This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
12 January 1950
Secretary of State Dean Acheson delivers a speech before the National Press Club in Washington, DC, and says that South Korea is outside the US defense perimeter in East Asia. Many people have interpreted the speech as a signal that the United States would not intervene in the case of a southward invasion on the Korean peninsula, and thus a "green light" to Kim Il Sung to launch the Korean War.
—Dean Acheson, "Crisis in China—An Examination of United States Policy," Department of State Bulletin, Vol. XXII, 23 January 1950, pp. 111-118; Bruce Cumings, "'The Speech': Achesonian Deterrence at the Press Club," Chapter 13 in The Origins of the Korean War: Volume II, The Roaring of the Cataract 1947-1950 (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1990), pp. 408-428.
25 June 1950
The Korean People's Army crosses the 38th parallel to start the Korean War.
—Bruce Cumings, "Who Started the Korean War? Three Mosaics," Chapter Eighteen in The Origins of the Korean War: Volume II, The Roaring of the Cataract 1947-1950 (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1990), pp. 568- 621; Stanley Weintraub, "Day One," Chapter Three in MacArthur's War: Korea and the Undoing of an American Hero (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000), pp. 24-37; Carter Eckert, et al, Korea Old and New: A History (Seoul: Ilchokak Publishers, 1990), pp. 344-346; Donald Stone MacDonald, The Koreans: Contemporary Politics and Society (Boulder: Westview Press, 1990), p. 50.
17 July 1950
General Douglas MacArthur tells US Army Department officials in Tokyo about his plan for an amphibious invasion behind enemy lines and to "destroy North Korea." MacArthur also says he sees "a unique use of the atomic bomb—to strike a blocking blow" in case China entered the war.
—Bruce Cumings, "Introduction: The Course of Korean-American Relations, 1943-1953," in Bruce Cumings, editor, Child of Conflict: The Korean-American Relationship 1943-1953 (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1983), p. 53.
30 November 1950
During a press conference, President Truman is asked if the United States would consider using the atomic bomb in Korea, and he replies, "There has always been active consideration of its use. I don't want to see it used. It is a terrible weapon, and it should not be used on innocent men, women and children who have nothing to do with this military aggression—that happens when it's used." The statement is very controversial, and draws strong international criticism, even from US allies.
—Stanley Weintraub, MacArthur's War: Korea and the Undoing of an American Hero (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000), pp. 257-259; Roger Dingman, "Atomic Diplomacy During the Korean War," International Security, Vol. 13, No. 3, Winter 1988/1989, pp. 65-66.
24 December 1950
General Douglas MacArthur sends a list of targets to the Pentagon and asks for 34 atomic bombs to create "a belt of radioactive cobalt across the neck of Manchuria so that there could be no land invasion of Korea from the north for at least 60 years."
—Stanley Weintraub, MacArthur's War: Korea and the Undoing of an American Hero (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000), pp. 263-264.
6 April 1951
President Truman orders the transfer of "nuclear capsules" or "pits" to Guam following a major Chinese military offensive in Korea.
—Robert S. Norris, William N. Arkin and William Burr, "Where They Were," The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Vol. 55, No. 6, November/December 1999, p. 29; Roger Dingman, "Atomic Diplomacy During the Korean War," International Security, Vol. 13, No. 3, Winter 1988/1989, p. 72.
7 April 1951
The 99th Medium Bomb Wing at Travis Air Force Base in California receives its orders to deliver atomic bombs to Guam.
—Roger Dingman, "Atomic Diplomacy During the Korean War," International Security, Vol. 13, No. 3, Winter 1988/1989, p. 73.
Late June 1951
B-29 bombers deployed to Guam return to the US mainland with their nuclear weapons.
—Roger Dingman, "Atomic Diplomacy During the Korean War," International Security, Vol. 13, No. 3, Winter 1988/1989, p. 78.
Mid-1952
The Joint Chiefs of Staff asks President Truman to authorize the deployment of "non-nuclear components to forward areas" in Pacific theater bases under US control (Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and Okinawa) in case the security situation worsened in East Asia.
—Robert S. Norris, William N. Arkin and William Burr, "Where They Were," The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Vol. 55, No. 6, November/December 1999, p. 30.
