Operation Halted for Kori Unit 3 After 40 Years of Designed Lifespan Completion

Generated 284 million kWh power since 1985
Procedures underway for continued operation
Safety verification aimed for restart in June 2026

Operation of Kori Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3, which has reached the end of its 40-year design life, was suspended on the 28th.

Gori Nuclear Power Plant Overview

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power began procedures on the afternoon of the same day to shut down the reactor of Kori Unit 3, located in Gijang-gun, Busan.

Kori Unit 3, which received construction approval in December 1979 and started commercial operation on September 30, 1985, has reached the end of its 40-year design life. Over 40 years, Kori Unit 3 generated 208.4 billion kWh of electricity, enough to supply power to all citizens of Busan for 13 years. Kori Unit 3 is currently undergoing the licensing process for continued operation. The application was submitted to the regulatory authority in November last year, and safety verification is underway with the goal of restarting in June 2026.

The twin reactor, Kori Unit 4, will also reach the end of its design life next year. Kori Unit 2, which ceased operation last year after completing its design life, is also undergoing the licensing process for continued operation. Kori Unit 1, the first nuclear power plant in Korea, is not continuing operation after its design life ended and is currently undergoing decommissioning procedures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.