Korean Next-Generation High-Speed Train 'KTX-Eum' Begins Operation on Jungang Line

‘KTX-Ieum’ image photo. Provided by Korea Railroad

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The next-generation high-speed train developed with domestic technology will run through the central inland and Gyeongbuk regions.

Korea Railroad announced on the 5th that the new high-speed train "KTX-Eum" will begin operation between Cheongnyangni and Andong, coinciding with the opening of the double-track electrification on the Jungang Line section from Wonju to Jecheon.

The KTX-Eum operates 14 times on weekdays and 16 times on weekends daily over the 219.4 km section between Cheongnyangni and Andong.

The section from Cheongnyangni Station to Seowonju Station is the same as the existing Gangneung Line KTX route, and the section from Wonju to Jecheon has been converted from a single track (58.2 km) to a double-track electrification (44.1 km). From Seowonju Station, the train runs on the newly established line through Jecheon Station and Yeongju Station to Andong Station.

Double-track electrification project section from Wonju to Jecheon on the Jungang Line. Provided by Korea Railroad.

The KTX-Eum stops at nine stations: Cheongnyangni, Yangpyeong, Seowonju, Wonju, Jecheon, Danyang, Punggi, Yeongju, and Andong. Transfers are possible at Seowonju Station to the Gangneung Line, at Jecheon Station to the Chungbuk and Taebaek Lines, and at Yeongju Station to the Yeongdong and Gyeongbuk Lines.

Korea Railroad expects that the double-track electrification of the Jungang Line and the operation of the KTX-Eum will significantly reduce travel times between the metropolitan area and the central inland and northern Gyeongbuk regions.

The KTX-Eum can operate at a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Considering this, the Cheongnyangni to Jecheon section can be traveled in a minimum of 1 hour 6 minutes (average 1 hour 8 minutes), to Yeongju in a minimum of 1 hour 41 minutes (average 1 hour 45 minutes), and to Andong in a minimum of 1 hour 59 minutes (average 2 hours 3 minutes).

In particular, while the Cheongnyangni to Andong section previously took up to 3 hours 54 minutes, it will now be possible to travel within 2 hours, improving accessibility to the metropolitan area, Korea Railroad expects.

Train travel times by train type after the opening of the double-track electrified Jungang Line. Provided by Korea Railroad

The double-track electrification of the Jungang Line not only shortens travel times for high-speed trains but also for Mugunghwa trains. For example, travel times will be reduced by an average of 48 minutes to Andong Station, 19 minutes to Jecheon Station, and 22 minutes on the Cheongnyangni to Taebaek section, according to Korea Railroad.

The KTX-Eum fare is set at 25,100 KRW for Cheongnyangni to Andong, 21,800 KRW to Yeongju, and 15,400 KRW to Jecheon for standard class. This fare structure is similar to that of premium express buses.

The premium class fares are set at 30,100 KRW for Cheongnyangni to Andong, 26,200 KRW to Yeongju, and 18,500 KRW to Jecheon. These prices are about 20% higher than the standard class fares but cheaper than the existing KTX first-class fares.

However, the KTX-Eum fares are temporarily discounted (1,400 KRW to 3,300 KRW off between Cheongnyangni and Seowonju) as a marketing measure ahead of the full opening of the Jungang Line double-track electrification by the end of next year. Fares may be adjusted once the entire section is completed.

Comparison data of fares and travel times for other transportation modes such as KTX-Eum and express buses (luxury class). Provided by Korea Railroad Corporation

Meanwhile, the name "KTX-Eum" was selected through a public contest by Korea Railroad. This train is significant as the first domestically developed distributed power high-speed train in operation.

It has advantages optimized for Korea's terrain and characteristics, with high seat efficiency and excellent acceleration and deceleration, suitable for high passenger volumes and short distances between stations.

All seats are equipped with wireless phone chargers, power outlets, and USB ports to enhance user convenience.

In particular, the KTX-Eum is an electric, low-carbon, eco-friendly train, emitting only 15% of the carbon emissions of passenger cars and about 70% compared to diesel locomotives.

A Korea Railroad official said, "The KTX-Eum is scheduled to be deployed on the entire Jungang Line between Cheongnyangni and Bujeon upon its full opening next year, as well as on the Gyeongjeon Line, Seohae Line, and Jungbu Inland Line. As the domestic high-speed rail network becomes more dense, it is expected to connect people and regions faster and closer, contributing to balanced regional development."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.