Institutional and Legal Framework of Nuclear Power Programme in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

After the end of the Korean War in 1953, the Republic of Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world, but now it is one of the most technologically advanced nations and one in the field of nuclear energy. This paper aims to give an overview of the legal and institutional framework for the Korean nuclear power programme. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part presents a brief history of the Korean nuclear power programme. In the second part, the key international legal instruments in nuclear energy, to which the Republic of Korea is the party, are enlisted, as well as the main national legislative acts applicable to the nuclear power sector. The institutional framework for the Korean nuclear power programme is also discussed in detail. The key government authorities and other entities involved in implementing the nuclear power programme are divided into two groups – those promoting nuclear energy and those ensuring nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation. The final section, with conclusions, identifies the main differences between the legal and institutional arrangements for the nuclear sector in the Republic of Korea and Poland