Because of travel restrictions, only limited numbers of exhibitors from abroad were able to join the show, with all international brands represented by their local Korean sales offices. Nonetheless, RaiLog Korea still attracted 95 exhibitors (2019: 165) and an impressive 21,484 visitors (2019: 20,106).
RailLog Korea proves the potential of the Korean railway market
Although it was not easy to attend RailLog Korea from abroad, interest in the show remained hotter than ever. Mr Park Heong-joon, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, visited the fairground to celebrate the 10th edition. He stressed: “The meaning of this 10th edition is significant. Taking place in Busan – the centre of transportation logistics in Northeast Asia and the gateway to the Eurasian continental railway, the fair remains the best place to showcase the technology of Korea’s railway industry. The organisers have made great efforts to comply with the quarantine rules to make it a safe and successful event.”
Embassies and chambers of commerce from Europe, Africa and several Asian countries also visited the show to celebrate the 10th edition and carefully explore the exhibition ground.
Mr Dirk-Oliver Lukat, Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea was highly satisfied with the show: “Particularly considering the pandemic, RailLog Korea 2021 was a huge success! We have appreciated the networking opportunities as well as the inspiring and innovative exhibition.”
Hydrogen and electric fuel cells point to a sustainable future
Hyundai Rotem attracted visitors by exhibiting two models of their rolling stock. Notably, they showcased a tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells, with visitors encouraged to inspect the carriage and watch detailed presentations on developments in hydrogen technologies. The company also demonstrated their high-speed EMU-320 train which is scheduled to be delivered to Korea’s public rail operator Korail.
Mr Keum Changsun, Director of the Public Relations Department of SR – a railway service provider in Korea, discussed the exposure that RailLog Korea generates for its exhibitors, saying: “RailLog Korea has demonstrated that railway and related technologies in Korea are gradually becoming superior. The show has established itself as a bridge to promote the country’s excellent railway technology to the world.”
Woojin Industrial Systems was another big name to welcome visitors with their latest rolling stock, which is planned to be delivered to the Seoul Metro. The company’s Apollo 1100 electric bus was also exhibited for the first time at RailLog Korea to reflect the latest eco-friendly trends in mobility.
Fringe programme brings industry experts together
Networking and education have always been strong points of RailLog Korea, and this year the Spring Conference of The Korean Society for Railway was once again held alongside the show. Numerous experts from the academy and industry conducted seminars and visited the fairground to discuss the latest topics and trends, including Mr Kim Hanyoung, Chairman & CEO of Korea National Railway, and Ms Lee Jin-Sun, a Professor from Woosong University.
In order to protect participants’ safety, the organisers limited the numbers of attendees at fringe events with all seminars held under social distancing regulations.
RailLog Korea is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt Korea Ltd and BEXCO, co-organised by the Korea Railway Association (KORASS) and the Korea Rolling Stock Industries Association (KORSIA), and hosted by Busan Metropolitan City, the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) and the Korea Rail Network Authority (KR).
Press information and photographic material:
http://www.kr.messefrankfurt.com/seoul/en/media/raillog_korea/news.html
Links to social network websites:
www.facebook.com/raillogkorea I www.instagram.com/raillogkorea
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
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