Korea's Brand New High Speed Train - The KTX-EUM
video description
Date: 2024-01-09
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 35
train
Yup, while Gangneung station definitely looks overbuilt now, as Gangneung was hosting many Olympic and Paralympic events at the Gangneung Olympic Park, it made perfect sense to build it that way for all the spectators. The mascots you see at 0: 19 are Soohorang (on the left) and Bandabi (on the right. Soohorang was the Olympic mascot and is a tiger while Bandabi was the Paralympic mascot and is an Asiatic black bear. Sooho means protection in Korean, and Rang derives from -Ho-rang-i-, the Korean word for tiger. Rang also references to Arirang, a cherished traditional Korean folk song from Gangwon. Banda comes from bandal, meaning half-moon, and bi in this case means to celebrate the competition.
Tigers are important in Korean culture. Baekho, the white tiger, is described in myths and narratives as a divine imaginary animal that watches over the mountains and nature. Korea is known as the land of tigers because Korea is said to resemble one! In the myth of Dangun, the founder of Gojoseon, a bear and a tiger wished to become human beings. The bear turned into a woman by observing the commandments to eat only mugwort and garlic for 100 days in a cave, but the tiger could not endure the ordeal and ran off, failing to realize its wish. The bear gave birth to Dangun. Soohorang is the continuity of Hodori from the 1988 Summer Olympics, while Bandabi is the continuity of Gomdoori from the 1988 Summer Paralympics
reply
Yup, while Gangneung station definitely looks overbuilt now, as Gangneung was hosting many Olympic and Paralympic events at the Gangneung Olympic Park, it made perfect sense to build it that way for all the spectators. The mascots you see at 0: 19 are Soohorang (on the left) and Bandabi (on the right. Soohorang was the Olympic mascot and is a tiger while Bandabi was the Paralympic mascot and is an Asiatic black bear. Sooho means protection in Korean, and Rang derives from -Ho-rang-i-, the Korean word for tiger. Rang also references to Arirang, a cherished traditional Korean folk song from Gangwon. Banda comes from bandal, meaning half-moon, and bi in this case means to celebrate the competition.
Tigers are important in Korean culture. Baekho, the white tiger, is described in myths and narratives as a divine imaginary animal that watches over the mountains and nature. Korea is known as the land of tigers because Korea is said to resemble one! In the myth of Dangun, the founder of Gojoseon, a bear and a tiger wished to become human beings. The bear turned into a woman by observing the commandments to eat only mugwort and garlic for 100 days in a cave, but the tiger could not endure the ordeal and ran off, failing to realize its wish. The bear gave birth to Dangun. Soohorang is the continuity of Hodori from the 1988 Summer Olympics, while Bandabi is the continuity of Gomdoori from the 1988 Summer Paralympics
reply
train
Gangwon is quite remote! It's relatively undeveloped being 82% mountainous and only sparsely populated. Besides the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, there's also the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics! As you saw on the sign at 8: 21 for Pyeongchang, the c isn't actually capitalized! The reason the C is capitalized as PyeongChang in the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics emblems is because they wanted to avoid confusion with Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK. In fact, despite this being changed, Olympic sponsor officials accidentally landed in Pyongyang back in April 2017! An Embraer Brazilian jet was carrying eight passengers from Beijing to Pyeongchang but landed instead in Pyongyang. -
With the aid of a translator, the pilot said he was sorry. Like, 1000 times, in several different languages. The passengers were told to disembark while their luggage was inspected. The people were petrified about what might happen. Bemused flight control staff in Pyongyang allowed it and its passengers to land before the plane was ushered to a remote part of the airport. After inspecting the collection of Olympic badges, which were intended to be delivered to Pyeongchang, DPRK officials were satisfied that the landing was completely inadvertent, and the plane was allowed to carry on to Pyeongchang.
