Korea 4th in the World to Develop Bullet Train

Hyundai Rotem, an affiliate of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, unveiled its new high-speed train KTX-II yesterday, making Korea the fourth country to independently develop a high-speed train.

The new train can run up to 300 kilometers per hour like the existing KTX, Korea`s first high-speed train which was designed by Alstom of France.

Domestic technology comprised 85-87 percent of the KTX-II`s development, up from 58 percent. Hyundai Rotem plans to increase the proportion to 95 percent between 2014 and 2015.

Commercial use of the new train is expected as early as July.

The new bullet train is fitted with seats rotating 360 degrees, which are only available in special coach class on existing trains. About half of ordinary passengers have traveled in seats facing the back of the train.

The company expects the new high-speed train to produce a value added effect of 7.5 trillion won (five million U.S. dollars) by replacing imports and cut the related budget 840 billion won (560 billion dollars) by 2020.

After six months of test runs by Korea Railroad, KTX-II will be first deployed on lines to the Jeolla provinces in July, followed by other lines running through the Gyeongsang provinces.

achim@donga.com