On 15 June 2026, a high-level delegation from the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), led by its recently appointed President and CEO Kim Tae-Seung, paid a visit to the UIC Headquarters in Paris. The delegation was warmly received by UIC Director General François Davenne and other key UIC representatives. The meeting provided an important opportunity to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two organisations and share their thoughts about common strategic goals for the 2026-2028 period.
During the discussions, KORAIL outlined its current strategic vision, which places operational safety as its foremost priority, alongside the dual pillars of carbon neutrality and sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on driving a modal shift. KORAIL also highlighted its vision to enhance international connectivity through the development of robust multimodal transport corridors linking the region to markets around the world. Acknowledging the importance of seamless cross-border logistics, KORAIL also expressed its interest in using the UIC framework to facilitate international operational coordination and streamline international freight corridors.
Davenne responded by stating that he welcomes these priorities, noting that KORAIL’s strategic vision aligns perfectly with UIC’s current global agenda. Addressing the sustainability pillar, he also highlighted UIC’s efforts to convene a coalition to bring together transport operators, financial institutions, development banks, technical experts, and policy organisations to review, update, and develop carbon credit methodologies that will enable rail and public transport projects to participate in international carbon markets. Davenne then invited KORAIL to share its expertise with carbon credits within the coalition, given its tried and tested methods. Finally, Kim emphasised the value of his company’s UIC membership and their interest in taking part in UIC’s sustainability and safety activities.
The visit, which took place approximately 100 days into President Kim’s mandate, concluded on a positive note. Both parties expressed their shared confidence in the future of rail development, working together to promote a safer, greener, and more connected railway network in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Photos courtesy of Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL).
