Climate Ministry to Decide on New Nuclear Plant Construction Next Month... Alternative Sites for East Seoul Converter Station Under Review

Public Opinion Survey of 3,000 Conducted by Two Agencies
Decision on New Nuclear Power Plant Construction to Be Announced Separately from the 12th Basic Plan
Three Alternative Sites Under Review Reflecting Hanam Residents' Feedback

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, is speaking ahead of receiving a business report from energy sector affiliated organizations including Korea Electric Power Data Network at the Government Complex Sejong on January 12, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

The government has decided to make a decision next month on whether to continue with the construction of two new nuclear power plants, which were included in the 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand. In addition, regarding the construction of the East Seoul Converter Station, which has been halted due to conflicts with local residents, the government is reviewing alternative sites based on residents' feedback.

An Sejin, Director of Nuclear Industry Policy at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated at a policy briefing related to the energy sector affiliate organizations' business report on January 13, "We plan to announce our decision on whether to proceed with the construction of new nuclear power plants by February, after analyzing the results of public opinion surveys."

The 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand called for the construction of two large-scale new nuclear power plants and one small modular reactor by 2028. However, the new administration decided to finalize whether to proceed as planned after holding national debates and conducting public opinion surveys. In this regard, the government held two policy forums on December 30 of last year and January 7 of this year.

This week, the government is conducting a public opinion survey. Lee Hoyoun, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, explained, "We have commissioned two polling agencies to conduct a survey of 3,000 people using an automated response system (ARS)." The ministry plans to make a prompt decision on the construction of new nuclear power plants, separately from the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand.

Previously, in the "2025 First Half National Energy Awareness Survey" conducted by the Korea Energy Information & Culture Agency, 62.8% of respondents said that nuclear power should be expanded. However, only 49.6% supported the construction of a nuclear power plant in their residential area. In a survey conducted by Gallup Korea in October of last year, 37% chose "maintain current level," 32% "reduce," 14% "expand," and 14% responded "don't know/no answer."

Regarding the East Seoul Converter Station in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, which has been delayed due to opposition from residents, Korea Electric Power Corporation is conducting a feasibility study on alternative sites.

Seo Cheolsoo, Executive Vice President of the Power Grid Division at Korea Electric Power Corporation, said, "We are reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of three locations: a site within the Paldang Dam water source protection area as requested by Hanam residents, another village near the East Seoul Substation, and the site of a former U.S. military base near the East Seoul Tollgate. After final consultations with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, we will proceed with the construction of the East Seoul Converter Station."

Vice Minister Lee Hoyoun stated, "We are sincerely listening to residents' opinions and considering various alternatives," adding, "We are comprehensively reviewing the original plan and alternatives."

However, it remains uncertain whether the original plan will be changed simply because Korea Electric Power Corporation is reviewing alternative sites. If the project is pursued at an alternative location, additional time may be required for land acquisition and negotiations with residents, which could significantly delay the project.

Executive Vice President Seo Cheolsoo also said, "Our goal is to complete the East Seoul Converter Station by 2027, and if there are further delays, many problems will arise. We will thoroughly review the issues raised by residents, explain the reasons why the project must continue, and seek their understanding."

An official from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said, "If there is a more reasonable site than the current one, there is no reason not to consider it," but also noted, "The completion of the converter station is already significantly delayed compared to the original plan, so further delays due to relocation must also be considered."

The East Seoul Converter Station is the final-stage facility for transmitting electricity produced on the east coast to the Seoul metropolitan area using high-voltage direct current (HVDC). The project involves converting the existing substation into an indoor facility and expanding the conversion equipment to switch direct current to alternating current.

Residents of surrounding areas, including the Gam-il New Town, are opposing the project, citing concerns about electromagnetic waves and noise from the converter station. As a result, the city of Hanam has not granted the necessary permits for the expansion of the converter station. Korea Electric Power Corporation filed an administrative appeal against Hanam and won, but the project remains at a standstill.

Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sunghwan also held two meetings with residents after taking office, but no conclusion was reached. The ministry and Korea Electric Power Corporation's review of alternative sites reflects the opinions raised by residents during these meetings.