Seoul Strengthens Rail Partnerships With Six Countries To Expand Korean Exports

South Korea, October 2026 – The Seoul Metropolitan Government is hosting 12 railway officials from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Egypt and Malaysia as part of a five-day international training programme running until October 30. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation with countries pursuing urban railway development while promoting South Korea's expertise in railway planning, operations, technology and manufacturing.

The programme is the largest overseas railway officials training initiative organised by Seoul since 2020. Participants will visit several key transport facilities, including the Seoul Transport Operation and Information Service (TOPIS), Seoul Metro, the Shinbundang Line and the Ui-Sinseol Line. The itinerary also includes the Korea Railroad Research Institute and a railway vehicle manufacturing facility, providing participants with exposure to different aspects of the railway industry, from traffic management and daily operations to research and train production.

The initiative is intended to strengthen relationships between Seoul and overseas transport authorities while introducing potential partners to South Korean railway solutions. By sharing practical knowledge and operational experience, the programme seeks to support participating countries in developing their own urban transit systems and create opportunities for Korean companies to compete for international railway contracts.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, South Korean companies have secured urban railway contracts worth approximately 3 trillion won (US$2.2 billion) over the past three years in countries that have participated in its training programmes. Seoul has been welcoming overseas railway officials since 2013, using technical exchanges and institutional relationships to support the international expansion of its domestic rail industry.

The programme reflects South Korea's broader strategy of combining railway knowledge-sharing with international business development. As urban transport networks expand across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other emerging markets, cooperation involving public transport authorities, research institutions and private-sector manufacturers could provide additional opportunities for technology transfer, infrastructure development and cross-border rail industry partnerships.

Source: The Korea Times