Originating in 2008 with the KTX-Sancheon, South Korea adds this speed marvel to its fleet. Starting May, the train will serve the Seoul-Busan and Seoul-Gwangju routes daily.

This launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of KTX, marking South Korea's advancement in high-speed rail since becoming the fifth nation to adopt such technology.

President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted this milestone as part of a "train revolution," noting future plans to increase Seoul-Busan trips post-2028 infrastructure expansion.

The KTX Cheong-ryong boasts faster travel times between major cities, reducing the Seoul-Busan journey to approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, and Seoul-Gwangju to 1.5 hours, with fewer stops than its predecessor.