South Korea to begin full-scale dismantling of first commercial nuclear power plant, Kori Unit 1

On the 26th, the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) gave final approval to the dismantling plan for Kori Unit 1, South Korea's first commercial nuclear power plant, and it was decided to begin the full-scale dismantling process.
Ten years after the decision to permanently shut down the plant in 2015, the full-scale dismantling work will begin, opening a new chapter in the history of South Korea's nuclear power plant dismantling.
According to Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), the Nuclear Safety Commission held the 216th meeting on the same day.
The council discussed and voted on the Kori-1 dismantling plan submitted by KHNP, determining that all legal and technical requirements had been met and giving final approval.
Kori Unit 1 is South Korea's first nuclear power plant, which began commercial operation in 1978. After 40 years of operation, it was shut down in June 2017.
The decommissioning plan was then drawn up, and the regulatory body conducted a technical review and follow-up process, after which the decommissioning was approved.
With this approval, KHNP plans to gradually dismantle Kori 1 over a 12-year period and redevelop the site.
The demolition work will be carried out in the following order: demolition preparation → removal of major facilities → radioactive waste treatment and site reconstruction.
KHNP plans to begin dismantling the turbine building starting next month.
The plan is to remove the spent nuclear fuel in 2031, dismantle the radioactive system, and complete the dismantling in 2037. During this process, KHNP will focus on radiation safety management, environmental protection, and dialogue with the local community.
This dismantling project will be an important turning point for South Korea to leap forward as a country that has established a full-cycle management system for nuclear power plants, and will also pave the way for South Korea to enter the global dismantling market in the future.
Hwang Ju-ho, president of KHNP, said, "The dismantling of Kori-1 is not just about removing the equipment, but also about internalizing Korea's dismantling technology and expertise.
"This will be a turning point in developing human resources and building an industrial ecosystem," he said, adding, "We want to open up the business process to the public without reservation and proceed with the demolition project based on trust with the local community."
Ta.