A study on security oversight framework for Korean Nuclear Facility regulations

Abstract

Nuclear security has been emphasized to ensure the safety of the environment and humans, as well as to protect nuclear materials and facilities from malicious attacks. With increasing utilization of nuclear energy and emerging potential threats, there has been a renewed focus on nuclear security. Korea has made efforts to enhance the regulatory oversight processes, both for general and specific legislative systems. While Korea has demonstrated effective nuclear security activities, continuous efforts are necessary to maintain a high level of security and to improve regulatory efficiency in alignment with international standards.In this study, the comprehensive regulatory oversight framework for the security of Korean nuclear facilities has been investigated. For reference, the U.S. regulatory oversight frameworks for nuclear facilities, with a focus on nuclear security, and the motivations of changes in regulatory oversight framework have been identified. By comparing these regulatory programs and frameworks, insights and considerations for enhancing nuclear security regulations have been identified. A comprehensive security inspection program tailored for the Korean regulatory oversight framework has been proposed, and has been preliminarily applied to hypothetical conditions for further discussion.