South Korea has officially approved the dismantling of its first-ever commercial nuclear reactor, marking a historic step in the country’s nuclear energy sector. The Korea Nuclear Safety and Security Commission announced that the government has authorized the decommissioning of the Kori-1 reactor, which has been inactive since 2017.
Located at the Kori Nuclear Power Plant in the southeastern city of Busan, Kori-1 entered service in April 1978 and operated for nearly four decades. The reactor’s decommissioning marks the first such process in South Korean history.
The Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company began the first phase of dismantling in May, focusing on removing chemical contamination and radioactive materials. The company emphasized that the successful execution of the dismantling project will elevate South Korea’s position in the global nuclear decommissioning market. The full process is expected to take 12 years and includes spent fuel removal, site decontamination, and environmental restoration.
Authorities estimate that the dismantling will generate more than 171,000 tons of radioactive waste, and detailed management plans have been prepared. The project is expected to cost approximately 1.07 trillion won (about 788.8 million USD).
South Korea currently operates 26 nuclear reactors, 20 of which are active. Several others are undergoing regulatory maintenance. Meanwhile, the Kori-2 reactor is awaiting government approval for a potential extension of its operational life.