27 July 1953
The Korean War Armistice is signed, but South Korean President Rhee Syngman refuses to sign the document. Some people believe that President Eisenhower's implicit threats to use nuclear weapons result in the armistice. North Korea later accuses the Eisenhower administration of developing "22 plots to use atomic weapons against North Korea and other socialist countries."
—"Agreement between the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, on the One Hand, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and the Commander of the Chinese People's Volunteers, on the Other Hand, Concerning a Military Armistice in Korea," signed at Pammunŏm, 27 July 1953; Rosemary J. Foot, "Nuclear Coercion and the Ending of the Korean Conflict," International Security, Vol. 13, No. 3, Winter 1988/1989, pp. 92-93; Rosemary J. Foot, The Wrong War: American Policy and the Dimensions of the Korean Conflict, 1950-1953 (Ithaca: Cornell University Press: 1985), pp. 204-205, 213-214, 220; "Rodong Sinmun on U.S. Nuclear Strategy for Aggression," Korean Central News Agency, 16 March 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Migug'ŭi Ch'imnyakchŏkhaekchŏllyag'e Taehae P'ongno/Rodongshinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 16 March 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.
8 December 1953
President Eisenhower delivers his "Atoms for Peace" address before the UN General Assembly. There are four main points under Eisenhower's proposal: 1) the exchange of nuclear information with the United States; 2) the transfer of resources, such as fuel; 3) the transfer of nuclear reactors; and 4) the development of a system of cooperation under the IAEA.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), pp. 101-102.
1955
South Korean representatives participate in the International Conference on the Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy in Geneva.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), pp. 102.
1 July 1955
South Korea and the United States reach a preliminary agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/
f2_01_01_04_02.html>.
3 February 1956
The United States and South Korea conclude a cooperative agreement for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement is signed in Washington, DC by US Assistant Secretary of State Robertson, US Atomic Energy Committee Chairman Straus, and South Korean Ambassador Yang Yu Ch'an.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 102; Yun Kuk Han, "Namhan Haekshisŏl Pukhanboda Ap'sŏtta/Russia Taewoech'ŏppoguk 'Nambukhan Haek' Pogosŏ," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 2 November 1993, p. 8, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_04_02.html>;
Lee Ch ŏng Hun, "Haek Chaech'orishis ŏl Lee Chong Hun'i Pulbut'igo Chang Yŏng Shik'i Mulkkiŏntta," Shindonga, September 2002, <http://www.donga.com/docs/magazine/new_donga/200209/
nd2002090130.html>.
March 1956
The Atomic Energy Department is established in the South Korean Ministry of Education. Pak Ch'ŏl Chae, the head of the Technology Education Bureau in the Ministry of Education, plays an important role in drafting South Korea's first atomic energy development plan.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 102; Lee Han U, "Wŏnjaryŏk Yŏn'gugaebal (Kŏdaehan Saeng'ae Lee Sung Man 90 Nyŏn: 63)," Chosun Ilbo, 11 December 1995, p. 11, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.
April 1956
Two South Korean researchers in the field of nuclear energy visit the Argonne National Laboratory in the United States for the first time to receive training in the development of nuclear energy.
—Lee Han U, "Wŏnjaryŏk Yŏn'gugaebal (Kŏdaehan Saeng'ae Lee Sung Man 90 Nyŏn: 63)," Chosun Ilbo, 11 December 1995, p. 11, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.
August 1957
The Eisenhower administration approves NSC 5702/2, which includes a provision for the deployment of nuclear weapons in South Korea.
—Bruce Cumings, Korea's Place in the Sun (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1997), p. 478.
24 December 1957
President Dwight Eisenhower issues the order to deploy 280mm nuclear artillery and Honest John nuclear rockets to South Korea.
—Nam Ch'an Sun, "Mihaek 57 Nyŏn Han'guk Ch'ŏt Paech'i/Ike Kunbujujang Pad'adŭr'yŏ," Donga Ilbo, 29 April 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
January 1958
The United States deploys 280mm nuclear artillery and Honest John nuclear rockets to South Korea.
—Bruce Cumings, Korea's Place in the Sun (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1997), p. 479.
Early 1958
The United States deploys nuclear weapons in South Korea for the first time. The weapons are in the form of "atomic artillery, Honest John rockets, bombs, and atomic demolition munitions."
