KTX-Eum

After the development of the experimental HEMU-430X, 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 revenue service (the HEMU-430X is also an electric multiple unit, but it is not for revenue service and mass production). The original order was for five six-car units of EMU-260,^[6] but an additional order for 14 six-car units was placed in December 2016; both orders were scheduled for delivery around 2020 to 2021.^[7][8]

In September 2016, Korail held a contest for the public to decide the design of the new models.^[9] In 2017, a mockup of the chosen design was exhibited to the public to promote the train and receive feedback.^[10] On November 4, 2019, the first set was delivered to Korail.^[11][12]

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.^[13] The model was officially renamed "KTX-Eum" (KTX-이음) in October 2020, after Korail filed patent trademark with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.^[14] The word '이음' in Korean means 'link' or 'connection', which could be understood as 'uniting through connection'. This name was selected by members of the public, and expresses the desire to connect regions, people, and happiness through trains.^[15]

On January 4, 2021, the train entered service on Jungang Line operating between the electrified section of Cheongnyangni and Andong.^[16]

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.^[17][18]

On June 19, 2025, it was reported that Hyundai Rotem introduced upgrades to KTX-Eum with significant improvements in noise, vibration, and ride quality. These upgraded trains have been supplied to Korail from 2025 onwards, and feature buffer devices with improved bogie performance, which will increase the strength of the lower part of the car body that would lead to reduced external impact felt by passengers. Noise inside the train cabin will also decrease with improved sound-absorbing material area, as well as sound-absorbing plywood with enhanced sound-absorbing properties on the floor of car body with minimized friction noise from the railway. Similar improvements will also be introduced to the next batch of KTX-Cheongryong trains which are expected to be supplied to Korail and SR Corporation from 2027 onwards.^[19]

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 KTX-Cheongryong trains, but the formation will consist of six cars as opposed to eight cars.^[9] Unlike previous generations of KTX trains, the KTX-Eum uses distributed traction with driving trailers at each end and four powered intermediate cars as opposed to a traction head configuration.^[8][20]

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.^{[8][10][20][11][12]} In addition, every seat is aligned with the window.^{[8][10][20][11][12]}

In June 2024, South Korea and Uzbekistan concluded a KRW 270 billion (approximately US$196 million at the time) 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.^[21][22][23]

As of February 2026^[update], the fleet is as follows:

Wikimedia Commons has media related to KTX-Eum.

• List of high speed trains
• HEMU-430X
• KTX-Cheongryong, a newer trainset based on the KTX-Eum design
• Rail transport in South Korea
• UTY EMU-250, a derived model used in Uzbekistan