The Republic of Korea on the International Nuclear Technology Market

The Republic of Korea nowadays is one of the world leaders in nuclear energy use and nuclear technology development. The government of President Yun Seok-yeol (2022–2024) set a goal to not only develop nuclear energy within the country but to also export the technologies internationally and to become one of the leading exporters. However, so far little research has been done on the topic. This article aims to address that gap. It gives an overview of the history of atomic energy in South Korea and traces the key elements of the state policies in this area. It points out particular characteristics of South Korea’s nuclear technologies and outlines the possible issues with their export internationally. It also explores South Korea’s strategies and prospects in the international nuclear technology markets. The article showcases that the Yoon government has from the start intensified its diplomatic efforts to promote the Republic of Korea’s nuclear technology and that the current international situation and sanctions against Russia have become an asset in achieving the government’s goals and diversifying its potential international partners. It is supposed that even in case of a power change in South Korea the line of promoting its nuclear technologies internationally will continue as part of the country’s soft power strategy.

Republic of Korea, South Korea, atomic energy, nuclear technology export, nuclear policy, international policy