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.
Early 1980s
The Atomic Energy Research Institute and Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd. (AECL), investigate the possibility of joint research on the Tandem Fuel Cycle in South Korea. The Tandem Fuel Cycle (later called the Direct Use of Spent PWR Fuel in Candus-DUPIC) uses a uranium/plutonium mixture to reprocess spent PWR fuel. [Note: In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Radiological Research Institute and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged, and became the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and become the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute is renamed to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—Ray Silver, "Canada, South Korea, US Cooperate on Study of Using Spent Fuel in CANDUs," Nuclear Fuel, 19 July 1993, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ann MacLachlan, "Organization Set Up to Handle Storage of Waste in South Korea," Nuclear Fuel, 27 April 1992, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
20 February 1980
South Korea signs an agreement with US Export-Import Bank for $1.1 billion in reduced-interest loans to build two nuclear power plants in Kyema-ri, Hongnong-ŭp, Yŏng'gwang-kun, South Chŏlla Province, South Korea.
—"South Korea Gets $1.1 Billion US Loan to Build Nuclear Plants," Associated Press, 20 February 1980, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
19 March 1980
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs a joint venture contract with COGEMA (Compagnie Générale des Matières Nucléaires) of France and the Gabon government to explore for uranium in Gabon.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza
/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_16.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.
10 May 1980
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs a contract with Rio Algom for a long-term supply of uranium.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza
/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_16.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.
7 November 1980
Two French companies, Framatome and Cogema, win a $926 million contract to supply South Korea with two nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel (Ulchin-1 and Ulchin-2 nuclear power reactors). Under the contract, Framatome will supply two nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 950MW(e), plus nuclear fuel processing service and technical guidance on the construction site in Pugu-ri, Puk-myŏn, Ulchin-kun, North Kyŏngsang Province, South Korea. Cogema will supply $483 million of uranium ore and enriched uranium over 10 years, beginning in 1986.
—"French Companies Upset Westinghouse," Associated Press, 7 November 1980, in 1980, 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_16.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.
December 1980
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) merges with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute (KNDFI) and the name is changed to the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. [Note: In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Radiological Research Institute and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged, and became the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and become the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute is renamed to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "History of KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/1_7_1.htm>.
9 December 1980
Construction begins on the Yŏng'gwang-1 and Yŏng'gwang-2 nuclear reactors.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>.
1981
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) begins constructing the Post Irradiation Examination Facility (PIEF). [Note: In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Radiological Research Institute and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged, and became the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and become the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute is renamed to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "Post Irradiation Examination Facility," <http://nfcf.kaeri.re.kr/pief/intro/equie/content.asp>.
March 1981
Six firms participate in the bidding called by Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Heavy Industries & Construction Corporation to supply turbine generators for South Korea's 9th and 10th nuclear power plants. Bidders include Westinghouse, and General Electric of the United States, General Electric of Britain, Alsthom Atlantique of France, and BBC of Switzerland, and Mitsubishi of Japan.
—"Six Firms Have Participated in International Bidding," Nucleonics Week, 12 March 1981, Vol. 22, No. 10, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 March 1981
South Korea and Belgium sign an atomic energy cooperation agreement.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza
/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_05_17.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.
April 1981
The French government denies reports that France is considering building uranium enrichment plants in South Korea.
—"French Government Officials are Denying," Nuclear Fuel, 13 April 1981, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
8 April 1981
The South Korean government and France sign an accord on scientific cooperation that requires South Korea to use all nuclear equipment and fuel for peaceful purposes.
—"France Firmed its Reactor Sale to South Korea," Nucleonics Week, 9 April 1981, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
22 April 1981
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and France sign a $1.24 billion credit arrangement to finance the construction of South Korea's 9th and 10th nuclear power plants.
—Yonhap News Agency, 22 April 1981, in "International Relations: France-Nuclear Power Agreement," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 27 May 1981, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 December 1981
The South Korean government signs the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (INFCIRC/274). The convention comes into effect on 8 February 1987.
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Technology Center for Nuclear Control (TCNC), Nuclear Control Hand Book 1998 (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 1998), p.3-4.
Early 1982
South Korea and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) renew their arrangement for the exchange of technical information and for cooperation in regulatory and safety research matters.
—"International Briefs," Nuclear News, January 1982, p. 69, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 January 1982
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) becomes a government-owned corporation.
—Korea Electric Power Corporation, <http://www.kepco.co.kr>.