reply
Gangwon is quite remote! It's relatively undeveloped being 82% mountainous and only sparsely populated. Besides the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, there's also the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics! As you saw on the sign at 8: 21 for Pyeongchang, the c isn't actually capitalized! The reason the C is capitalized as PyeongChang in the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics emblems is because they wanted to avoid confusion with Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK. In fact, despite this being changed, Olympic sponsor officials accidentally landed in Pyongyang back in April 2017! An Embraer Brazilian jet was carrying eight passengers from Beijing to Pyeongchang but landed instead in Pyongyang. -
With the aid of a translator, the pilot said he was sorry. Like, 1000 times, in several different languages. The passengers were told to disembark while their luggage was inspected. The people were petrified about what might happen. Bemused flight control staff in Pyongyang allowed it and its passengers to land before the plane was ushered to a remote part of the airport. After inspecting the collection of Olympic badges, which were intended to be delivered to Pyeongchang, DPRK officials were satisfied that the landing was completely inadvertent, and the plane was allowed to carry on to Pyeongchang.
reply
-maverick5408
A word about the -first- class, and why the seat pitch is more or less the same as economy class - on the EUM trainsets, there is no -first- class, but rather what Korail classifies as -superior- class. It's basically supposed to be somewhere between first and economy class, hence the slightly lower prices and the not so different seat pitch. As someone who has tried both classes, I strongly agree that it's not really worth the class upgrade. First class on KTX and KTX-Sancheon trainsets is really comfy, though (and quite expensive, but still pretty cheap compared to other countries.
Also, speaking of seat pitch, I can't help but appreciate our Korean trains even more. I've seen a lot of your European train videos and I've been fairly disappointed by the tight seat pitch on those, even in first/business class. The fact that Korean economy class seats are more roomy and comfy than European business class makes me happy to live in Korea. The only exception is the pitch on the original KTX trains, which is a bit tighter, but that's expected since they're directly derived from French TGVs.
reply
A word about the -first- class, and why the seat pitch is more or less the same as economy class - on the EUM trainsets, there is no -first- class, but rather what Korail classifies as -superior- class. It's basically supposed to be somewhere between first and economy class, hence the slightly lower prices and the not so different seat pitch. As someone who has tried both classes, I strongly agree that it's not really worth the class upgrade. First class on KTX and KTX-Sancheon trainsets is really comfy, though (and quite expensive, but still pretty cheap compared to other countries.
Also, speaking of seat pitch, I can't help but appreciate our Korean trains even more. I've seen a lot of your European train videos and I've been fairly disappointed by the tight seat pitch on those, even in first/business class. The fact that Korean economy class seats are more roomy and comfy than European business class makes me happy to live in Korea. The only exception is the pitch on the original KTX trains, which is a bit tighter, but that's expected since they're directly derived from French TGVs.
reply
-GC-jx1eq
2: 20 You can see EMUs are now majority in the current HSR trainset market. Those old-fashioned locomotive-driven KTXs have had several operational disadvantages -- limited passenger space (which is critical for the current passenger trend, low flexibility (too expensive for low-demand lines, and poor traction issues (EMUs are way better to increase accel/deceleration. Design principle of HSR network has been also vastly different from the first idea -- the current Korean HSR network is more like German ones instead of French ones.
8: 50 Not surprisingly, this has been an issue from the trainsets' debut and they investigated it. On this March, Rotem concluded that they designed damper/suspension with some flaws. They planned replacement and is ongoing, so you might have ridden the flawed one and the improved one. Note that there were several similar problems during test of EMU-320-based KTX-EUM which delayed their introduction.
reply
2: 20 You can see EMUs are now majority in the current HSR trainset market. Those old-fashioned locomotive-driven KTXs have had several operational disadvantages -- limited passenger space (which is critical for the current passenger trend, low flexibility (too expensive for low-demand lines, and poor traction issues (EMUs are way better to increase accel/deceleration. Design principle of HSR network has been also vastly different from the first idea -- the current Korean HSR network is more like German ones instead of French ones.
