Korea unveils second generation high-speed train ”KTX” to reduce noise and improve ride comfort

Hyundai Rotem, a developer of rail cars and other products, unveiled the second-generation KTX-IUM high-speed rail car on June 24.
The second generation KTX-IUM is the first minor change in about six years since the first generation was released in 2019.
The new model was developed and delivered to the Korea Railroad Corporation on June 13. Its biggest feature is that it reduces the shock that is transmitted from the tracks to the train body, improving the ride comfort.
The bogie section is fitted with an improved suspension, and reinforcements have been added to increase the strength of the underbody. Stainless steel is installed around the pantograph that supplies electricity to the vehicle.
The area of soundproofing material has been increased and soundproofing panels have been installed to prevent noise. Kong Myung-sang, the company's senior director of the Highway & SE department, who is in charge of design, said, "We have reinforced the floors and ceilings, and reduced noise by 70 decibels compared to the previous model.
"The noise level has been reduced from 50 decibels to 67.5 decibels," he said. In addition, the Automatic Train Protection System (ATP), which receives information such as the distance to the train ahead and the condition of the tracks, and helps safe driving, is also installed for the first time.
In 2010, the company successfully launched the first domestically produced train, the KTX-Sancheon. This was followed by the first generation KTX-Chongryon and the second generation KTX-
At present, the domestic production rate for everything from technology to parts required for the construction of the train is approaching 90%.