Conducted at the request of the South Korean government, the mission reviewed the country’s nuclear security-related legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities, as well as security arrangements applied to the transport of nuclear material and radioactive sources, and to computer systems.
In addition, the team reviewed physical protection systems at the Hanbit nuclear power plant (NPP), operated by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP), and at the high-flux advanced neutron application reactor (HANARO), operated by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).
The team concluded that South Korea is working well to conduct strong and sustainable nuclear security activities, and also made recommendations and suggestions for continuous improvement in nuclear security.
Nuclear Safety and Security Commission Secretary General Kim Yong-Hwan said the IPPAS mission was very useful in improving the ROK’s nuclear security regime.
"The Republic of Korea will implement the recommendations and suggestions in the near future, and we intend to invite a follow-up mission afterwards," Yong-Hwan added.
IAEA Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section head Carlos Torres Vidal said, "Successful development of a nuclear power programme necessitates a strong commitment to security, and the example given by the ROK strengthens the message about the value of applying the IAEA Security Guidance and the use of its advisory services."
