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Title: Progress Continues on South Korea's Saeul Nuclear Power Units Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny and Public Interest
Tags: #EconomyNews, #RealEstateNews, #Korea
In a significant step for the future of energy production in South Korea, the government has been overseeing the ongoing development of two advanced nuclear reactors, designated as Saeul units 3 and 4. This ambitious project commenced back in January 2014 when formal authorization was granted for the construction of these APR1400 units, formerly known as Shin Kori 5 and 6. Initially scheduled to begin construction in September 2014, the project faced delays that reflect the complexities of regulatory approvals and shifts in political guidance.
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) ultimately issued a construction licence in June 2016, enabling preliminary site works to commence shortly thereafter. In April 2017, actual construction activities for unit 3 began. However, following a change in government just a few months later, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) elected to suspend operations for a period of three months, creating an unexpected pause in what is one of Korea’s key energy projects.
Despite these challenges, in October 2017 a government-organized committee—a diverse coalition of stakeholders—voted overwhelmingly (by 59.5%) to resume construction. The committee’s rationale centered on the imperative for a stable power supply, a critical concern for both economic stability and public health in South Korea.
By September 2018, the project gained further momentum with the commencement of construction for unit 4, marking a significant advancement in the timeline initially projected. Originally, commercial operation of Saeul 3 and 4 was anticipated for March 2021 and March 2022, respectively. However, as the project progressed amid regulatory reviews and operational assessments, realistic timelines have evolved.
In late December 2025, the NSSC issued an operating licence for Saeul 3, signalling a crucial milestone ahead of the unit’s expected commission in August 2026. Following this approval, the NSSC began conducting pre-operational inspections, a critical phase involving five systematic stages. These inspections aimed to verify the safety protocols that must be established prior to reaching reactor criticality—a state crucial for the commencement of the nuclear fission process. Inspections included thorough evaluations such as nuclear fuel loading assessments and high-temperature functional tests. Post-inspection reports confirmed that reactor criticality can indeed be safely achieved.
Looking ahead, the NSSC plans to carry out a series of follow-up inspections designed to comprehensively assess the safety of unit 3. These inspections will include a critical period in which power increase tests will take place, commencing from the moment Saeul 3 achieves first criticality until it transitions to commercial operations.
Once operational, Saeul unit 3 is projected to contribute approximately 1.7% of South Korea’s total power generation, addressing 37% of the power demand in Ulsan. Such contributions underscore the importance of nuclear energy in the nation’s energy mix, particularly as South Korea grapples with the necessity of sustainable energy solutions in an era of climate awareness.
Currently, South Korea operates four APR1400 units: Saeul units 1 and 2 (previously known as Shin Kori 3 and 4) and Shin Hanul units 1 and 2. This expansion of nuclear capability aligns closely with international trends observed in jurisdictions like the United Arab Emirates, where four APR1400 reactors have been successfully constructed at the Barakah nuclear power plant and are now fully operational.
As the Saeul 3 and 4 projects move closer to realization, their progress not only reflects national energy strategy but also engages broader discussions about the role of nuclear power in combatting climate change. Stakeholders keenly await the full operationalization of these reactors, emblematic of South Korea’s commitment to diversifying its energy landscape while ensuring stringent safety and environmental standards are met.
The successful launch of these reactors could herald a new chapter in energy security, potentially paving the way for further investments in clean energy technology within the region.
As developments continue to unfold, they will undoubtedly attract significant attention from industry experts, policymakers, and citizens alike, all of whom share an interest in the future of South Korea’s energy independence.