March 1982
Construction begins on the Ulchin-1 and Ulchin-2 nuclear power reactors.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Ulchinwŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/youngkwg/company/
company02.html>.
7 March 1982
The French company Alsthom-Atlantique is awarded the $486 million contract for turbine generators and auxiliary components for South Korea's 9th and 10th planned nuclear power reactors.
—Ann Charters, "South Korea Adopts French Technology for N-Programme," 1 March 1982, Financial Times, p. 5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Korea Power Engineering Company, Inc., "Chronology of KOPEC,"<http://www.kopec.co.kr>.
April 1982
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announces it will postpone international bidding for South Korea's next two nuclear power plants (10th and 11th units) for one year. KEPCO originally planned to issue bidding invitations this month to select the contractor by the end of the year. According to KEPCO officials, financial strains and reduced electricity requirements are the main reasons for the postponement. This postponement will also delay the bidding for the 12th and 13th nuclear units which was originally scheduled for 1983.
—"South Korea Has Formally Decided to Postpone by One Year," Nucleonics Week, 29 April 1982, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Bidding on Korea's Next Two Nuclear Units is Likely to be Postponed," Nucleonics Week, 22 April 1982, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
17 April 1982
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) completes construction of a uranium conversion and uranium ore refining pilot facility. [Note: Nuclear News cites 17 April 1982 as the inauguration date of the two facilities while the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) and the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) cite the completion of only the uranium conversion facility.]
—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; Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "Uranium Pyŏnhwanshisŏl Hwan'gyŏngbo'gwŏn'gwajae Ch'ujin Kyŏng'wi," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/nfcd/TRIGA/kr-U-project.html>; L. Verot, "Korean Nuclear Program, Nuclear News, June 1982, p. 34, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
July 1982
Korea Nuclear Engineering Co., Ltd. is renamed "Korea Power Engineering Co., Ltd." or, "KEPCO." [Note: The company was founded in October 1975 as "Korea Atomic Burns & Roe Co. Ltd." In September 1976, Burns & Roe left the joint venture and the firm was renamed "Korea Nuclear Engineering 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/>.
26 November 1982
Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) establishes the Korea Nuclear Fuel Company (KNFC). KNFC will produce nuclear fuel from imported enriched uranium starting in 1988.
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "History of KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/1_7_1.htm>; Yonhap News Agency, 26 November 1982, in "Energy; Nuclear Fuel Company," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 8 December 1982, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
May 1983
Daewoo Corporation announces that it will join the Canadian subsidiary of West Germany's Urangesellschaft (UG) to explore for uranium in Canada's Northwest Territories. Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) will receive Daewoo's portion of the project's uranium.
—Stephanie Cooke, "KEPCO Signs on for Baker Lake Uranium via Daewoo Participation Deal with UG," Nuclear Fuel, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
22 April 1983
A ceremony is held to mark the completion of construction on the Wŏlsŏng-1 nuclear power reactor. Wŏlsŏng-1 is a 679MW(e) pressurized heavy water reactor. [Note: Yonhap News Agency cites 14 August 1982 as the date construction was completed.]
—Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP)," Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Wŏlsŏngwŏnjaryŏk 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_06_01.html>; Yonhap News Agency, 14 August 1982, in "Energy," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 1 September 1982, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
Mid-June 1983
South Korea's Minister of Science and Technology announces at the American Nuclear Society meeting in Detroit that South Korea will face a shortage of spent fuel storage by 1992 at the earliest and 1997 at the latest. The minister adds that transporting spent-fuel assemblies from the Kori-1 to Kori-2 plants will temporarily relieve the problem, but after 1997, South Korea will have to construct an offsite storage facility or pursue reprocessing.
—"South Korea will Face a Shortage of at-Reactor Storage," Nuclear Fuel, 20 June 1983, p. 7, in Lexis- Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
15 July 1983
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announces that Korea Heavy Industries and Construction Company (Hanjung) will become its subsidiary company.
—"Korea Heavy Industries to Become KEPCO Subsidiary," Associated Press, 15 July 1983, in Lexis- Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 July 1983
The Kori-2 nuclear power reactor begins commercial operation. Kori-2 is a 650MW(e) 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>.
17 January 1984
The Ministry of Energy and Resources announces plans to delay construction of two nuclear plants until after 1986. The two 900MW(e) nuclear reactors will be built by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The plan to delay comes after revisions in the government's energy program from 1984-86 which reduced the increase in energy needed from 7 to 5.2 percent.
