Pre-licensing Regulatory Process for Deep Geological Disposal Facility of High-Level Radioactive Waste

Eun Jin Seo^1,*, Jae-Young Park², Jung-Woo Kim³, Haeryong Jung⁴, Jong-Ho Hong⁵, Sang-Youn Jeon⁶

¹Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, 62, Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34142, Republic of Korea
²Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50, Unist-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
³Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 111, Daedeok-daero 989beon-gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34057, Republic of Korea
⁴Korea Radioactive Waste Agency, 19, Chunghyocheon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38062, Republic of Korea
⁵Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., 1655, Bulguk-ro, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38120, Republic of Korea
⁶KEPCO Nuclear Fuel, Co., Ltd., 242, Daedeok-daero 989beon-gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34057, Republic of Korea

Received 2025-03-14 ; Revised 2025-03-27 ; Approved 2025-04-09

Abstract

Deep geological disposal facilities require early regulatory involvement to ensure safety, transparency, and efficiency throughout their long development process. Leading countries, such as Finland, Sweden, France, and the UK, actively engage regulatory bodies from the early stages, following international guidelines set by the IAEA and OECD/NEA. However, in Korea, the current regulatory framework lacks a legal basis for pre-licensing reviews, highlighting the need for institutional reforms and clear agreements between regulators and operators. A phased regulatory approach which covers pre-site selection, site selection, and post-selection stages can enhance project stability and minimize risks. To successfully implement early regulatory involvement, Korea must revise its legal framework, develop strategic roadmaps, and foster transparent communication with stakeholders.

Key Words : Deep geological disposal, Regulatory framework, Pre-licensing, Long-term safety