[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, January 18 2008] Korea's first atomic reactor goes back on-line after safety check

Korea’s first atomic reactor went back on-line after undergoing a thorough operational life extension safety examination by the government, a state-run nuclear power company said Thursday (Jan. 17).

The Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) said about 100 experts checked the physical condition of the Gori 1 reactor and the possible side effects on the structure and machinery if Gori 1 were operated again. The reactor built with Westinghouse Electric Co. technology had an original operational life of 30 years and started generating power in 1977.

Operations were halted in June, but the Ministry of Science and Technology said early last month that the reactor could be used for another 10 years, with only routine changes of parts.