KORAD Completes Phase 2 Near-Surface Disposal Facility for LILW

KORAD Completes Phase 2 Near-Surface Disposal Facility for Low- and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste– Demonstrating Korea’s Technological Leadership through the World’s First Integrated Disposal Complex –– KRW 314.1 Billion Invested to Dispose of 125,000 Drums of Low-Level Radioactive Waste –The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD), led by President and Chairman Cho Sung-don, announced that it held a completion ceremony for the Phase 2 Near-Surface Disposal Facility at the Low- and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste (LILW) Disposal Center in Munmu-daewang-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on June 13.Approximately 500 participants attended the ceremony, including representatives from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongju City, related organizations, and local community leaders.The Phase 2 Near-Surface Disposal Facility was developed with a total project cost of approximately KRW 314.1 billion. Since the project commenced in 2012, construction was completed in December last year after nearly 14 years of development. The facility has a disposal capacity of 125,000 drums based on the standard 200-liter drum.Designed for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste with relatively low radioactivity, the near-surface disposal facility utilizes reinforced concrete structures installed close to the ground surface. The facility consists of 20 disposal vaults and incorporates a five-layer engineered barrier system, ensuring safety even against earthquakes of up to magnitude 7.0.With the completion of the facility, KORAD now operates the world’s first integrated disposal complex that combines both a cavern disposal facility (Phase 1) and a near-surface disposal facility within a single site. This integrated system enables more efficient disposal tailored to the characteristics and radioactivity levels of waste, while significantly strengthening Korea’s radioactive waste management capabilities.The facility also provides a stable disposal solution for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste currently stored temporarily at nuclear power plant sites. Furthermore, it establishes a long-term national infrastructure capable of accommodating radioactive waste expected to arise from future nuclear power plant decommissioning projects.The completion ceremony included a progress report on the construction project, awards for distinguished contributors, site inspections of the disposal vaults and underground access tunnels by key guests, and an unveiling ceremony for the commemorative monument.Officials from South Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Taiwan, and Vietnam also attended the event to share Korea’s expertise in radioactive waste disposal facility construction and operation, while discussing opportunities for international cooperation.“KORAD’s completion of the Phase 2 Near-Surface Disposal Facility marks a significant milestone in the history of radioactive waste management in Korea,” said Cho Sung-don, President and Chairman of KORAD. “We will continue our efforts to establish a radioactive waste management system that earns public trust, while advancing the Phase 3 landfill-type disposal facility and laying the foundation for high-level radioactive waste management.”

KORAD Holds Completion Ceremony for Radioactive Waste Analysis Center

KORAD Holds Completion Ceremony for Radioactive Waste Analysis Center– Pledges to provide safe radioactive waste management services through transparent and scientific verification –The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD, President Sung-don Cho) held a completion ceremony on the 5th for the Radioactive Waste Analysis Center at the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal facility in Munmu Daewang-myeon, Gyeongju, with officials from the Ministry of Climate and Energy, Gyeongju City, and local residents in attendance.The Analysis Center was established to strengthen KORAD’s in-house radionuclide analysis capabilities following an error in radioactive waste nuclide analysis in 2018, with a total project cost of 13.4 billion KRW.KORAD plans to complete the installation of equipment required for nuclide analysis, sample pretreatment, and radiation safety management by the end of this year and to begin operation in January next year.In the first year of operation, the center will begin radionuclide analysis for approximately 400 drums of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste annually, and will gradually increase its analytical capacity in view of the future receipt of decommissioning waste from nuclear power plants.KORAD aims to secure advanced analytical technologies and capabilities so that the center can not only verify a wide range of radionuclides but also develop standards for nuclide analysis.Once full radionuclide analysis capabilities are established for all radioactive waste received at the repository, KORAD will be able to re-verify the radionuclide analysis results provided by waste generators, which is expected to enhance the safety of the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal facility and increase public acceptance of radioactive waste safety.In particular, as analytical data are accumulated, they are expected to be utilized for the development of next-generation disposal technologies promoted by KORAD, safety assessments, and the securing of radionuclide analysis data for decommissioning waste from nuclear power plants.KORAD also plans to help vitalize the radioactive waste industry ecosystem by transferring radioactive waste nuclide analysis technologies to private companies, providing access to analytical infrastructure, and fostering skilled professionals.Meanwhile, on the same day, President Sung-don Cho convened an on-site board meeting at the low- and intermediate-level disposal facility and, together with outside directors, inspected the operation status of the Analysis Center equipment, emergency response and monitoring systems, and overall safety management.President Sung-don Cho stated, “KORAD will provide radioactive waste management services that the public can trust and feel safe about through transparent and scientific verification of radioactive waste.”

