IAEA Mission Reviews Republic of Korea’s Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Safety

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Members of the IRRS mission to the Republic of Korea in discussion with staff from a nuclear facility .

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts noted that the Republic of Korea demonstrates a high level of nuclear safety through its independent regulatory body and mature regulatory systems, promoting a strong safety culture. The team also identified some areas for further enhancements and encouraged the country to further align its regulatory framework with the IAEA safety standards.

The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team concluded a 12-day mission to the Republic of Korea on 22 November. The mission was conducted at the request of the Government and hosted by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC), the national regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety.

Using IAEA safety standards and international good practices, IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national regulatory infrastructure, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.

The Republic of Korea has a comprehensive nuclear safety regulatory framework covering nuclear and radiation facilities and activities. Its 26 operating nuclear power reactors, situated at five sites, generate about one-third of the country's electricity. Four reactors are under construction, and two are in permanent shutdown. Spent fuel is currently stored at facilities of their respective nuclear power plants (NPPs). Korea also uses radiation sources in industrial, scientific and research applications.

The IRRS team, comprising 17 senior regulatory experts from 14 Member States and four IAEA staff members, reviewed the regulatory oversight of facilities and activities using nuclear material and radiation sources, including emergency preparedness and response, decommissioning, and occupational and public exposure control.

"Korea has made significant strides in establishing an independent regulatory body, improving nuclear and radiation safety, and fostering a strong safety culture nationwide," said IRRS team leader Laura A. Dudes, Regional Administrator for Region II of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). "We observed that Korean authorities are committed to further strengthening these efforts, and we hope the mission's findings will provide valuable support."

During the mission, the team met with Yoo Gukhee, the Chairperson of the NSSC. The mission team also met senior management and interviewed staff members and related representatives from the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS), the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC), the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) company and the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD).

The team visited and observed inspections by national authorities at various facilities: An NPP in operation and one under construction in Ulju, Ulsan; a research reactor, a facility holding radiation sources and a fuel cycle facility in Daejeon; and a radioactive waste management facility in Gyeongju.

The IRRS team noted good performance in several areas during the review:

• The close cooperation and strong relationships between the NSSC, KINS and KINAC, particularly at regional offices, enhances the effectiveness of the regulatory programme in ensuring nuclear safety and security.
  
• The regulatory body shows a strong commitment to knowledge management and safety by training over 7000 students in nuclear safety through university cooperation and offering nuclear safety and security education through international schools for countries planning to adopt nuclear energy.
  
• By providing RADLOT, a tracking system for the secure use of industrial radiography devices, KINS enables the secure, nationwide use of these materials.

Recommendations and suggestions for further improvement include:

• The Government should revise the national policy and strategy for safety to include all elements required by IAEA safety standards.
  
• Nuclear and radiological laws should clearly state that the person or organization managing a facility or activity is primarily responsible for its safety.
  
• The NSSC should develop additional procedures and processes to ensure their management systems remain robust and support effective regulatory oversight for safety in the future.

"With growing global demand for nuclear energy, governments and regulators must adopt sustainable approaches to enhance safety frameworks," said Anna Hadjuk Bradford, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Installation Safety. "The Government and its regulatory bodies have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment by inviting this IRRS mission."

"Since its establishment as an independent body in 2011, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has worked to establish a robust regulatory framework while actively adapting to a changing environment," Chairperson Yoo Gukhee of the NSSC said. He added, "This IAEA IRRS mission to the Republic of Korea provided a valuable opportunity for us to reflect on what is needed to advance Korea's regulatory system from an international perspective."

The final mission report will be provided to the Government of the Republic of Korea in about three months. The Government plans to make the report public.

IAEA safety standards

The IAEA safety standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.