Korea to shut down oldest nuclear reactor

Kori Unit 1, the nation’s oldest nuclear power reactor in Korea, may be the first to close, with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy recommending the reactor to permanently close down Friday. 

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, controlled by the ministry, must make a final decision on whether to extend the plant’s lifespan by June 18.

Kori Unit 1 was built in 1977 by the U.S. government and American company Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Its designated lifespan of 30 years ended in 2007, but was renewed in 2008 until June 2017.

KHNP stated there are no safety hazards on Kori Unit 1, but it has been pressed by opposition from civic groups and the local population against the continued operations of the reactor.

Kori Unit 1 has had 130 malfunction problems since 1977, the most out of all nuclear power plants in Korea. Korea currently has 23 nuclear power reactors operating nationwide.