Since the proclamation of Atomic Energy Act in February 1958, Korea has developed a nuclear program for a stable supply of power. The initiative was an attempt to secure a peaceful use of atomic energy and to contribute to the advanced well-being for our people. Since the first commercial operation of Gori No.1 in April 1978, Korea has continuously built atomic power plants to secure a suitable supply of power

Currently, Korea has 20 plants (for a capacity of 17.716 million kW) in operation and 4 plants are under construction, ranked at the 6th position worldwide following U.S., France, Japan, Russia and Germany.

Atomic energy has become the driving force behind the national industrial growth that has met the drastically increasing demands for electricity.

A total of 130.6 billion KWh of domestic atomic energy produced in 2004 represents 38.2% of the total power produced nationwide. Such an amount corresponds to the power consumption of Seoul for a 3.5-year period and of all the households for a 3-year period.

When replacing the other fossil fuels with the nuclear energy in 2004, we could save 47.32 million tons of coal, (1.602 trillion won worth), 193.19 million barrels of heavy oil, and 20.06 million tons of LNG (8.331 trillion won worth), which otherwise would have been imported. In addition, it induced a considerable reduction in carbon dioxide emissions representing 33.76 million tons of coal, 25.45 million tons of heavy oil, and 20.06 million tons of LNG.

Currently, Korea has 16 operational PWRs (Pressurized Water Reactor) and 4 operational PHWRs (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor). Uljin No. 6, the Korean standard nuclear reactor started its commercial operation in late April 2005.

Shingori No. 1 and No. 2 and Shinwolseong No. 1 and No. 2 the reformed Korean standard nuclear reactor began its construction.