South Korea has taken a significant step in nuclear waste policy by convening the first meeting of the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee on February 23, 2026. Established under the Special Act on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management, the committee aims to create a transparent and systematic framework for managing high-level radioactive waste. This marks the first official activity of the committee since its formation on September 26, 2025. The initiative addresses a longstanding challenge in the country’s 50-year nuclear power history, seeking to resolve waste management issues within a legal and institutional framework.
The committee’s work directly impacts government agencies, local governments, and communities near potential waste facility sites. Key stakeholders include the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission and relevant ministries, as well as local residents and municipal councils involved in the site selection process. The committee has approved detailed operational rules to ensure transparent decision-making and established specialized subcommittees and advisory panels for technical expertise. The 2026 work plan includes developing the third Basic Plan for High-Level Radioactive Waste Management, selecting candidate sites, supporting host communities, and advancing domestic disposal technology.
Implementation will proceed in several stages, beginning with the exclusion of unsuitable areas such as volcanic and fault zones within 2026. The committee will transparently publish preliminary survey results and, in 2027, invite local governments from suitable areas to participate in the site selection process. Interested municipalities must confirm resident opinions and obtain local council consent before applying. The process includes geological safety assessments, legal compliance checks, and a multi-stage evaluation—preliminary survey, in-depth investigation, and a local referendum—to ensure scientific rigor and democratic legitimacy.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the purpose of the committee? The committee is tasked with establishing a safe, transparent, and democratic process for managing high-level radioactive waste. How will sites be selected? Sites will be chosen through a multi-stage process involving scientific surveys, public disclosure, local government applications, and resident referendums. What support is available for host communities? The committee plans to develop support measures for regions that host waste management facilities, ensuring both safety and community benefit.
The establishment of the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee is a significant advancement for South Korea’s nuclear policy. By embedding transparency, scientific assessment, and public engagement into the process, the committee addresses both technical and social concerns. The structured, multi-stage site selection process, including local referendums, demonstrates a commitment to democratic principles and safety. This initiative is likely to strengthen public confidence and ensure the long-term sustainability of national energy policy.