The inspection was started in response to increased anxiety over nuclear safety following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan last year.

A team of experts led by an IAEA official will inspect the reactor from 29 May 29 to 7 June on invitation of operator Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), the company said.

The Wolseong No. 1 reactor’s design life expires in November.

Nuclear Safety and Security Commission will decide whether to permit the reactor to operate for another ten years, said IAEA.

KHNP is the nuclear power unit of state-run Korea Electric Power Corp, the country’s electricity provider.