Korean hyperloop technologies, currently behind early adopters such as the Netherlands, Germany, Japan and China, have the potential to advance significantly and position themselves for global competitiveness in the emerging ultra-high-speed transport industry, according to Korean experts. Korea’s version of hyperloop, called the Hypertube, is seen as essential for balanced economic growth by enabling ultra-fast passenger and freight transport at speeds of 1,200 km/h or more. While countries like China and Japan have already made major advancements—with China launching a maglev train in 2004 and Japan achieving 603 km/h in 2015—Korea launched a government task force in April 2024, investing 12.7 billion won for initial research. Despite starting later, Korean experts say the country can catch up due to its existing strengths in high-speed rail technologies, such as the KTX (top speed 300 km/h) and GTX (180 km/h). Korea rolled out the KTX in 2004 and began GTX service in 2023. Hyundai Rotem and KRRI (Korea Railroad Research Institute) are involved in the project, which is expected to progress in phases: technology verification until 2028, test operations until 2037, and large-scale deployment starting in 2038. Key technologies already in Korea’s possession include high-speed propulsion control, stabilization control, low-pressure tube construction, and superconductive electromagnets. Experts from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport highlighted the use of ultra-high-density concrete, 30% cheaper than steel, and effective in reducing electrical interference. Korea’s telecommunication technologies also enable control of the Doppler effect at very high speeds. A critical component of the Hypertube is the superconductive electromagnet, which experts call the system’s “heart.” This technology, also used in Korea’s nuclear fusion research, helped achieve global records in plasma containment. Progress in this area is seen as parallel to the future commercialization of the Hypertube. The goal is not only to deploy a national high-speed transport system, but also to strengthen Korea’s advanced transport technology sectors and expand their markets. Experts say East Asia has the strongest potential for hyperloop development, given its technological base and a population exceeding 1.6 billion. According to researchers, the Hypertube will help Korea secure competitiveness in East Asia, reduce economic concentration in the Seoul capital region, and generate export opportunities. The system combines several advanced technologies, and its development is expected to contribute to market expansion beyond transport itself. (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: The Korea Times