KORAD Showcases South Korea’s Radioactive Waste Expertise at Global Conference in the United States
PHOENIX — The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) has strengthened its international presence by participating in the Waste Management Symposia (WM) 2026, the world’s largest global conference dedicated to radioactive waste management and nuclear power plant decommissioning.
Held in Phoenix, Arizona from March 8 to 11, the event brought together experts, researchers and industry leaders from around the world to exchange knowledge and discuss the latest developments in nuclear waste management and environmental remediation.
The WM Symposia is widely regarded as the premier international forum in the sector, drawing more than 2,500 professionals from approximately 900 institutions representing over 30 countries.
For KORAD, the participation marks a strategic move to expand international cooperation while highlighting South Korea’s technological capabilities in radioactive waste management.
During the conference, the agency monitored global developments on several key industry issues, including the safe management of radioactive waste, transport and packaging technologies, disposal solutions, as well as nuclear decommissioning and environmental restoration.
As part of efforts to strengthen the industry ecosystem, KORAD also established a joint exhibition pavilion together with partner companies Godo Tech, GeoGreen21 and FNC Technology.
The pavilion served as a platform to showcase South Korea’s advanced radioactive waste management technologies while helping Korean companies explore opportunities in international markets.
During a dedicated workshop session, KORAD presented South Korea’s Third Basic Plan for Low- and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste Management.
The agency also introduced the country’s national research and development roadmap aimed at developing a deep geological disposal facility located far underground, while highlighting the strategic role of the Underground Research Laboratory (URL).
To further expand global cooperation, KORAD hosted an official reception known as KORAD Night, providing an opportunity for networking and engagement with representatives from governments, public institutions and industry stakeholders worldwide.
The agency is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leading radioactive waste management organisations, including Posiva from Finland and SKB (Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB) from Sweden.
These discussions are expected to pave the way for future collaboration in research and technological development.
KORAD President and Chief Executive Officer Sungdon Cho said the agency is committed to strengthening exchanges in expertise and technology with countries that have advanced capabilities in radioactive waste management.
He noted that such collaboration is essential to ensure the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste.
At the same time, he emphasised that KORAD will continue enhancing domestic technological development so that radioactive waste solutions created by Korean small and medium-sized enterprises can expand into global markets.
KORAD is South Korea’s only institution dedicated to radioactive waste management, responsible for the safe operation of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste facilities as well as overseeing the country’s high-level radioactive waste management programme.
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