CEO Interview

In February, the Special Law on the Management of High-Level Radioactive Waste was passed, further clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency. The agency now faces the challenge of simultaneously advancing a variety of tasks, from follow-up measures on legislation and implementation to the establishment of research facilities. In this process, efforts to gain public trust are also essential. In this interview, we spoke with Chairman Sung-don Cho about the tasks the agency is preparing for, as well as its communication strategies and operational philosophy aimed at earning public trust.Q. You’re leading the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency, the institution in charge of managing radioactive waste. As its head, how do you view the organization’s unique roles and responsibilities? Could you also share the key principles you uphold?A. The most important principles I emphasize in leading the agency are “safety, trust, and transparency.” Managing ra..

Enactment of the ‘Special Law on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management’

Enactment of the ‘Special Law on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management’-A Pledge to 5 Million Residents Near Nuclear Plants-Febuary 27th, 2025Today (the 27th), the National Assembly passed the Special Law on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management at its plenary session.The Special Law on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management serves as the legal foundation for the safe management of high-level radioactive waste. It was enacted through bipartisan agreement nearly 40 years after the government first began selecting sites for radioactive waste facilities in areas such as Yeongdeok and Uljin in 1986. The Special Law on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management includes provisions for the construction of interim storage facilities and permanent disposal facilities for high-level radioactive waste, as well as support measures for host regions.Sungdon Cho, CEO of the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency, stated, “The passage of the Special Law on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management at the National Assembly’s plenary session marks a historic milestone as the first step toward the safe management of high-level radioactive waste. With the enactment of this law, Korea can now truly become a leading nation in the radioactive waste industry, completing the full nuclear power cycle from power generation to waste management. It also provides a legal foundation for measures that address the demands of 5 million residents in nuclear power plant regions who have long called for safe waste management.”He added, “I would like to express my gratitude to both ruling and opposition lawmakers who have worked on related legislation from the 20th to the 22nd national Assembly, as well as to the residents of the five nuclear power plant regions and the nuclear industry for their cooperation in enacting this law. As the national agency responsible for radioactive waste management, the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency will ensure the timely implementation of high-level radioactive waste management projects and contribute to building a safer Korea.”The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency announced that, based on Special Law on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management and the government’s basic plan for high-level radioactive waste management, it will make every effort to ensure the safe management of high-level radioactive waste. Key initiatives include: ▲ Securing proven technologies in a timely manner through the use of underground research laboratories, ▲ Developing a skilled workforce to support smooth project implementation, ▲ Establishing transparent and rational site selection procedures, ▲ Setting safety standards tailored to Korea’s specific needs, ▲ Building public acceptance by fostering consensus with local residents and the broader public.The agency emphasized its commitment to these efforts to ensure the safe and effective management of high-level radioactive waste in Korea.

Gangwon Taebaek City selected as Candidate Site for Construction of Underground Research Laboratory

Gangwon Taebaek City selected as Candidate Site for Construction of Underground Research Laboratory- KRW 513.8 Billion in Government Funding to Be Invested; Pure Research Facility with No High-Level Radioactive Waste to Be Brought In -December 18th, 2024The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (President Sungdon Cho) announced on the 18th that it has selected Taebaek City in Gangwon Province as the candidate site for the construction of the Underground Research Laboratory (URL).The Underground Research Laboratory is a dedicated research facility established to develop core technologies necessary for implementing Korea’s high-level radioactive waste management policies and for studying the country’s unique deep geological environment. No high-level radioactive waste(spent nuclear fuel) will be brought into the facility.The construction project for the Underground Research Laboratory is scheduled to begin in 2026 following a preliminary feasibility study, with completion expected in 2032...

Sungdon Cho Inaugurated as 5th President of the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency

Sungdon Cho Inaugurated as 5th President of the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency- Emphasizing the Agency’s Role as High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Operator, Advancing Intermediate- and Low-Level Waste Projects, and Strengthening Public -May 25th, 2023The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency held and inauguration ceremony for its fifth president, Sundon Cho, at the Korad Hall of its headquarters in Gyeongju on the 25th.President Sungdon Cho started, “It is a clear fact that the Radioactive Waste Management Act designates the Agency as the operator for high-level radioactive waste management projects. My top priority will be to lay the foundation for the smooth implementation of high-level radioactive waste management projects.”He also started, “As we mark the 14th year since the start of the intermediate-and low-level radioactive waste management projects, it is now time to demonstrate the achievements of these projects.”He emphasized the advancement of the intermediate- and low-level waste projects based on safety, through the smooth implementation of key initiatives such as expanding the volume of waste acceptance and disposal, and the construction of the near-surface disposal facility and the Waste Analysis Center, which are representative achievements of the Agency.He further emphasized, “The radioactive waste management project is built on public trust, and communication with numerous external stakeholders is the most important responsibility for all employees.” He urged all staff to strengthen engagement with the public.President Sungdon Cho added, “I will create various opportunities to communicate with our employees and will work together to consider both the present and future of the Agency.”