– From Domestic Development of High-Speed and Urban Rail Systems to Global Exports: Publication of KRRI’s 30-Year History –– Next 30! Presenting Strategic Directions for Research that Creates Value for the Nation and the Public –UIWANG, South Korea – February 25 – The Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) (President: Sagong Myung) held a ceremony on Tuesday, February 24, at the Omyeong Hall of its Uiwang headquarters to commemorate its 30th anniversary. The event was attended by approximately 300 distinguished guests, including leading figures from academia, industry, research institutes, and government in the field of railway and transportation science and technology, as well as former KRRI presidents.The ceremony was organized to look back on KRRI’s 30-year journey and to reaffirm its vision for the next 30 years.A commemorative video showcasing KRRI’s major milestones and accomplishments over the past 30 years was screened, followed by an awards ceremony honoring individuals who have contributed significantly to KRRI’s development.KRRI was founded in 1996 in an annex building of the Korea National Railroad College (currently the Uiwang Campus of Korea National University of Transportation). Since then, it has led the advancement of national railway technologies—including high-speed and urban rail systems—and has grown into a research institute with approximately 400 staff members.KRRI is currently the only government-funded research institute in science and technology field under the Ministry of Science and ICT specializing in railway, public transportation, and logistics technologies.KRRI successfully developed the 350 km/h-class Korean high-speed train HSR-350x and the 430 km/h-class distributed traction high-speed train HEMU-430X. Through the commercialization of KTX-Sancheon, KTX-Eum, and KTX-Cheongryong, high-speed rail has firmly established itself as a primary mode of transportation for the Korean public.KRRI has played a pivotal role in transforming Korea from a country that imported high-speed rail technology into one that exports it. In 2024, Korea signed a contract to export a high-speed train developed with Korea's own proprietary technology to Ukraine.Looking ahead to the next 30 years, KRRI will focus its research on creating value for the public and society. Its goal is to enhance railway safety and user convenience through digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence. The Institute also plans to expand its research scope to encompass the broader public transportation systems closely connected to daily life.Through speed enhancement research for national spatial innovation and balanced regional development in the era of five major and three special metropolitan areas, KRRI has launched a strategic research initiative this year to develop 400 km/h-class railway vehicle technology. The Institute will also continue to pursue next-generation transportation technologies, including the development of a 1,200 km/h-class Hypertube system.KRRI will concentrate on delivering visible, citizen-centered outcomes and further enhance the completeness of its R&D by expanding commercialization based on trust and collaboration with railway-related institutions and industry partners.Prior to the 30th anniversary ceremony, KRRI opened a time capsule that had been sealed at its 20th anniversary celebration in 2016, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past. During the event, a new time capsule was also sealed to be preserved for the next decade.The new time capsule contains photographs and records from 2026, along with letters written by KRRI staff to their future selves, preserving meaningful memories and mementos of KRRI.In celebration of its 30th anniversary, KRRI also published “30 Years of KRRI,” a commemorative history documenting the journey of KRRI.The publication consists of a comprehensive main volume detailing 30 years of research activities and key historical milestones, as well as a separate supplementary volume featuring photographs and major achievements. Both volumes are available for public access on the KRRI website.KRRI also unveiled a 30th anniversary commemorative emblem and selected “30 Landmark Research Achievements” to mark the occasion. A commemorative wall displaying these achievements has been installed for exhibition.Sagong Myung, President of KRRI, stated, “The next 30 years will be a time to move beyond technological development and to explore what value railways can create in society and in the daily lives of our citizens.” He added, “Building on the research experience we have accumulated over the past three decades, we will continue to faithfully fulfill our role and responsibility as a leading research institute shaping the future of transportation.”    ※ Download Links- 30 Years of KRRI (Full History Volume):https://www.krri.re.kr/web/contents/krri030305.do?schM=view&page=1&viewCount=8&id=24760&schBdcode=_krri03030507&schGroupCode=- KRRI 30th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet (Supplementary Volume):https://www.krri.re.kr/web/contents/krri030305.do?schM=view&act=UPDATE&page=1&viewCount=8&id=24818&schBdcode=_krri03030507&schGroupCode=※ Reference: Photo from the KRRI 30th Anniversary Commemorative CeremonyPress ContactsSunghyun BaekKorea Railroad Research Institutebaeksh@krri.re.kr+82 31 460 5162

- KRRI Renews International Accreditation for 31 Railway Testing Standards -UIWANG, South Korea – February 4 – The Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) (President: Sagong Myung) has successfully renewed its status as an internationally accredited testing laboratory for railway safety and quality assurance through the four-year reassessment conducted by the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS).Through this evaluation, KRRI secured accreditation for a total of 31 testing standards, including ▲16 in the field of mechanics (railway vehicles and related products), ▲12 in the field of electricity (electromagnetic compatibility and software), and ▲3 in the field of fire testing, once again demonstrating its internationally recognized testing capabilities in the railway sector.The KOLAS accreditation system grants qualifications based on mandatory requirements that accredited testing laboratories must comply with. It comprehensively evaluates not only testing competence, but also the expertise of testing personnel, the suitability and accuracy of testing and measurement equipment, and the operation level of quality management systems, thereby ensuring the reliability and impartiality of test results.With KRRI’s continued recognition as an accredited testing laboratory, domestic railway vehicle manufacturers and component developers can have KRRI's test and certification results mutually recognized at the international level. This eliminates the need for overseas testing and significantly reduces both time and cost.In particular, KRRI has continuously maintained its international accreditation for 27 consecutive years since its initial designation as a KOLAS-accredited testing laboratory in 2000, firmly establishing its credibility and expertise as a national public testing institution in the field of railway vehicle and railway product testing and certification.Shin Kyung-ho, head of the Railroad Accredited Test & Certification Department, stated, “This renewal of international accreditation is an official reaffirmation that KRRI’s testing capabilities meet international standards,” adding, “We will do our utmost to verify the safety of railway vehicles and railway products based on reliable test results.”President Sagong Myung of KRRI said, “We will continue to strengthen our testing capabilities so that Korean railway technologies, aligned with international standards, can further expand into overseas markets,” and added, “As a public testing institution supporting safety and technological competitiveness across the railway industry, we will also make every effort to enhance the fairness and reliability of testing and certification.”※ Reference:Aerial view of KRRI’s Osong Railway Test Track in ChungbukPhoto of the KOLAS-accredited Testing Laboratory CertificatePress ContactsSunghyun BaekKorea Railroad Research Institutebaeksh@krri.re.kr+82 31 460 5162