—"International News," Associated Press, 17 January 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
April 1984
Bechtel Group, Inc. begins internal investigations of allegations that a former employee funneled bribes to the South Korean government to help win contracts to build nuclear power plants in Korea.
—Gregory Gordon, "Bechtel Investigating Bribery Allegations," United Press International (UPI), 26 April 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Alex Brummer, "New Bribery Threat to Reagan Administration," Manchester Guardian Weekly, 29, April 1984, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
June 1984
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources announces South Korea's decision to build a nuclear fuel fabrication plant near the city of Taejŏn. The plant will be built and operated by the Korea Nuclear Fuel Company (KNFC), and the estimated cost is approximately $75 million. The facility will have the capacity of around 200 metric tons of Uranium per year.
—"South Korea to Construct Fuel Fabrication Plant," Nuclear Fuel, 4 June 1984, p. 9, in Lexis- Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
5 June 1984
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs a contract with 10 banks to provide a $35 million loan over the next eight years for the construction of nuclear power plants.
—"Contract For 35-M-Dollar Loan to Korean Power Corp. Signed," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 6 June 1984, in Lexis- Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
8 September 1984
The Wŏlsŏng-1 nuclear reactor is loaded with domestically manufactured fuel for the first time.
—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.
25 September 1984
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) renews a contract with the US Department of Energy for a 30-year supply of enriched nuclear fuel for South Korea's nuclear power reactors.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza
/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_06_02.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.
1 October 1984
The French Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA), Fragema, and the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) sign an agreement to cooperate in the research and development of PWR fuel rods.
—"French, South Koreans Sign Agreement for Fuel Rod R&D," Nuclear Fuel, 22 October 1984, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
November 1984
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) expands general licenses to export reactor components to countries including South Korea.
—Dinah Wisenberg, "General License Set for Exports to NPT Nations; Component List Unchanged," Nucleonics Week, 8 November 1984, p. 4, in Lexis -Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
November 1984
The Wŏlsŏng-1 nuclear power reactor is temporarily shut down due to a leak of approximately 24 tons of radioactive water. Company officials expect to restart the plant by mid-January 1985.
—"International Briefs," Nuclear News, February 1985, p. 104, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
19 November 1984
Daewoo Corporation announces the discovery of high-grade uranium oxide in its joint venture with the Canadian subsidiary of West Germany's Urangesellschaft (UG) in Canada's Northwest Territories. Daewoo's portion of the uranium will be used to supply South Korea's nuclear power plants.
—"Seoul, Korea," PR Newswire, 19 November 1984, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
Early 1985
Under a revised power program, the South Korean government says it will delay the construction of two nuclear power reactors until 1988. The government's decision to delay is due to South Korea's growing foreign dept and sufficient energy reserves. The original plan was to construct four nuclear power reactors by the end of 1996. South Korea currently has three nuclear power reactors in operation with six more to be completed by 1996.
—Shin Ho Chul, "Korea Starts up Fourth Nuclear Unit but Delays Bids for Future Units," Nucleonics Week, 7 February 1985, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Steven Butler, "Seoul Scales Back Nuclear Energy Programme," Financial Times, 14 March 1985, p. 5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
March 1985
The Ministry of Science and Technology announces its plans to build a nuclear fuel fabrication plant by 1988. The ministry predicts the plant to process 200 tons per year of enriched uranium into fuel assemblies for pressurized water reactors.
—"Fuel Briefs," Nuclear News, May 1985, p. 76, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
May 1985
The chairman of the British Central Electricity Generating Board announces at a press conference that the British are willing to assist South Korea build a nuclear reprocessing plant.
—Anne MacLachlan, "Britain Will be Willing to Help South Korea Build a Reprocessing," 7 June 1985, Nucleonics Weekly, p. 11, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
May 1985
US Ambassador-at-Large Richard T. Kennedy urges the South Korean government to cooperate in providing information regarding incidents at Korean nuclear power plants. South Korea's failure to inform the United States about the Wŏlsŏng-1 nuclear reactor's heavy water leak in November 1984 prompts the US decision.
—Shin Ho-Chul, "South Korea's Failure to Inform the US about the Event at Wolsung," Nucleonics Week, 13 June 1985, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
May 1985
The South Korean government approves the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute's Korea Multi-Purpose Research Reactor (KMRR) project.
—Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "Kung'naeyŏn'guyong Wŏnjaro Yŏnhyŏk," <http://hanaro.kaeri.re.kr:8080/Sub_menu
/Sub_Frm.php?Sub_chk=1&Main_chk=1-2>.
19-23 May 1985
South Korea hosts the 5th Pacific basin Nuclear Conference. For the first time, suppliers of services and products for the nuclear power industry are invited to exhibit their products and services.
—"Suppliers Being Invited to Pacific Basin Conference," Nuclear News, July 1984, p. 60, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Jon Payne, "Fifth Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference," Nuclear News, July 1985, p. 82, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 May 1985
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs a uranium enrichment contract with COGEMA (Compagnie Générale des Matières Nucléaires) of France.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza
/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_06_03.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.
June 1985
The South Korean government decides to build a nuclear fuel processing plant by 1986. Construction of the plant will be done by the Korea Nuclear Fuel Company and the technical know-how on the functional and mechanical designs of fuel assemblies containing uranium for light water reactors will be provided by the West German company, Kraftwerk Union. The plant is expected to be completed in three years, with the capability of producing 200 tons of nuclear fuel annually.
—"South Korea to Build Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Plant," Japan Economic Newswire, 12 June 1985 in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 13 June 1985, in "Energy; Proposed Processing of Nuclear Fuel-West German Help," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 June 1985, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
June 1985
Officials from the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute report on the findings of a joint US-South Korean study of options for the back end of the fuel cycle. The study focused on the cost difference between thermal recycling and reprocessing. According to the findings, there are no major economic incentives for choosing thermal recycling unless the cost of yellowcake, enrichment, reprocessing, and spent fuel storage decrease.
[Note: In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Radiological Research Institute and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged, and become the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and become the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute is renamed to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—Ann MacLachlan, "US-Korean Study Finds Thermal Recycle has no Real Edge over Once-Through Cycle," Nuclear Fuel, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
September 1985
Japan and South Korea sign an agreement for joint technical research and cooperation in the following fields: emergency core cooling systems, radio active waste disposal, operator training, PWR incident interpretation, research reactor technology, and testing of irradiated fuel.
—"S. Korea to Sign Atomic Energy Pact," Japan Economic Newswire, 30 August 1985, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Korea," Nucleonics Week, 5 September 1985, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 September 1985
South Korea and France agree to promote cooperation in aeronautics, nuclear energy, communication and other scientific and technical fields.
—Yonhap News Agency, 4 September 1985, in "International Relations; Western Europe-Science and Technology Minister's Tour," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 18 September 1985, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 September 1985
The Kori-3 power plant enters commercial operation with a generating capacity of 950 MW(e). [Note: Nuclear News cites 895MW(e) as the generating capacity.]
—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>; "KN-6 Dedicated; 10th, 11th, Units Deferred," Nuclear News, August 1986, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
November 1985
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) issues invitations to 23 countries to bid for the construction of South Korea's 11th and 12th nuclear power plants.
—"Kepco Bid Invitations Mark New Phase," Nuclear News, December 1985, p. 60 in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Seoul Asks 23 Groups for N-Power Plant Bids," Financial Times, 7 November 1985, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
December 1985
The South Korean government expresses "deep concern" over an agreement between the Soviet Union and North Korea to construct a nuclear power plant. According to South Korean officials, North Korea, nervous about South Korea's growing nuclear industry, requested aid from the Soviet Union to construct a commercial nuclear power plant. North Korea recently submitted its instrument of accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
—Shin Ho Chul, "North Korea Signs NPT and Soviets Agree to Supply Nuclear Plant," Nucleonics Week, 2 January 1986, p.7, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
Late 1985
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute completes the construction of the Post Irradiation Examination Facility (PIEF). [Note: 1) The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) cites 21 December 1985 as the construction completion ceremony date for both the irradiation and test facilities; 2) In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Radiological Research Institute and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged, and become the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and become the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute is renamed to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—Post Irradiation Examination Facility, The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, <http://nfcf.kaeri.re.kr/
pief/intro/equie/content.asp>; 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.
31 January 1986
The Minister of Science and Technology says in a report to President Chŏn Du Hwan that South Korea will spend $56.72 million to build a 30MW(e) nuclear research reactor by 1990. In addition, the Ministry of Science and Technology plans to build a plant to produce 100 tons per year of nuclear fuel for heavy water reactors in 1987, and another plant to produce 200 tons per year for light water reactors in 1988. [Note: Nuclear News cites 1992 as the expected year to complete the construction of the 30MW(e) nuclear research reactor).
