South Korea: Two eight-car trainsets, also known as KTX-Cheongryong, in the liveries of the South Korean operators Korail and SR, were rolled out late in 2025.
They feature several enhancements over the first-generation trains, which entered service in 2024, including improved noise insulation and renewed interiors.
Further technical upgrades comprise increased power capacity for the transformers and auxiliary converters to bolster air-conditioning performance, alongside a refined braking system. The units are fitted with the national KTCS-2 train control and a condition-based maintenance system.
Second generation of high speed EMU-320 from Hyundai Rotem in the SR livery. Source: 최민중
In 2023, Korail and its subsidiary SR ordered 17 and 14 trains, respectively. Hyundai Rotem has stated that the first two trainsets are scheduled for handover by the end of this year, following a set of tests, which is four months ahead of the original schedule. Final deliveries are slated for completion by 2028. This will bring the total EMU-320 fleet, including two first-generation sets, to 33 trains.
It is noteworthy that the KTX-Ieum (EMU-260) and KTX-Cheongryong represent the first high-speed trains to have been developed in South Korea. Rolling stock from this family has already been exported to Uzbekistan.
