Asia's 1st Subterranean
Cave-Type Radwaste Disposal Center

Launch of the Weolsung Nuclear Power Environmental Management Center project marks a monumental step in Korea's nuke energy development. A project to build a radioactive waste storage facility broke ground at the construction site at Bonggil-ri, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju City on Nov. 9. The event marks a watershed in Korea's new low- and medium-activity radioactive waste treatment solution and a monumental step in Korea's nuclear energy development. The ceremony signaled the rebirth of the ancient city of Gyeongju as a new 'mecca'of high-tech energy.
Among those present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Weolsung Nuclear Power Environmental Management Center were President Roh Moo-hyun, and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Kim Young-ju.
The ceremony marked the 'beginning of hope'and the 'role of the future'of the Weolsung Nuclear Power Environmental Management Center after a 19-year development process that was able to conclude amidst national consensus and harmony.
The site of the low- and medium-activity radioactive waste treatment facility was selected following a referendum of area residents. The groundbreaking ceremony reaffirms Korea's commitment to environmental protection and continued nuclear power generation by enabling the safe treatment of radioactive waste, which is one of the most fundamental components of nuclear power generation.
The center is one of the participatory administration's major projects and a prime example of decision-making through residents'consensus and harmony rather than a one-sided push by the government, overcoming conflict and differences of opinion surrounding the project as well as acting as a precedent for effective regional development.
In addition to the center, Gyeongju will be a home to the new KHNP headquarters and the proposed particle accelerator complex, as well as receive support for 55 public projects from 12 related agencies, allowing the city to become 'the new mecca of high-tech energy.'The center will create an 800,000-drum
processing facility in a 2.1 million square-meter site. The first phase of the project, which began with the groundbreaking ceremony, will complete a 100,000-drum facility by 2009, with the remainder of the complex being built in subsequent stages. The facility will be built using 100 percent Korean technology and become Asia's first subterranean storage facility.
Special containers and vessels will be used to transport radioactive waste material from nuclear power plants to the radwaste disposal center via waterways to ensure safety. The Weolsung Nuclear Power Environmental Management Center will receive the radioactive waste, and after a careful screening process that will utilize only the safest storage containers, will encase the waste in 10 centimeter-thick concrete containers and store them in a strong concrete storage area 80m-130m underground. The storage system including drums, the cave storage facility and the bedrock will provide a three-layer protection system that completely segregates
the spent fuel from contact with the population.
The groundbreaking the center is not only significant for providing a solution for low- and medium-activity radioactive waste treatment but also for signaling the turning point in creating a public forum for spent fuel management and storage. With the construction of the facility underway, meaningful discussions on the issue can take place without conflict or dispute slowing down the process. With most spent fuel storage facilities in nuclear power plants expected to reach full capacity by 2016, waste management and storage plans are urgently needed.
"The center will provide the highest level of safety in the world to reflect the trust of the people,"stated KHNP President and CEO Kim Jong-shin. He also said the company will provide safe and stable energy as well as work to achieve harmonious management.
Mayor Baek Sang-seung of Gyeongju said, "The center will not only be an opportunity for unity and regional cooperation but also provide the foundation for Gyeongju in our drive for future development." nw
(counterclockwise) President Roh Moo-hyun (on the rostrum) delivers a commemorative speech during a ceremony to launch the Weolsung Nuclear Power Environment Management Center, a low- and intermediate level radwaste disposal facility, in Gyeongju on Nov. 9. An artist conception of the projected Weolsung Nuclear Power Environmental Management Center.
President Roh and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Kim Young-ju participate in the ceremony.

Kim Jong-shin, president and CEO of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP)

Min Kye-hong (third from right, facing the camera), senior vice president of KHNP's Radwaste Project Division, participates in a rehearsal of the ground-breaking ceremony to launch the Weolsung Nuclear Power Environmental Management Center project.

Ground structure

Amenities

Observatory

Moonlight Cave

Entrance of the projected cave

Resting Place/Pond

This map shows Asia's first subterranean cave-type radwaste disposal facility, the world's safest one with approaches by sea and three protective walls.

Arboretum