Seoul~Busan in 20 Minutes... Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Starts 3-Year Development of 'HyperTube'

127 Billion KRW to Be Invested Over Three Years

The government has embarked on the development of the 'HyperTube,' which is faster than airplanes. The goal is to reach a speed of 1,200 km/h and cover the Seoul-Busan route in 20 minutes. Currently, the same route takes 1 hour and 52 minutes on the KTX without stops.

On the 9th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced, "We will designate this year as the inaugural year of 'K-HyperTube' and officially begin developing the core magnetic levitation propulsion technology for the next-generation ultra-high-speed land transportation system, HyperTube." A total of 12.7 billion KRW will be invested over three years from this year through 2027.

HyperTube System Concept Diagram. Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

The HyperTube is a next-generation ultra-high-speed train that levitates and moves inside a near-vacuum tube using magnetic forces. It is four times faster than the KTX (which runs at 300 km/h). It moves without friction by utilizing electromagnetic forces. It is less affected by weather conditions and is environmentally friendly. The concept was first proposed in the United States in 2013 under the name 'Hyperloop,' while South Korea uses the name 'HyperTube.'

This project will focus on developing technologies in four areas: magnetic levitation and propulsion systems, superconducting electromagnets, driving control technology, and vehicle design. The Korea Railroad Research Institute will lead the research. The core focus is on verifying high-speed operation and stability.

To systematically manage the research outcomes, a public-private joint task force (TF) chaired by the Director of the Railroad Bureau will be operated. Private experts in each technical field will participate to review technological achievements and coordinate the project direction.

Comparison of HyperTube vs. Conventional Transportation Methods. Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Yoon Jin-hwan, Director of the Railroad Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "This research and development is the first step toward the 'airplane on rails,' the HyperTube," adding, "It will contribute to balanced regional development and address the crisis of local extinction caused by the population cliff." Director Yoon also stated, "South Korea has grown from a country that imported high-speed rail technology just 20 years ago to an exporter. We will also push forward so that HyperTube technology can lead the global railway competition market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.