Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
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The regulatory system for imported-cargo radiation monitoring in Korea and a proposal for its improvement

  • Wo Suk Choi (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Tae Young Kong (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Hee Geun Kim (Division of Energy & Electrical Engineering, Uiduk University) ;
  • Eun Ji Lee (Department of Radiation Protection, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology) ;
  • Seong Jun Kim (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Jin Ho Son (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Chang Ju Song (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Hwa Pyoung Kim (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University) ;
  • Cheol Ki Jeong (Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chosun University)
  • Received : 2022.04.29
  • Accepted : 2022.08.22
  • Published : 2023.01.25
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Abstract

To protect people and the environment from environmental radiation, the Act on Protective Action Guidelines against Radiation in the Natural Environment was formulated in Korea in 2011. This law regulates matters related to radiation safety that can be encountered in life. In accordance with this law, radiation monitoring equipment is operated at major airports and ports across the country, ensuring radiation monitoring of imported cargo. Currently, six ministries conduct radiation monitoring of imported cargo: the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission; the Korea Customs Service; the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety; the Ministry of Environment; the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and the Korea Forest Service. Each ministry designates the relevant cargo items for radiation monitoring. The objective of this study was to comprehensively review the Korean radiation monitoring system for imported cargo and identify the areas and scopes of improvement. This paper also proposes a new law and an integrated supervision plan, which involves establishing a dedicated department to enhance the efficiency and professionalism of the national radiation monitoring system for imported cargo. The review will contribute to the development of a more sophisticated national radiation monitoring system for imported cargo.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by a research fund from Chosun University, 2021.

References

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