8: 50 Not surprisingly, this has been an issue from the trainsets' debut and they investigated it. On this March, Rotem concluded that they designed damper/suspension with some flaws. They planned replacement and is ongoing, so you might have ridden the flawed one and the improved one. Note that there were several similar problems during test of EMU-320-based KTX-EUM which delayed their introduction.
reply
train
side note: EUM, which should be pronounced like yee-umm, is a korea word stands for 'connecting. ' this stands in line with the Korail's current slogan, 'connecting (people's) mind. '
+ This version of EUM is also called EMU-260 (simply named after its max speed of 260km/h, and EMU-320 (max 320km/h, surprise surprise) version will soon be manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, which eventially will replace all those classic KTX trains with 300km/h max speed. Few of the new EMU-320s are already on track for testing purposes!
reply
side note: EUM, which should be pronounced like yee-umm, is a korea word stands for 'connecting. ' this stands in line with the Korail's current slogan, 'connecting (people's) mind. '
+ This version of EUM is also called EMU-260 (simply named after its max speed of 260km/h, and EMU-320 (max 320km/h, surprise surprise) version will soon be manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, which eventially will replace all those classic KTX trains with 300km/h max speed. Few of the new EMU-320s are already on track for testing purposes!
reply
-hughmnyks
Thanks for this great little video. You posted it while I was on my flight home from Seoul. Must do this route next time! Was a little disappointed that my train the other day from Daegu to Seoul was on a fairly old KTX Sancheon set (118, but it was very quiet, fast and generally most enjoyable!
You were right, non-Korean cards don't work in the automats, which is a shame!
But Korail is impressive!
reply
Thanks for this great little video. You posted it while I was on my flight home from Seoul. Must do this route next time! Was a little disappointed that my train the other day from Daegu to Seoul was on a fairly old KTX Sancheon set (118, but it was very quiet, fast and generally most enjoyable!
You were right, non-Korean cards don't work in the automats, which is a shame!
But Korail is impressive!
reply
-AnnabelSmyth
If you think the upgrade on these trains isn't worth it - well, on some lines between London and the South Coast you have 1/3 carriage of first class (between the first set of doors and the end of the carriage, and literally the only difference, apart from the price, is that the seats have an antimacassar on them saying -First Class-. Otherwise they are exactly the same! I don't waste my money.
reply
If you think the upgrade on these trains isn't worth it - well, on some lines between London and the South Coast you have 1/3 carriage of first class (between the first set of doors and the end of the carriage, and literally the only difference, apart from the price, is that the seats have an antimacassar on them saying -First Class-. Otherwise they are exactly the same! I don't waste my money.
reply
-valentin7077
Just one comment, the class you took isn't technically First Class. First Class only exists on KTX-I and KTX-II, with a 2+1 configuration, and is 40% more expensive than Second Class. But on this KTX-Eum, which has few business passengers, they instead opted for a -Superior Class- (what you took) which is only 20% more expensive than Second Class, hence why it's in a 2+2 configuration.
reply
Just one comment, the class you took isn't technically First Class. First Class only exists on KTX-I and KTX-II, with a 2+1 configuration, and is 40% more expensive than Second Class. But on this KTX-Eum, which has few business passengers, they instead opted for a -Superior Class- (what you took) which is only 20% more expensive than Second Class, hence why it's in a 2+2 configuration.
reply
-ce1834
Think this train platform has a few teething issues. Complaints about noise/shaking in the similar higher speed EMU-320 trains in testing too. Hyundai-Rotem had to pay damages for the delay/problems etc. The seat back screens are interesting, think they'd be ripped off pretty soon in most countries - (think Spain's new Talgo trains might have them too. Looks great!
reply
Think this train platform has a few teething issues. Complaints about noise/shaking in the similar higher speed EMU-320 trains in testing too. Hyundai-Rotem had to pay damages for the delay/problems etc. The seat back screens are interesting, think they'd be ripped off pretty soon in most countries - (think Spain's new Talgo trains might have them too. Looks great!
reply
-lawrencebautista1
There is a second version of the KTX Eum called EMU-320 which are 8 cars long, could be coupled together to form 16 cars, and are set to replace the 1st gen TGV-based KTX sets on the Gyeongbu HSR line. Also, unlike KTX-I and KTX-II Sancheon, EMU-260 and EMU-320 are now designed for level boarding with the higher platforms like the Shinkansen.