—Robert S. Norris, William N. Arkin and William Burr, "Where They Were," The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Vol. 55, No. 6, November/December 1999, p. 30; Michael J. Mazaar, North Korea and the Bomb (New York: St. Martin's Press, May 1995), p. 20.
1958
South Korean representatives participate in another International Conference on the Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy in Geneva.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), pp. 102.
1958
By 1958, South Korea has sent nuclear specialists abroad for training a total of 89 times.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi H Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 102.
1958
South Korea begins negotiations with the United States to acquire a research reactor.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 103.
11 March 1958
South Korea's Atomic Energy Act is enacted. [Note: The National Assembly passed the legislation on 22 February 1958.]
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Technology Center for Nuclear Control (TCNC), Nuclear Control Hand Book 1998 (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 1998), pp. 1-5; Ministry of Science and Technology, Wŏnjarŏk Anjŏnbaeksŏ 2002 (Seoul: Ministry of Science and Technology, November 2002), p. 42.
1 October 1958
The South Korean government announces the creation of the Atomic Energy Academy (原子力院). [Note: The academy was established by Presidential Decree 394.]
—Seoul Metropolitan Government, "Seoul 600 Nyŏnsa", <http://seoul600.visitseoul.net/seoul-history/sidaesa/txt/8-8-7-1-5.html>.
3 December 1958
South Korea concludes a contract with General Dynamics and General Atomics to procure a 100kw TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics) Mark II research reactor.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 103.
21 January 1959
The South Korean government officially opens the Atomic Energy Academy. The academy is directly under the President's Office, and is placed in charge of research and development, production, utilization, and control of nuclear energy in South Korea. The academy consists of an Administrative Bureau, the Atomic Energy Committee, and the Atomic Energy Research Institute. Kim Pŏp Rin is named the first president of the academy.
—Seoul Metropolitan Government, "Seoul 600 Nyŏnsa," <http://seoul600.visitseoul.net/seoul-history/sidaesa/txt/8-8-7-1-5.html>.
1 March 1959
The South Korean government establishes the Atomic Energy Research Institute under the Atomic Energy Academy.
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "The History of Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute," <http://hanaro.kaeri.re.kr/korean/chron_kaeri.html>; Lee Han U, "Wŏnjaryŏk Yŏn'gugaebal (Kŏdaehan Saeng'ae Lee Sung Man 90 Nyŏn: 63)," Chosun Ilbo, 11 December 1995, p. 11, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.
14 July 1959
South Korean President Rhee Syngman attends a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics) Mark II research reactor.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_04_03.html>.
1959
The US Air Force deploys a squadron of Matador ground-launched cruise missiles in South Korea. The missiles are capable of delivering nuclear warheads and have a range of 1,100km.
—Bruce Cumings, Korea's Place in the Sun (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1997), p. 479.
1959
An IAEA delegation visits South Korea to assess the need for technical assistance.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 103.
1959
The South Korean government establishes the Office of Atomic Energy (原子力廳) under the office of the president. The OAE consists of an Administrative Bureau, the Atomic Energy Committee, and the Atomic Energy Research Institute. The atomic energy committee consists of five members, including the chairman and vice chairman. The Minister of Education is named the chairman of the Atomic Energy Committee, but nuclear scientists manage the basic committee affairs. Pak Ch'ŏl Chae is named the director of the Atomic Energy Research Institute. [Note: In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute, the Radiological Research Institute, and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged to become the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and became the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute was renamed as the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 103; Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "Introduction to KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/engnew/intro3.htm>.
5 November 1960
South Korea completes construction of a nuclear reactor building for the 100kw TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics) Mark II research reactor.—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_04_03.html>.
1 July 1961
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is founded with the merger of Chosŏn Electric Industries, Kyŏngsŏng Electric and Namsŏn Electric.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, <http://www.kepco.co.kr>.
1962
The South Korean government completes the Atomic Energy Development Promotion Plan. The Office of Atomic Energy, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Korean Coal Corporation and other government agencies provide input to draft the plan. The plan proposes that South Korea acquire a 150MW nuclear power plant by 1971.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), pp. 104-105.
