Unchanging Vision of Nuclear Energy: Nuclear Power Policy of the South Korean Government and Citizens' Challenge

Abstract

This article reports on the status and perspectives of South Korea's nuclear power policy, enabling a discussion regarding how much of South Korea's nuclear and energy policy has changed. Despite the phase-out or slowdown of nuclear industry in European countries, the Korean Government continues to maintain a traditional energy policy paradigm, expanding nuclear energy continuously in essence for the past several decades. The country ranks now sixth in the world for generating capacity from nuclear power, and a total of 36 nuclear units might be in operation by 2030. The entire country has been seething over the nuclear waste problem for many years. The government's long standing attempts to build the nuclear waste disposal facility have provoked violent resistance from citizens, awakening public awareness of nuclear problems. Under the pressure of environmental movements and climate convention the South Korean Government has taken a small step towards change in its energy policy. However, as long as the illusion of nuclear power is maintained, no change in Korea's energy policy can be effected.