reply
There is a second version of the KTX Eum called EMU-320 which are 8 cars long, could be coupled together to form 16 cars, and are set to replace the 1st gen TGV-based KTX sets on the Gyeongbu HSR line. Also, unlike KTX-I and KTX-II Sancheon, EMU-260 and EMU-320 are now designed for level boarding with the higher platforms like the Shinkansen.
reply
train
I rode the KTX pretty routinely between Daegu and Seoul when I worked in Korea until 2016. The trains were always clean and comfortable. Prices were affordable. And it was twice as fast as driving Route 1, which I did numerous times too (don-t get me started on Seoul traffic. My one complaint was the lack of any real catering.
reply
I rode the KTX pretty routinely between Daegu and Seoul when I worked in Korea until 2016. The trains were always clean and comfortable. Prices were affordable. And it was twice as fast as driving Route 1, which I did numerous times too (don-t get me started on Seoul traffic. My one complaint was the lack of any real catering.
reply
-rezaalan3991
Great trip. If they make First Class seating in 2+2, the second class should be 2+3 tbh or using TGV seat configuration. I think you should bring some cash in case of you find vending machines. Overall great train. Lastly, the internet coverage in South Korea is spread widely across the country, even inside tunnel.
reply
Great trip. If they make First Class seating in 2+2, the second class should be 2+3 tbh or using TGV seat configuration. I think you should bring some cash in case of you find vending machines. Overall great train. Lastly, the internet coverage in South Korea is spread widely across the country, even inside tunnel.
reply
-archstanton5973
Where Korail REALLY screwed up was they -adapted-/ACCEPTED the IDIOTIC NOT LEVEL boarding that is common in Japan and China and the UK and PLACES WITH COMMON SENSE.
How SK could EFFUP SO BADLY given that their metro systems use level boarding.
-BLAME IT ON ACCEPTING THE FROGGIES STANDARD. -
reply
Where Korail REALLY screwed up was they -adapted-/ACCEPTED the IDIOTIC NOT LEVEL boarding that is common in Japan and China and the UK and PLACES WITH COMMON SENSE.
How SK could EFFUP SO BADLY given that their metro systems use level boarding.
-BLAME IT ON ACCEPTING THE FROGGIES STANDARD. -
reply
train
Interesting to see that you rate the at seat entertainment syste highly. I remember that the first ICE generation in Germany had music and movies at the seat but although there was a large choice, it never took of. People seem to prefer their own stuff after all.
reply
Interesting to see that you rate the at seat entertainment syste highly. I remember that the first ICE generation in Germany had music and movies at the seat but although there was a large choice, it never took of. People seem to prefer their own stuff after all.
reply
-billbinkelman1259
Thanks for the video, Thibault. A question: Are masks mandatory on trains/planes in South Korea? Or do people all wear masks just as a matter of principle and to stay safe? I ask this since in America, most people no longer wear them.
reply
Thanks for the video, Thibault. A question: Are masks mandatory on trains/planes in South Korea? Or do people all wear masks just as a matter of principle and to stay safe? I ask this since in America, most people no longer wear them.
reply
-seongmin663
Currently, some of the Jungang Line KTX trains also depart from Seoul Station (organized as a composite train with the Gangneung Line KTX. And. it is said that the increase in speed on the central line will be completed within the summer.
reply
Currently, some of the Jungang Line KTX trains also depart from Seoul Station (organized as a composite train with the Gangneung Line KTX. And. it is said that the increase in speed on the central line will be completed within the summer.
reply
-jovada
It's good they offer USB-A, because that side of the cable is always A right? All devices I have, even a new OnePlus smartphone, always have USB-C on the device-side and USB-A on the wall-side.
reply
It's good they offer USB-A, because that side of the cable is always A right? All devices I have, even a new OnePlus smartphone, always have USB-C on the device-side and USB-A on the wall-side.
reply
-aellope3849
I really don't like KTX eum's first class. I like older KTX's (which is TGV) first class. Wider seat with warm interior is better than eum's narrow seat and cold interior.
reply
I really don't like KTX eum's first class. I like older KTX's (which is TGV) first class. Wider seat with warm interior is better than eum's narrow seat and cold interior.
