Gyeongju City accepts the result of being rejected for SMR site selection… “Promoting the creation of research institutes and industrial complexes without disruption”

Gyeongju City, Gyeongbuk Province, said on the 18th that it “will humbly accept the result” regarding its failure to select a site for the government’s small modular nuclear power plant (SMR).

Mayor Joo Nak-yeong expressed his gratitude to the citizens and related institutions and groups who participated in the bid, saying, "I am sorry and regrettable that we were unable to live up to the expectations of the citizens who worked together to attract the city."

The city touted its excellent nuclear power base, high resident acceptance, and connectivity to the East Coast Energy Belt as its strengths, but did not reach the final selection.

However, the city will continue to pursue the creation of the King Munmu Science Research Institute, a dedicated SMR research and development institution, and the SMR National Industrial Complex, which is the foundation of the SMR industry ecosystem.

In addition, we plan to speed up the development of the next-generation nuclear power industry based on nuclear power infrastructure such as Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Korea Atomic Energy Environment Corporation.

Mayor Joo said, “Based on the united power of citizens confirmed during this contest, we will advance the construction of the King Munmu Science Research Institute and the SMR National Industrial Complex without a hitch and leap forward as a central city for the nuclear industry in Korea.”