Electric locomotives were first introduced to Korea in June of 1972 replacing the diesel locomotives that operated along the June-ang, Taebaek and Yeongdong lines. Under the project to implement electric locomotives in the existing Gyeongbu and Honam lines, electric locomotives (models EL8000, EL8100 and EL8200) using the VVVF (Variable Voltage Variable Frequency) system for increased speed have introduced since 1998. All existing diesel locomotives are planned to be replaced by electric engine cars.

The electric locomotives have better traction and make less noise than the diesel locomotives. This environment-friendly vehicle that generates no exhaust fume is used in high-speed passenger trains as well as freight trains. Electric cars are operated in the metropolitan sections of Seoul, Suwon and Incheon including the Subway line No. 1 which is run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. In the intial stage of the introduction of this electric car to the suburban subway in August of 1974, it was operated under the Cam Shaft Contactor Rheostatic Control System. Since the opening of the Gwacheon Line in 1994, however, the era of electric cars using the state-of-the-art VVVF system was launched.