-type high-speed train.

The company recently held a public debut and test ride of the upgraded train, which has a maximum operating speed of 260 kilometers per hour. It is scheduled for deployment on several domestic routes, including the west coast, east coast, and cross-greater metropolitan lines.

Hyundai Rotem also highlighted its export ambitions with the new model.

“Our current high-speed rail export focus is on the Middle East, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE), followed by Eastern Europe,” said the company.

A key feature of the second-generation KTX-Eum is its EMU configuration. While traditional high-speed trains in Korea, such as the KTX-Sancheon, use a power car system with traction equipment located at the front and rear, the EMU design distributes power equipment beneath each passenger car. This configuration, enabled by technological advancements, has become the prevailing standard worldwide.

EMU trains offer multiple advantages, including higher passenger capacity, greater output, and reduced stress on rail infrastructure. These benefits have led EMU models to account for over 80 percent of the global high-speed rail market.

Hyundai Rotem entered the EMU high-speed segment with the launch of the first-generation KTX-Eum and KTX-Cheongryong in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, the company secured its first overseas high-speed rail order with Uzbekistan Railways, based on the KTX-Eum platform.

The second-generation KTX-Eum aims to improve upon EMU-specific challenges such as cabin noise and vibration. To address these issues, Hyundai Rotem reinforced the lower structure of the train and added additional suspension systems at rail contact points.

In a comparative test ride with the KTX-Sancheon, the difference in vibration was minimal, and some passengers reported a smoother ride on the KTX-Eum, particularly during departures and arrivals.

Building on these enhancements, Hyundai Rotem plans to strengthen its high-speed rail export business using the second-generation KTX-Eum.

“The global high-speed rail market is defined by the European-developed Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI), and we have completed the necessary compliance work,” the company said. ”A consortium has been formed to bid for the UAE’s Etihad Rail high-speed project, with preparations also underway for upcoming tenders in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe.”

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