The KTX-Eum (KoreanKTX-이음, formerly known as EMU-260) or Korail Class 150000 is a South Korean high-speed electric multiple unit train manufactured by Hyundai Rotem and operated by Korail. The word 'eum' in Korean means 'uniting through connection'. This name was selected by members of the public, and expresses the desire to connect regions, people, and happiness through trains.[1]

KTX-Eum
KTX-Eum at Cheongnyangni Station
First class interior
ManufacturerHyundai Rotem
Built atChangwon, South Korea
Family nameKorea Train Express
Constructed2019–present
Entered service2021–present
Number under construction222 vehicles (37 sets)
Number built114 vehicles (19 sets)
Number in service114 vehicles (19 sets)
Formation6 cars per trainset
TC1-M'1-M1-M2-M'2-TC2
  • TC - Trailer Control car
  • M - Motor car
  • M' - Motor car with Pantograph
Capacity381 passengers
OperatorsKorail
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Train length150.5 m (493 ft 9+316 in)
Car lengthTC 26.25 m (86 ft 1+716 in)
M, M' 23.50 m (77 ft 1+316 in)
Width3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
Height4.0 m (13 ft 1+12 in)
Doors4 per car, 2 per side (trailer cars)
2 per car, 1 per side (intermediate cars)
Maximum speed
  • Service:
  • 260 km/h (162 mph)
  • Design:
  • 286 km/h (180 mph)
Traction systemIGBT-VVVF
Traction motors16 × 380 kW asynchronous 3-phase AC
Power output6,080 kW (8,150 hp)
Acceleration2.0 km/(h⋅s) (1.2 mph/s)
Power supplyOverhead Catenary
Electric system(s)25 kV/60 Hz AC
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Braking system(s)Eddy current, regenerative, rheostatic, disc, air
Safety system(s)ATS, ERTMS (Ansaldo), TVM-430
Coupling systemScharfenberg
Multiple workingYes
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge

History

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KTX-Eum mockup

After the development of the prototype HEMU-430X train, Hyundai-Rotem and Korail signed an agreement in June 2016 to supply high-speed electric multiple units, the first of its kind in South Korea in commercial service (the HEMU-430X is also an electric multiple unit, but it is not for service and mass production). The original order was for five six-car units,[2] but an additional order for 14 six-car units was placed in December 2016; both orders were scheduled for delivery from 2020 to 2021.[3][4]

In September 2016, Korail held a public contest for the design of the new models.[5] In 2017, a mockup of the chosen design was exhibited to the public to promote the train and receive feedback.[6] On November 4, 2019, the first set was delivered to Korail.[7][8]

In August 2020, Korail held a public competition for the name of the new model, which at the time was known as the EMU-260.[9] The model was officially renamed "KTX-Eum" (KTX-이음) in October 2020, after Korail filed patent trademark with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.[10]

On January 4, 2021, the train entered service on Jungang Line operating between the electrified section of Cheongnyangni and Andong.[11]

On July 13, 2021, Korail announced the train will be introduced on Gangneung Line from August 1, replacing KTX-Sancheon which would be redeployed to other KTX lines.[12][13]

Design

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KTX-Eum at Wonju station
 
Carriages at Cheongnyangni station

Technology incorporated in these trains is derived from the experimental HEMU-430X train previously tested by Korail. The KTX-Eum will feature the same design as EMU-320 trains, but the formation will consist of six cars as opposed to eight cars.[5] Unlike KTX trains, the KTX-Eum uses distributed traction with driving trailers at each end and six powered intermediate cars as opposed to a traction head configuration.[4][14]

Interior

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Standard class interior

Unlike KTX-I and KTX-Sancheon, the seats on KTX-Eum feature more leg room, wider armrests, USB ports, wireless charging pads, and entertainment displays similar to inflight entertainment systems found on aircraft.[4][6][14][7][8] In addition, every seat is aligned with the window.[4][6][14][7][8]

Export variant

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In June 2024, South Korea and Uzbekistan concluded a KRW 270 billion (approximately US$196 million) deal to apply KTX technology in Uzbekistan by supplying 6 sets of high-speed trains and Korail expertise. The high-speed trains, UTY EMU-250, is a variant of the KTX-Eum and will have 7 cars in each set.[15][16][17]

Fleet List in KTX

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As of July 2021, the fleet is as follows:

Set number Year delivered Status
501 2019 In service
502 2020
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511 2021
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520 2024
521
522
523 2026
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534 2028
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kim, Hae-yeon (May 19, 2021). "New high-speed train service connects Seoul to Andong in two hours". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on May 29, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  2. ^ "Korail orders high-speed trains from Hyundai-Rotem". International Railway Journal. August 23, 2020. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
  3. ^ "Korail orders 84 high-speed EMUs". International Railway Journal. August 23, 2020. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d Company, Hyundai Rotem (November 8, 2017). "시속 421km로 달리다! 동력분산식 고속차량 '해무' HEMU-430X" [Running at 421 kilometers per hour! Distributed Power High Speed Vehicle 'Marine' HEMU-430X]. Hyundai Rotem Blog (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 4, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2019. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ a b "Notice - Power Dispersion High Speed Vehicle Design Preference Survey (~9.15)". Korail (in Korean). November 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  6. ^ a b c "2020년 도입되는 차세대 고속열차! 출고식을 앞둔 EMU-250". Hyundai Rotem Blog (in Korean). August 23, 2020. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  7. ^ a b c "Korail takes delivery of first Hyundai Rotem EMU-250 trainset". Railway Gazette International. August 23, 2020. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  8. ^ a b c "Hyundai Rotem delivers first EMU-250 trainset to Korail". Railway Technology. August 23, 2020. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  9. ^ "KTX는 무슨 뜻일까? 우리나라 기차 이름에 숨은 의미는?!". Hyundai Rotem Blog (in Korean). November 26, 2020. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  10. ^ "[단독] 한국철도, 차세대 KTX 열차명 'KTX-이음' 확정". dailysmart.co.kr (in Korean). November 18, 2020. Archived from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  11. ^ Lim Chang-won (January 4, 2021). "S. Korea's high-speed electrical train 'KTX-Eum' makes commercial debut". Aju Business Daily. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  12. ^ Park Sae-yan (July 13, 2021). "8월 1일부로 경전선 KTX 증편, 수서행 KTX 운행 가능해" [From August 1st, the Gyeongjeon Line KTX service will be increased, and the KTX service bound for Suseo will be available.]. Naver (in Korean). Asia Economy. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  13. ^ Park Jang-sik (July 13, 2021). "무궁화호 '최후 야간열차' 폐지...강릉 가는 길은 더 쾌적" [Abolition of Mugunghwa's 'Last Night Train' ... The road to Gangneung is more pleasant]. Naver (in Korean). OhmyNews. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  14. ^ a b c "현대로템 EMU-250 비교분석! 기존 고속열차와 어떻게 다를까?". Hyundai Rotem Blog (in Korean). August 23, 2020. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  15. ^ "(LEAD) Hyundai Rotem secures 1st high-speed train export deal in Uzbekistan". Yonhap News Agency. June 14, 2024. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  16. ^ "Korea's KTX makes first overseas export deal with Uzbekistan". Korea JoongAng Daily. June 14, 2024. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  17. ^ "High-speed rail KTX to see first export via Uzbekistan deal". June 17, 2024. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
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