30 March 1962
Operation of the 100kw TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics) Mark II research reactor begins.
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "The History of Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute," <http://hanaro.kaeri.re.kr/korean/chron_kaeri.html>; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_01_05.html>.
30 June 1963
The South Korean and US governments sign an agreement for Seoul to borrow special nuclear materials from Washington.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_04_02.html>.
October 1963
IAEA inspectors pay their first visit to South Korea.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 105.
12 October 1963
The Atomic Energy Research Institute completes the construction of a nuclear waste disposal plant. [Note: In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute, the Radiological Research Institute, and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged to become the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and became the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute was renamed as the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_01.html >; MOTIE 1995 Nuclear White Paper, August 1995, pp. 177-323, in "ROK 1995 Nuclear Energy White Paper Part 2 of 2," FBIS Document ID: FTS19950801000965.
1964
IAEA officials make their second visit to South Korea to assist with an evaluation of prospective construction sites for a nuclear reactor.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 105.
1965
The South Korean government establishes the Nuclear Advisory Committee. The committee is established under the director of the Office of Atomic Energy, and has about 20 members from the Atomic Energy Research Institute, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Construction, the Korean Coal Corporation, and scholars.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 105.
1966-1968
South Korea sends engineers to advanced countries to learn about the construction and operations of nuclear power plants.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 107.
February 1967
The Nuclear Advisory Committee forms the Nuclear Power Plant Planning Committee to begin research on the possibility of developing a 200MW nuclear power plant by the mid-1970s.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), pp. 105-106.
30 March 1967
The South Korean government transfers administrative functions of the Office of Atomic Energy (OAE) to the Atomic Energy Agency (原子力廳) established under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). [Note: In 1973, "Atomic Energy Agency" was changed to a "bureau" (局).]
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "The History of Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute," <http://hanaro.kaeri.re.kr/korean/chron_kaeri.html>; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_03.html>; Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "Introduction to KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/engnew/intro3.htm>; South Korea Ministry of Science and Technology, "Immu Mit Yŏnhyŏk," <http://was.most.go.kr>.
Mid-1967
The total number of US nuclear weapons deployed in the Pacific theater peaks at about 3,200 weapons, with about 2,600 of them in South Korea and Okinawa.
—Robert S. Norris, William N. Arkin and William Burr, "Where They Were," The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Vol. 55, No. 6, November/December 1999, p. 30.
June 1967
South Korea asks the IAEA to discuss and provide advice on site construction and on the financing of a nuclear power plant.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 107.
21 January 1968
Thirty-one North Korean commandos secretly cross the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on a mission to assassinate South Korean President Park Chung Hee. The commandos approach within about 800 meters of the presidential residence in Seoul, but fail to assassinate Park. All but one of the commandos is eventually killed or commits suicide. Thirty-one South Koreans die in the fire fights, and 44 are wounded. North Korea later denies it is responsible for the attack, claiming the perpetrators are South Korean citizens rising up against the government.
—"Seoul'e Pukkoemujangganch'ŏptan," Donga Ilbo, 22 January 1968, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Chuck Downs, Over the Line (Washington, DC: AEI Press, 1999), pp. 121-122; 124.
February 1968
South Korea establishes the Atomic Energy Development Promoting Committee (原子力開發展興委員會) with the deputy prime minister and economic planning minister as chairman. [Note: The economic planning minister also serves a deputy prime minister.] The committee later decides to construct two 500MW nuclear power reactors by the mid-1970s, and to hold international bids on the construction of light water reactors, heavy water reactors, advanced gas-cooled reactors, and high temperature gas-cooled reactors.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 107; Kang T'ae Hun, "Pukhan Haengmunjeŭi Kujowa Sŏng'gyŏk," ROK Ministry of Unification, <http://www.unikorea.go.kr>.
April 1968
The Atomic Energy Development Committee decides to delegate the construction and operations of nuclear power plants to three agencies. The Economic Planning Board is placed in charge of managing nuclear energy development plans and negotiations to obtain foreign loans. The Office of Atomic Energy (OAE), with the assistance of the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), is placed in charge of researching the practicality of implementing plans. The OAE is also given the responsibility for nuclear power technology R&D, the administration of nuclear power plant safety, the training of nuclear scientists and engineers, the control and use of nuclear fuel, and the provision of compensation in the case of accidents. KEPCO is given the responsibility of building nuclear power plants, concluding contracts for foreign debt related to reactor construction, and the operation of plants.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 107.
