South Korea approves continued operation of Kori 3 and 4 reactors

South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission approved extended operation for the 1,025 MWe Kori 3 and 4 reactors. Restart is targeted for the first half of 2027 after upgrades and regular inspections. The extension aims to meet rising power demand from chip and AI industries.

• Kori 3 and 4 are 1,025 MWe units that began commercial operation in the mid-1980s
• Their 40-year licenses expired in September and August 2027
• The extension application was filed in September 2022; review took about two years
• Restart is planned for the first half of 2027