[Company Visit] Production of Semi-High-Speed Electric Train 'EMU-150'... Filling the Void Left by Mugunghwa-ho

Visiting Daewon Systems Jeongeup Plant

Adopting Distributed Power System for Increased Efficiency
Delivered 358 Units from First Order in 2019

On the 31st of last month, the 'Korail EMU-150 Mainline Electric Train Delivery Ceremony' was held at the Dawonsys Jeongeup Plant, where participants are seen firing celebratory shots. / Photo by Dawonsys

[Asia Economy, Jeongeup, Jeonbuk = Reporter Lee Myunghwan] The Mugunghwa train has traversed railway tracks across South Korea since 1977. In human terms, it corresponds to middle age at 45 years old. When first introduced, the Mugunghwa was classified as a first-class passenger car, but over time, it has ceded its position to high-speed trains like the KTX and electric trains like the ITX, becoming the lowest tier among domestic passenger trains currently in operation. Due to its long service period, it is undergoing phased retirement because of aging. The aging Mugunghwa and Saemaeul trains are being replaced by the electrified train 'ITX-Saemaeul.' Dawonsys's new semi-high-speed mainline electric multiple unit (EMU) 'EMU-150' is also expected to fill the void left by the Mugunghwa and Saemaeul trains under the ITX-Saemaeul name.

On the 31st of last month, Dawonsys held a delivery ceremony for the EMU-150 mainline electric train at its Jeongeup factory in Jeonbuk. This marked the first appearance of the train model to the public, three years after the order was placed in 2019. The delivery ceremony, held to commemorate the initial delivery of the EMU-150, was attended by key figures including National Assembly member Yoon Junbyung, Jeongeup Mayor Yoo Jinseop, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) Technical Safety Headquarters Director Yoo Youngsoo, and Dawonsys Chairman Park Seonsun.

The EMU-150 has a maximum operating speed of 150 km/h and a design maximum speed of 165 km/h. Unlike the existing Mugunghwa and Saemaeul trains, which have separate locomotives, it adopts a distributed power system with motors installed on each car, providing superior traction and operational efficiency. The train is the first in South Korea to apply a 'Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)' system that monitors key vehicle components in real time, enhancing proactive response capabilities and safety. The train will be manufactured in configurations of 4 and 6 cars depending on the formation. The EMU-150 is planned to operate on seven lines including the Gyeongbu Line, Honam Line, Jeolla Line, Gyeongjeon Line, Janghang Line, Donghae Line, and Jungang Line under KORAIL.

Power outlet and USB charging port installed on the seat of EMU-150. / Photo by Lee Myunghwan

The train experienced firsthand boasted a comfortable environment and various convenience facilities. It secured sufficient seat spacing to ensure no discomfort for an adult male sitting, and the seat shelves were large enough to comfortably place a laptop for work. Each seat featured a 220V outlet and USB charging port installed on the armrest, which was notable. The restroom was also larger than that of the higher-tier high-speed train KTX. Despite adopting a distributed power system that generates power in the passenger cars themselves, noise and vibration during operation were barely noticeable.

Restroom inside the EMU-150 passenger car.
Photo by Lee Myunghwan

The Jeongeup factory in Jeonbuk, where the EMU-150 was manufactured, is Dawonsys's second railway vehicle production base. In addition to the existing Gimcheon factory in Gyeongbuk, the Jeongeup factory was completed in 2019, increasing production capacity. This factory produces urban railway electric trains and semi-high-speed trains. On this day, EMU-150 and urban railway electric trains in various stages of production could be seen throughout the factory. According to a Dawonsys official, the Jeongeup factory is one of only three factories in South Korea directly connected to railway lines inside the facility. Direct connection between the factory and railway lines is advantageous for test runs and delivery of electric trains.

The first delivery of the EMU-150 is also a significant achievement for Dawonsys. It is the company's first semi-high-speed train delivery, having previously focused mainly on urban rail projects. The railway sector accounts for nearly 90% of Dawonsys's sales revenue. The EMU-150 mainline electric train project began with Dawonsys's initial order of 150 cars in 2019, followed by an additional order of 208 cars the same year, totaling 358 cars currently being delivered. The project scale amounts to approximately 594.2 billion KRW. Following the initial delivery of the first trainset, sequential deliveries of the remaining contracted units will proceed in earnest.

A Dawonsys official stated, "We take great pride in completing a vehicle that was fully manufactured with our own technology, including key core electrical components such as the propulsion control system. We expect this to be an important turning point, expanding our railway business from being limited to urban rail to include semi-high-speed trains, ushering in a new phase for our railway business."

The EMU-150 unveiled at the 'Korail EMU-150 Mainline Electric Train Delivery Ceremony' held at Dawonsys Jeongeup Plant on the 31st of last month. / Photo by Lee Myunghwan