June 1968
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) submits tenders to General Electric, Westinghouse Electric International, Combustion Engineering, and the British Nuclear Export Executive for the construction of a nuclear reactor.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 108.
3 June 1968
The South Korean government establishes the Atomic Energy Development Advisory Committee (原子力發展諮問委員會).
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_04.html.
9 June 1968
A US Atomic Energy Commission delegation, led by Commissioner Gerald F. Tape, arrives in South Korea to discuss the introduction of nuclear power reactors into South Korea.
—Eighth United States Army, Staff Historian's Office, "Chronology: 1 January 1968 - 30 June 1968," p. 17, <http://www.nautilus.org/foia/foiachrons/army_chro_1968.pdf>.
1 July 1968
South Korea signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. [Note: The National Assembly ratifies the treaty on 20 March 1975.]
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_04.html>.
31 January 1969
The South Korean government signs a turnkey contract with Westinghouse for the construction of a nuclear reactor.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 108.; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_04.html>.
8 March 1969
The Korea Nuclear Society (韓國原子力學會) is established.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza
/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_05.html>; Korea Nuclear Society, <http://www.nuclear.or.kr/%20>.
12 April 1969
South Korea holds the ceremony of laying the cornerstone for a 2000kw TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics) Mark III research reactor.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_05.html>.
10 September 1969
South Korea obtains a $98,600,000 loan from the Export-Import Bank of United States for the construction of nuclear power plants.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_04_02.html>.
Late 1969
The Park Chung Hee government begins contemplating the possibility of developing nuclear weapons through both an indigenous program and by purchases through the international nuclear weapons market.
—Michael J. Siler, "US Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy in the Northeast Asian Region During the Cold War: The South Korean Case," East Asia: An International Quarterly, Vol. 16, Autumn 1998, pp. 41-79.
Late 1960's
The Park Chung Hee government establishes the Weapons Exploitation Committee (WEC). The WEC is responsible for managing the international search for advanced weapons systems which include nuclear weapons and related equipment. In addition, the WEC is responsible for obtaining highly enriched uranium (HEU) and working with the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) to negotiate purchases of advanced weapons technologies and equipment with foreign governments and companies.
—Michael J. Siler, "US Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy in the Northeast Asian Region During the Cold War: The South Korean Case," East Asia: An International Quarterly, Vol. 16, Autumn 1998, pp. 41-79.
23 June 1970
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs a contract with Westinghouse for the construction of a nuclear reactor after obtaining financing from the Export-Import Bank of the US, Bank of America, Lazards Brothers Bank, English Electric, and the George Wimpey Group.
—Ha Yŏng Sŏn, Hanbandoŭi Haengmugiwa Segyejilsŏ (Seoul: Nanam, 1991), p. 108.
23 June 1970
South Korean President Park Chung Hee says the presence of US troops is "absolutely necessary" until South Korea develops its own capabilities to defend itself from North Korean aggression. President Park's remarks are a response to the United States's reported plans under the Nixon Doctrine to withdraw US troops from South Korea starting in July 1971.
—"Seoul Chief Terms US Troops Vital," New York Times, 24 June 1970, p. 1, in Proquest, <http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest>.
8 July 1970
The US State Department announces that it has officially informed the South Korean government of the US plan to gradually withdraw US troops staring in July 1971. The decision to slowly decrease US troops in South Korea is part of the Nixon Doctrine to reduce American presence overseas. The United States hopes to leave about 5,000 military personnel in South Korea and is considering providing $1 billion of additional military aid over the next five years. According to South Korean officials, this is the first time the United States has revealed its intentions to withdrawal troops.
—"US Notifies Seoul of its Plan for Removal of Some Troops," New York Times, 9 July 1970, p. 10, in Proquest, <http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest>.
August 1970
The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) is established. The ADD is responsible for research and development of advanced weapons systems, including nuclear weapons. [Note: The agency is established by Presidential Decree 5267.]
—Agency for Defense Development, "History," http://add.re.kr/eng/index.asp.
