Korea celebrated on 18 September in Daejeon the 110th anniversary of the installation of the railways in Korea, in presence of several high-level representatives like the Korean Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, Mr Chung Jong-hwan, and the President of the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), Mr Huh Joon-young.

UIC General Director, Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, attended the ceremony and said that “We highly acknowledge the incredible achievement Korea has made in the railway industry. We will fully assist the initiative of Korea’s railway expertise to other parts of the world, including Europe and Brazil”. He added: “We believe KORAIL has the capacity to participate to major railway projects worldwide”.

Every year, Korea organises celebrations in September to pay tribute to the distinctive role played by the railways in modernising the country. At this occasion, KORAIL moved this year into its new HQ. building adjacent to Daejeaon Station.

This anniversary gave also the opportunity to the UIC General Director Mr Jean-Pierre Loubinoux to discuss areas of cooperation between UIC and KORAIL with Mr Huh Joon-young, President of KORAIL. They prepared among others the UIC Regional Assembly for Asia to be held in Daejeaon on 16 and 17 November and the 1st UIC High Speed Interaction Workshop for Asian and European Regions to be held from 18 to 20 November.