SEOUL: South Korea on Thursday unveiled a fully working prototype of its new high-speed train which can operate at up to 430 kilometres (267 miles) per hour.
The new train is the world's fourth fastest after similar trains developed by France, Japan and China, the transportation ministry said. A French bullet train can reach up to 575 kph on test runs.
South Korea introduced high-speed trains based on French technology in 2004. Six years later it unveiled its first home-made bullet train capable of reaching up to 350 kph.
The new prototype is made up of two power cars and four passenger coaches with multiple motor units, the ministry said.
Compared to the previous model the new train is quieter and lighter, and is capable of carrying 16 percent more seats, it added. After test runs, the new bullet trains will go into service in 2016 or 2017. (AFP)
The new train is the world's fourth fastest after similar trains developed by France, Japan and China, the transportation ministry said. A French bullet train can reach up to 575 kph on test runs.
South Korea introduced high-speed trains based on French technology in 2004. Six years later it unveiled its first home-made bullet train capable of reaching up to 350 kph.
The new prototype is made up of two power cars and four passenger coaches with multiple motor units, the ministry said.
Compared to the previous model the new train is quieter and lighter, and is capable of carrying 16 percent more seats, it added. After test runs, the new bullet trains will go into service in 2016 or 2017. (AFP)