reply
-shaunpierce4174
I did the Seoul to Busan KTX journey (and back) last year, such a great train ride. I'm returning to Korea next year and will do more journeys to different cities.
reply
I did the Seoul to Busan KTX journey (and back) last year, such a great train ride. I'm returning to Korea next year and will do more journeys to different cities.
reply
-bobcase3007
Was in Korea in the 1980's the train service was terrible. I would love to come and enjoy some of the new trains. They look great. A much-needed improvement.
reply
Was in Korea in the 1980's the train service was terrible. I would love to come and enjoy some of the new trains. They look great. A much-needed improvement.
reply
-michaelhall8586
I adore Korail. I just love the safety instruction cartoon they show at the start. It-s one of the best train systems in the world I reckon
reply
I adore Korail. I just love the safety instruction cartoon they show at the start. It-s one of the best train systems in the world I reckon
reply
-ShortCutCities
I used to live in South Korea and I miss using their trains. So much cheaper and usually more comfortable than British trains.
reply
I used to live in South Korea and I miss using their trains. So much cheaper and usually more comfortable than British trains.
reply
-brignole
Not having boarding at platform level seems to me to be a serious deficiency for passengers with suitcases or reduced mobility.
reply
Not having boarding at platform level seems to me to be a serious deficiency for passengers with suitcases or reduced mobility.
reply
-wememe681
Haha People around world should know Hyundai can make bullet train! and hyundai rotem sold a lot of trains to other countries
reply
Haha People around world should know Hyundai can make bullet train! and hyundai rotem sold a lot of trains to other countries
reply
-Lodai974
2: 42 In view of the ramp after the escalators, they plan to raise the platforms up to 1m (the height of the KTX-EUM floor)
reply
2: 42 In view of the ramp after the escalators, they plan to raise the platforms up to 1m (the height of the KTX-EUM floor)
reply
-pongdaang
9: 03 I think it is because of defect it has. Hyundai said that they are going to change the air spring for the problem.
reply
9: 03 I think it is because of defect it has. Hyundai said that they are going to change the air spring for the problem.
reply
-ql1162
Everyone please look at the water in the glass. For sure the coin can't stand long on the table while running in high speed
reply
Everyone please look at the water in the glass. For sure the coin can't stand long on the table while running in high speed
reply
-beckiverson1531
that interior looks fantastic! especially the in seat entertainment - you basically never see that on trains
reply
that interior looks fantastic! especially the in seat entertainment - you basically never see that on trains
reply
-blarfroer8066
The beach in Gangneung kinda reminded me of southern France with all the pine trees. Did you go there as well?
reply
The beach in Gangneung kinda reminded me of southern France with all the pine trees. Did you go there as well?
reply
train
Hey! Just wanted to know what app you-re using for measuring the speed? Any suggestions will help me (for ios) Thanks!
reply
Hey! Just wanted to know what app you-re using for measuring the speed? Any suggestions will help me (for ios) Thanks!
reply
-crusoerob8550
Good finish on yhe trainset. Good occupancy on normal class. Tracks of high speed quality almost. Nice Korea!
reply
Good finish on yhe trainset. Good occupancy on normal class. Tracks of high speed quality almost. Nice Korea!
reply
-shazzatulanam6680
the front of the train kind of looks like TGV atlantique. Also the branding KTX sounds so much like TGV.
reply
the front of the train kind of looks like TGV atlantique. Also the branding KTX sounds so much like TGV.
reply
-timnewman1172
Thanks Thibault for sharing this, looks like Korail has set the bar fairly high but achieved their goals!
reply
Thanks Thibault for sharing this, looks like Korail has set the bar fairly high but achieved their goals!
reply
-AndrewG1989
Korean high speed trains are so beautiful and very fast. I wonder why South Korea loves high speed trains.
reply
Korean high speed trains are so beautiful and very fast. I wonder why South Korea loves high speed trains.
reply
-kayubakar1027
Kereta sangat lambat seperti ------. Mau adu cepat dengan kereta whoosh indonesia? Wkwkwkwkwk
reply
Kereta sangat lambat seperti ------. Mau adu cepat dengan kereta whoosh indonesia? Wkwkwkwkwk
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