12 July 1971
The United States and South Korea release a joint statement of "continued determination to maintain strong forces capable of deterring aggression" after a two-day consultative meeting on security. In addition, South Korean President Park Chung Hee requests additional and continuing support from the United States to help South Korea increase its own defense capabilities over the next five years.
—"US and South Koreans Pledge Joint Deterrent to Aggression," New York Times, 13 July 1971, p. 2, in Proquest, <http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest>.
15 November 1971
Westinghouse begins construction of the first nuclear power plant, Kori-1.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, < http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Koriwŏnjaryŏkponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/kori/pages/
company_state/kori_history.htm>.
10 May 1972
Construction of the 2000kw TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics) Mark III research reactor is completed.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_07.html>.
4 July 1972
North and South Korea sign a joint communiqué that declares three principles for Korean unification: 1) unification shall be achieved independently, without depending on foreign powers and without foreign interference; 2) unification shall be achieved through peaceful means, without resorting to the use of force against each other; and 3) a great racial unity as one people shall be sought first, transcending differences in ideas, ideologies, and systems. The communiqué also provides for the establishment of a direct telephone line between Seoul and Pyongyang to prevent the inadvertent outbreak of military conflict. [Note: Following the signing of the joint communiqué, both Kim Il Sung and Park Chung Hee are able to push through constitutional revisions that concentrate power in the executive.]
—Don Oberdorfer, The Two Koreas (Reading: Addison-Wesley, 1997), pp. 23-26; "South-North Joint Communiqué," 4 July 1972, <http://www.unikorea.go.kr/>.
12 October 1972
The Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (原子力産業會議; KAIF), a private and non-profit organization is established. KAIF is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in Korea. Also, KAIF is devoted to create a link between and among the organizations having an interest in the nuclear industry and establish a joint approach to the development of nuclear industry.
—Korea Atomic Industrial Forum, <http://www.kaif.or.kr>.
24 May 1973
The Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) exchanges a cooperation memorandum with the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF).
—Korea Atomic Industrial Forum, <http://www.kaif.or.kr/index_e.htm%20 >.
19 October 1974
South Korea and France sign an agreement on the cooperation of peaceful uses of atomic energy.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_10.html>
20 March 1975
The South Korean National Assembly ratifies the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_04_02.html>.
12 April 1975
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) concludes a treaty with the French nuclear engineering company, SGN, to import nuclear fuel cycle-related technology. SGN agrees to provide information on research, supplies, and service equipment.
—Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute, "History of KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/1_7_1.htm>.
28 May 1975
Korea makes an agreement with Canada to borrow $300 million towards the purchase of a $576.5 million Canadian nuclear power generating plant.
—"Loan for South Korean Candu Purchase," Facts on File World News Digest, 7 June 1975, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
June 1975
President Park Chung Hee says that if US military support weakens, South Korea will have to develop nuclear weapons. In addition, Park announces that South Korea has "the capacity to do it."
—Nuclear Awareness News (Canada), Winter1990/1991, p. 10, in "Korea Buys CANDU Reactor," World Information Service on Energy, 26 April 1991, <http://www.antenna.nl/wise>.
26 June 1975
During an interview with the Washington Post, President Park Chung Hee denies reports from a Newsweek article reporting that he ordered South Korea's Defense Development Agency to study the development of nuclear weapons. However, Park tells the Washington Post that South Korea will do everything necessary, including developing nuclear weapons to defend itself if the United States withdraw its nuclear umbrella.
—Young Sun Ha, "Nuclearization of Small States and World Order: The Case of Korea," Asian Survey, Vol. 18, No. 11, November 1978, p. 1142.
October 1975
Korea Atomic Burns & Roe Co. Ltd., is established. [Note: Burns & Roe later leave the joint venture and the firm is renamed "Korea Nuclear Engineering Co., Ltd." in September 1976. In July 1982, the firm is renamed "Korea Power Engineering Co., Ltd." or, "KEPCO."]
—Korea Power Engineering Company, "Inside KOPEC: A Brief History of KOPEC," <http://www.kopec.co.kr/>.
21 October 1975
The Wŏlsŏng-1 nuclear power plant's construction office opens.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_12.html>.
