SEOUL, October 2025 — South Korea is making significant strides in sustainable rail transport with the upcoming testing of a hydrogen fuel-cell multiple-unit prototype, aligning with the region’s broader push to decarbonise its railway networks. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to green mobility solutions.

The Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), under the oversight of MOLIT and in cooperation with industry, academia and research institutes, is driving a national R&D project budgeted at KRW 32.1 billion through to 2027. Confirmed by MOLIT, testing of a two-car hydrogen fuel-cell EMU is set to commence in December 2027.

The prototype is designed to operate on non-electrified rail segments and is expected to achieve a range of over 600 km per charge and a top operating speed of around 150 km/h. As part of the demonstration phase, hydrogen-refuelling/charging infrastructure will be established on selected routes, such as those around Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province.

With this development, South Korea positions itself to take a leading role in the global hydrogen-rail market. The successful deployment of hydrogen EMUs could make a substantial contribution to the country’s railway-sector carbon-neutrality ambitions and spur growth of supporting infrastructure including hydrogen stations, maintenance regimes and technical standards.

“We intend to develop domestic hydrogen trains as a core part of advancing environmentally friendly rail mobility and securing global competitiveness,” said a senior official at MOLIT. The demonstration stage which begins in 2027 will serve to validate performance, durability and operational readiness ahead of full commercialisation around 2028.

As transport systems across Asia increasingly invest in cleaner and more efficient solutions, South Korea’s dedicated efforts in hydrogen rail technology represent a forward-looking approach that could set a precedent for sustainable rail development throughout the region.
Source: Railway Gazette International