—"S. Korea Aims for Home Production of Nuclear Fuel by 1989," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 31 January 1986, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Foreign News in Brief," United Press International, 31 January 1986, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 April 1986
South Korea and Germany sign an agreement on nuclear energy cooperation.
—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.
29 April 1986
The Kori-4 power plant enters commercial operation with a generating capacity of 950 MW(e) [Note: Nuclear News cites 895MW(e) as the generating capacity.]
—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>; "KN-6 Dedicated; 10th, 11th, Units Deferred," Nuclear News, August 1986, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 April 1986
The first annual Korean Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF)/Korea Nuclear Safety (KNS) conference is held.
—Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF), <http://www.kaif.or.kr/index_e.htm>.
2 June 1986
A formal dedication ceremony is held at Kori, Chang'an-ŭp, Kijang-kun, Pusan for the completion of the Kori-3 and Kori-4 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>; "KN-6 Dedicated; 10th, 11th Deferred," Nuclear News, August 1986, p. 117, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; " Utility Dedicates Two Power Plants," 2 June 1986, Associated Press, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
9 June 1986
The Korean Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) exchanges a cooperation memorandum with the Canada Nuclear Association (CAN).
—Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF), <http://www.kaif.or.kr/index_e.htm>.
16 June 1986
The South Korean government announces its plans to delay the construction of its 11th and 12th nuclear power plants due to the current power surplus.
—"South Korea to Delay Construction of Nuke Power Plants," Central News Agency-Taiwan, 16 June 1986, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
July 1986
A US House subcommittee hearing on US Air Force plans to build ammunition storage facilities capable of storing nuclear weapons at 26 bases overseas including South Korea is released. The facilities will be built underground adjacent to F-15 and F-16 fighter-bombers allowing the air force to respond quickly to an attack with nuclear weapons.
—"US Plans N-Arms Ammunition Stores at 26 Foreign Bases," Japan Economic Newswire, 10 July 1986, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 August 1986
The Yŏnggwang-1 nuclear power plant enters commercial operation with a generating capacity of 950MW(e). [Note: Nucleonics cites 900MW(e) as the generating capacity.]
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Yŏnggwang'wŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/
korea_map/korea.html>; "South Korea's Sixth Nuclear Power Plant Entered Commercial Operation," Nucleonics, 28 August 1986, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
September 1986
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approves the export of 50,000kg of uranium to the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI). The uranium is to be used for research and development on spent fuel manufacturing and conversion of UF6 to UF2.
—"NRC Approves Export of Depleted Uranium to South Korea but Not for FBR R&D," Nuclear Fuel, 8 September 1986, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 September 1986
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) officials announce that Combustion Engineering with General Electric, and Sargent & Lundy have been selected as contractors for South Korea's 11th and 12th nuclear power plants [Note: Nuclear News cites these three companies as KEPCO's top choices, with negotiations towards a contract pending until February 1987.]
—"C-E Selected to Supply NSS For Two New South Korean Units," Nucleonics, 2 October 1986, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "C-E, GE, S&L Named to Negotiate For Order," Nuclear News, November 1986, p. 77, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 November 1986
Construction of Korea's first nuclear fuel fabrication plant begins at Taedŏk near the city of Taejŏn. The plant is being built by the Korea Nuclear Fuel Company and is expected to be completed by 1988.
—"South Korea," Nuclear Fuel, 17 November 1986, Vol. 11, No. 23, p. 16, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Korea Nuclear Fuel Company (KNFC), <www.knfc.co.kr/home/ehistory.htm>.
13 November 1986
The Pentagon announces it has decided to deploy Lance missiles in South Korea due to North Korea moving its troops closer to the Demilitarized Zone. The Lance is a medium-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The Pentagon and Army refuse to discuss whether the missiles being sent to South Korea would carry conventional or nuclear warheads. In addition the Pentagon will send two launchers to South Korea within the next two months but did not specify the exact date or the number of missiles to be sent.
—Norman Black, "Pentagon to Deploy Artillery Missiles in South Korea," Associated Press, 13 November 1986, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
9 April 1987
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs contracts with reactor vendor Combustion Engineering, turbine supplier General Electric, and architect engineer Sargent & Lundy for South Korea's 11th and 12th nuclear power plants.