31 October 1975
The South Korean government signs an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (INFCRIR/153). This agreement enters into force on 14 November 1975.
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Technology Center for Nuclear Control (TCNC), Nuclear Control Hand Book 1998 (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 1998), pp. 2-4.
26 January 1976
South Korea and Canada sign an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear technology that includes a provision for Seoul to purchase a Candu reactor similar to one used by India in building a nuclear explosive device. The agreement notes that Canada will not supply Korea with materials that might be used to develop and detonate nuclear devices.
—"French A-Plant Purchase Canceled," Facts on File World News Digest, 7 February 1976, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_12.html>.
29 January 1976
The South Korean government cancels plans to purchase a nuclear reprocessing plant from France due to concern from the United States that it would raise suspicion that South Korea is developing nuclear arms. In addition, the United States warned that it would withhold the export license, and financing of the $292 million Westinghouse atomic power reactor program.
—"French A-Plant Purchase Canceled," Facts on File World News Digest, 7 February 1976, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 February 1976
The South Korean government signs subsidiary arrangements to the agreement with International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (INFCRIR/153).
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Technology Center for Nuclear Control (TCNC), Nuclear Control Hand Book 1998 (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 1998), pp. 2-102.
18 August 1976
North Korean soldiers use axes to kill two US Army officers in the Joint Security Area at P'anmunjŏm. The confrontation between a United Nations Command (UNC) work crew and North Korean soldiers takes place as the crew is beginning to trim a tree that was blocking the view of a guard post. The tree-cutting operation is completed three days later after UNC forces go on full alert and the two sides go to the brink of war.
—"Pukkoegun, P'ammunjŏmsŏ Migunjanggyo 2 Myŏng Ch'amsal," Donga Ilbo, 19 August 1976, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Don Oberdorfer, The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History (Reading: Addison-Wesley, 1997), pp. 74-83; Chuck Downs, Over the Line (Washington, DC: AEI Press, 1999), pp. 151-158.
September 1976
Korea Atomic Burns & Roe Co. Ltd., is renamed Korea Nuclear Engineering Co., Ltd." after Burns & Roe leave the joint venture. [Note: The company was founded in October 1975 as "Korea Atomic Burns & Roe Co. Ltd. In July 1982, the firm is renamed "Korea Power Engineering Co., Ltd." or, "KEPCO."]
—Korea Power Engineering Company, "Inside KOPEC: A Brief History of KOPEC," <http://www.kopec.co.kr/>.
December 1976
The Korean Nuclear Fuel Development Institute (KNFDI) is established.
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "The History of KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/1_7_1.htm>.
10 December 1976
The South Korean and Spanish governments sign an agreement on atomic energy cooperation.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_12.html>.
29 January 1977
President Park Chung Hee announces at an annual inspection of the Defense Ministry that South Korea "will not go nuclear."
—Young Sun Ha, "Nuclearization of Small States and World Order: The Case of Korea," Asian Survey, Vol. 18, No. 11, November 1978, p. 1142.
1 March 1977
Construction for the Kori-2 nuclear power plant begins.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Koriwŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/kori/pages/company_state/
kori_history.htm>.
3 April 1977
Excavation for the construction of the Wŏlsŏng-1 power plant begins.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_12.html>.
29 April 1977
The Kori-1 nuclear power plant begins commercial operation. The Kori-1 is a 587MWe PWR.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Koriwŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/kori/pages/company_state/
kori_history.htm>.
May 1977
Construction for the Wŏlsŏng-1 Power Plant begins. [Note: Sources have conflicting dates. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) cites May 1977, whereas the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) cites June 1975.]
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Wŏlsŏng wŏncharyŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/wolsong/sub/greet/html>.
June 1977
President Park Chung Hee establishes the Enlarged Conference for Promotion of the Arms Industry, which consists of high-level cabinet and defense officials and industry leaders. The creation of this body is part of President Park's plans to make South Korea self-reliant and less dependent on the United States for defense. According to President Park, South Korea will be manufacturing all its own arms except nuclear weapons, advanced electronic gear, and combat aircraft by the end of 1980. This new plan coincides with the US plans to gradually withdraw troops from South Korea and limit arms exports.
—Andrew H. Malcolm, "South Korea Builds a Defense Industry," New York Times, 10 October 1977, p. 7, in in Proquest, <http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest>.
