Korean Nuclear Power Plants All Stop in 4 Years?! The Reality of a 72 Trillion Won Disaster

Summary

Chairman Kim Hyun of the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee explains the urgent need for a permanent high-level nuclear waste disposal site in South Korea. Spent fuel pools at major nuclear plants will be full by 2030–2032, threatening forced shutdowns. The government has formed a committee to lead site selection and eventual construction, a project projected to cost 72 trillion won. The discussion covers Korea’s energy insecurity, the indispensable role of nuclear power, global experiences (only Finland is close to operating a repository), and the difficult path of building social consensus through transparent dialogue and community incentives.

• Spent nuclear fuel storage at Korea’s plants will reach capacity by 2030–2032, potentially halting reactor operations if not resolved.
• The high-level waste disposal project carries an estimated cost of 72 trillion won and is one of the largest public infrastructure undertakings in Korean history.
• South Korea’s energy self-sufficiency rate is only 19%, with nuclear providing about 70% of that self-produced energy, making continued nuclear operation a necessity.
• The government committee will first exclude geologically unsuitable areas, then launch an open competition for host communities in 2025.
• Successful site selection relies on transparent communication, unconditional respect for residents, and attractive incentive packages, possibly including direct benefits and public-interest corporations.
• No country has yet fully operated a deep geological repository; Finland is the only nation to have completed construction, while the US project stalled at Yucca Mountain.
• If Korea achieves a consensus-driven, safe repository, it could become an international standard and further strengthen Korea’s position as a global nuclear reactor exporter.