—"Contracts Signed for KN-11 and -12," Nuclear News, May 1987, p. 50, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Combustion Engineering Awarded Contracts Totaling $200 Million," PR Newswire, 9 April 1987, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
15 April 1987
The Korean Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) exchanges a cooperation memorandum with the Japan Atomic Energy Relations Organization (JAERO).
—Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF), <http://www.kaif.or.kr/index_e.htm>.
June 1987
The president of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) resigns after the South Korean government cancels a $350 million construction contract with Hyundai because the contractor was selected without competitive bidding.
—"Kepco President Resigns after Hyundai Deal Axed," Nuclear News, September 1987, p. 86, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "News: Kepco President Resigns," Financial Times Energy Newsletter, 23 July 1987, p. 19, Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
10 June 1987
The Yŏng'gwang-1 nuclear power plant begins commercial operation with a generating capacity of 950MW(e).
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Yŏng'gwang'wŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/
korea_map/korea.html>.
18 June 1987
A dedication ceremony is held for the completion of Yŏng'gwang-1 and Yŏng'gwang-2 nuclear power plants. [Note: Sources have conflicting dates. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) cites 18 June 1987, whereas Nucleonics Week cites 23 June 1987.]
—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>; "South Korea Officially Dedicates Two More Nuclear Plants," Nucleonics Week, 25 June 1987, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
7-11 September 1987
The sixth annual Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference is held in Beijing, China. The Korean Nuclear Society presents a paper on the steps taken by South Korea to achieve self-sufficiency. According to the paper, South Korea experienced three stages and is currently undergoing the third stage. The first stage involved nuclear power plants based on turnkey contracts with Westinghouse and Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd. (AECL). In the second stage, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) took charge of the projects and contracted directly for the equipment and engineering services. In the third stage, South Korean companies will be the main contractors and will be allowed to subcontract to foreign firms. The main goal of the third stage is for Korean firms to gain total technology transfer from the subcontracting foreign firms.
—Jon Payne, "Sixth Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference," Nuclear News, November 1987, p. 98, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Jon Payne, "South Korea: Planning for Self-Reliance," Nuclear News, December 1987, p. 59, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
9 November 1987
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs a contract with Hyundai Engineering and Construction for the construction of South Korea's nuclear power plants No. 11 and No. 12. The original contract with Hyundai was overturned by the South Korean government for lack of competition in the bidding process.
—"Hyundai Again Selected as New Units' Constructor," Nuclear News, January 1988, p. 54, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 February 1988
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) signs a $28 million contract with Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd. (AECL) to build a 30MW(e) nuclear research reactor in Taedŏk.
—"KAERI to Build Research Reactor Combining Two Canadian Designs," Nucleonics Week, 4 February 1988, p. 5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
14 March 1988
The Canadian Export Development Corporation (EDC) announces its decision to provide $20.6 million for South Korea's purchase of a Canadian nuclear reactor. [Note: The Financial Post cites $16.5 million; the higher figure is likely quoted in Canadian dollars.]
—"Crown Corporation to Finance AECL Reactor Sale to Korea," Financial Post, 16 March 1988, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Canada Helps Finance Reactor," Financial Times Energy Newsletter, 1 April 1988, p. 13, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 May 1988
The South Korean government's Board of Audit and Inspections (BAI) begins investigating the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) for allegations of bribery and unfair business practices, especially during the bidding of nuclear power plants No. 11 and No. 12.
—"Korean Corruption Probe Covers KEPCO Contracts with US Firms," Nucleonics Week, 2 June 1988, p. 1, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
13 June 1988
The president of the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) says at the Canadian Nuclear Association Conference that South Korea is aiming to be self sufficient in nuclear technology by 2000. In addition, he says that the Yŏng'gwang-3 and Yŏng'gwang-4 nuclear power reactors, which are expected to be operational by 1995-1996, will be 79 percent domestically designed and contain 72 percent Korean-made equipment and materials.
—Ray Silver, "South Korea Pursuing Nuclear Self-Reliance," Nucleonics Week, 30 June 1988, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
16 August 1988
The Wŏlsŏng-1 nuclear power plant shuts down for three days due to a puncture in the monitoring line that causes the cooling heavy water to leak.
—"Nuclear Leak Forces Temporary Plant Shutdown in South Korea," Financial Times Energy Newsletter, 7 November 1988, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
10 September 1988
The Ulchin-1 nuclear power plant begins commercial operation with a generating capacity of 950MW(e).