30 June 1977
South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Tong Jin makes a comment on the possibility of South Korea developing nuclear weapons. According to Park, although South Korea is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it will make an "independent" decision if its security is threatened. Park makes this comment during a National Assembly meeting to discuss the withdrawal of 33,000 US ground troops from South Korea.
—"Official Hints South Korea Might Build Atom Bomb," New York Times, 30 June 1977, p. 4, in Proquest, <http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest>.
8 July 1977
South Korean officials announce that US Under Secretary of State Philip C. Habib will visit Seoul on 10 July. South Korean sources do not provide specific reasons for the visit, but other reports claim that Habib will discuss the withdrawal of US ground troops and South Korea's intention of developing nuclear weapons. South Korean officials have said that the development of nuclear weapons would be "inevitable" if its security is threatened by North Korea.
—"Habib to Visit Seoul For Talks on Pullout," New York Times, 8 July 1977, p. 5, in Proquest, <http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest>.
September 1978
According to Kang Chang Sung, head of the Defense Security Agency, President Park Chung Hee says South Korea has completed 95 percent of the tasks to build an atomic bomb. [Note: Reports of South Korea's secret nuclear weapon development program are not disclosed to the public until the 1990s. According to former government officials under former President Park Chung Hee, South Korea's first atomic bomb was to be completed by early 1981. This information is confirmed by the former head of the Defense Security Agency who says that the Agency for Defense Development told him in 1979, that the fist bomb would be finished by 1981.]
—Sang Hun Coe, "South Korea was Close to A-Bomb Development in Early 1980s," Associated Press, 5 October 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>
16 October 1978
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) completes the nuclear fuel fabrication processing complex at the Taedŏk Science Town in the City of Taejŏn.
—Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute, "History of KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/1_7_1.htm>.
7 November 1978
The United States and South Korea establish a new combined forces command in the UN command compound to prevent a possible North Korean attack. The new command will plan for South Korea's defense in peacetime and, if a war breaks our, will direct combat operations. The decision to establish the command was made last year when discussions were held over compensation for pulling out US ground troops in South Korea.
—M.H. Ahn, "Seoul, South Korea," Associated Press, 7 November 1978, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 December 1978
A planeload of US troops from the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Division's 9th Regiment leaves South Korea as part of President Carter's plan to withdraw all US ground troops from South Korea over the next four-five years. South Korean President Park Chung Hee opposes the plan to have US ground troops withdrawn.
—"Seoul, South Korea," Associated Press, 3 December 1978, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
April 1979
The Nuclear Regulatory Bureau is established under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
—"Nuclear Key to Grow," American Nuclear Society, April 1982, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
9 April 1979
Construction for the Kori-3 and Kori-4 nuclear power reactors begins.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Wŏlsŏng'wŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/wolsong/sub/greet/
history.htm>; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_12.
html>.
11 April 1979
The South Korean government announces its decision to launch uranium exploration and processing projects in joint venture with Gabon and Paraguay in a bid to secure enough uranium supply for its local nuclear power plants.
—Yonhap News Agency (in English), 11 April 1979, in "Uranium Supplies," British Broadcasting Corporation, 25 April 1979, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 April 1979
The construction offices for the Yŏnggwang-1 and Yŏnggwang-2 nuclear power reactors open.
—Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Yŏnggwang'wŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/youngkwg/company/
company02.html>.
2 May 1979
The South Korean government concludes an agreement with Australia to supply uranium for South Korea's nuclear power plants.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_12.html>.
26 October 1979
President Park Chung Hee is assassinated by the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA).
—Terry Anderson, "International News," Associated Press, 26 October 1979, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "International News," Associated Press, 29 October 1979, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
18 December 1979
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs an agreement with Bechtel to receive for construction technology for the Yŏnggwang-1 and Yŏnggwang-2 nuclear power reactors. [Note: KEPCO sources cite 19 December 1979 as the date the agreement was signed.]
—MOTIE 1995 Nuclear White Paper, August 1995, pp. 177-323, in "ROK 1995 Nuclear Energy White Paper Part 2 of 2," FBIS Document ID: FTS19950801000965; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_15.html>.
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Updated November 2004 |
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