—"First Framatome Unit in Korea Enters Commercial Service," Nucleonics Week, 15 September 1988, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Ulchinwŏnjaryŏk Ponbu,"<http://www.khnp.co.kr/ulchin/Head/
main1_03.jsp>.
23 September 1988
Construction is completed on a nuclear fuel fabrication processing plant in Taejŏn. The plant will produce fuel for light-water power reactors.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/
f2_01_01_06_06.html>; Gregg M. Taylor, "Kepco Plans 18 More Reactors by 2006," Nuclear News, November 1992, p. 41, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 October 1988
The Ulchin-1 nuclear power plant is temporarily shut-down due to a short-circuit in the generator.
—"South Korean Nuclear Plant Breaks Down," Xinhua News Agency, 5 November 1988, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 November 1988
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute (KAERI) begins constructing the Irradiated Materials Examination Facility (IMEF).
—Irradiated Materials Examination Facility, The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, <http://nfcf.kaeri.re.kr/imef/intro/history/content.asp>.
Late 1988
NuTrans, the Korea Nuclear Fuel Company's uranium provider, receives a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) export license to transport 9,200kg of enriched uranium.
—"Nuexco Subsidiary NuTrans Gets Its First NRC Export license," Nuclear Fuel, 31 October 1988, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
December 1988
Local residents and environmental activists allegedly find 54 drums of nuclear waste near the Kori nuclear power plants. Prosecutors begin investigations to determine whether the Korea Electric Power Corporation is to blame for burying waste that gives off four times as much radioactivity as the permissible limit.
—"South Korea Probes Alleged Secret Burial of Nuke Waste," Xinhua News Agency, 15 December 1988, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Ko-Ri Waste Burial Spurs Investigation," Nuclear News, February 1989, p. 102, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
December 1988
The Soviet Union offers to sell enriched uranium to South Korea at lower prices than their current suppliers. South Korea receives uranium ore from Australia and Canada, and has it processed by the United States and France.
—Anne MacLachlan and Shin Ho-Chul, "Soviets are Said to Offer SWU to Korea," Nuclear Fuel, 6 February 1989, p. 5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
31 December 1988
The Korea Nuclear Fuel Company completes construction of its nuclear fuel fabrication plant.
—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.
Early 1989
The CIA informs South Korean officials that North Korea is constructing a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Yŏngbyŏn-kun, North P'yŏng'an Province, North Korea. According to the CIA, North Korea will have the ability to develop nuclear weapons once the reprocessing plant is complete.
—Joong-Ang Economic Daily, 11 May 1989, in "Asian News-North Korea; North Korea Building Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Plant," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 May 1989, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 March 1989
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute starts constructing the Korean multi-purpose research reactor (KMRR). [Note: 1) The KMRR is re-named HANARO (High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor) in August 1994; 2) In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Radiological Research Institute and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged, and become the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and become the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute is renamed to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—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; The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "Kung'naeyŏn'guyong Wŏnjaryŏ Yŏnhyŏk," <http://hanaro.kaeri.re.kr:8080/intro/2-2.htm>.
May 1989
Holtec International announces it has won a $3.5 million contract with the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to supply high density storage racks for the Ulchin-2 nuclear power reactor.
—Marc Sperber, "Holtec Wins Second Asian Contract for Spent Fuel Pool Reracking," Nuclear Fuel, 29 May 1989, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
18 May 1989
The Korean Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) signs a cooperation memorandum with the Forum Atomique Francais.
—Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF), <http://www.kaif.or.kr/index_e.htm>.
June 1989
South Korean researchers present a semi-official long-term forecast for the nation's energy sector. According to the report, South Korea will need an additional 55 nuclear power reactors by the year 2031. The researchers recommend that South Korea acquire 100 percent self-sufficiency in nuclear technology in order to gain more public support. In addition, the report recommends advanced pressurized water reactors to be installed at all nuclear power plants from the year 2006.
—"Think Tank Calls for Big Rise in Nuclear over Next 40 Years," Financial Times, 5 June 1989, p. 13, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 June 1989
Construction begins on the Yŏng'gwang-3 and Yŏng'gwang-4 nuclear power plants.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Yŏng'gwang'wŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/korea_map/korea.html>.
5 July 1989
The Kyunghyang Shinmun, a South Korean daily newspaper, publishes a report confirming the existence of nuclear facilities in North Korea. According to the report, US intelligence agencies spotted nuclear facilities and a suspected testing ground for nuclear detonations through satellite images, and shared this information with South Korean officials during a meeting in late June.
—"Report: North Korea Building Atomic Reactors," United Press International, 5 July 1989, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Pukhan 'Haengnoe'gwan' Shihŏmjang Poyu," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 5 July 1989, p.1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
Mid-1989
The Korea Nuclear Fuel Company (KNFC) takes over operation of the fuel fabrication plant in Taejŏn.
—"Korea," Nuclear Fuel, 10 July 1989, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
Mid-Late 1989
South Korea, the United States, and Canada engage in informal talks over a possible trilateral arrangement to use a co-processing technique to reprocess South Korea's spent fuel. Co-processing involves using a mixture of uranium and plutonium to reprocess spent fuel.
—Ann McLachlan and Mark Hibbs, "North Korea Begins Negotiations with IAEA; South Korea Interested in Coprocessing," Nuclear Fuel, 2 October 1989, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
August 1989
Eleven countries, including South Korea join to create the Asian Energy Institute (AEI) in New Delhi, India.
—Asian Energy Institute (AEI), <www.teriin.org/aei/>.
28 September 1989
A ceremony is held for the completion of a light water nuclear fuel fabrication processing plant.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_06_07.html>.
30 September 1989
The Ulchin-2 nuclear power plant begins commercial operation. Ulchin-2 is 950MW(e) PWR.
—Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏg'wŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Ulchinwŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/korea_map/korea.html>.
17 October 1989
South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs states that North Korea may be developing nuclear weapons, and refuses to allow international inspections of their facilities.
—"Asian News; Seoul Says North's Reactors May Have N-Arms Potential," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 October 1989, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
October 1989
South Korea and Japan conduct a bilateral science and technology committee meeting, and agree to carry out seven joint projects to secure the safety of nuclear power plants.
—"Asian News; Japan to Step up Nuclear Power Plant Talks with S. Korea, China," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 November 1989, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
October 1989
Pakistan announces plans to seek South Korea's cooperation in building a nuclear power plant.
—"Pakistan," Nucleonics Week, 19 October 1989, p. 13, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Asian News; Pakistan Seeking S Korean Help to Build Nuclear Power Plant," Japan Economic Newswire, 16 October 1989, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
October 1989
According to Nuclear Fuel, reports of a reprocessing plant in North Korea are causing South Korea to consider developing its own reprocessing technology. South Korea is interested in co-processing and according to the Nuclear Fuel, there have been informal discussions to work out a trilateral arrangement involving South Korea, Canada and the United States.
—Ann Maclachlan and Mark Hibbs, "North Korea Begins Negotiating with IAEA; South Korea Interested in Coprocessing," Nuclear Fuel, 2 October 1989, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
10 October 1989
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announces its decision to build three more nuclear power plants.
—"Korea to Build Three More Nuclear Power Plants," Central News Agency, 13 October 1989, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ray Silver and Margaret Ryan, "AECL Says South Korea Plans Another CANDU," Nucleonics Week, 5 January 1989, p. 5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
17 October 1989
South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs states that North Korea may be developing nuclear weapons, and refuses to allow international inspections of their facilities.
—"Asian News; Seoul Says North's Reactors May Have N-Arms Potential," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 October 1989, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 November 1989
The Ulchin-2 nuclear power plant is temporarily shut-down due to cracks in the blades of the turbine. Officials from the Korea Electric Power Corporation plan to seek compensation from Alsthom, the French firm that manufactured and supplied the turbine.
—"More Turbine Problems at KEPCO's Uljin Complex," FT Energy Newsletter, 4 December 1989, p. 13, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Further Delays at Uljin," FT Energy Newsletters, 18 December 1989, p. 19, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
December 1989
The Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute changes its name to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. [Note: In February 1973, the Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Radiological Research Institute and the Radiation Research Institute in Agriculture merged, and become the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. In December 1980, KAERI merged with the Korea Nuclear Fuel Development Institute and become the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute. However, in December 1989, the Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute is renamed to the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).]
—Korea Atomic Energy Institute, "History of KAERI," <http://www.kaeri.re.kr/1_7_1.htm>.
Late 1989
South Korea and Indonesia sign an agreement calling for cooperation in developing mineral and energy resources, including nuclear power. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) agrees to provide information on the management of nuclear power plants with the Indonesian utility company PLN.
—Power Asia, in "Jakarta, Seoul Co-Operation Deal," FT Energy Newsletter, 11 September 1989, p. 15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
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Updated September 2004 |
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