• Journal of the Speleological Society of Korea
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• v.59
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• pp.21-36
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• 1999

Most scholars calssify caves into natural resource, but caves possess values of natural and human resource, mix up the features of natural resources and human resources. Now, caves are distributed 260 in Korea. Seongryu Cave is showed in 1967 for the first time, till 1997 12 caves is opened to tourist. But since 1996 the 12 show caves of all is not launched the safety and environment-protection check-up adduced reason for IMF. Then caves must maintain environment of the normal temperature, humidity and dark. But the environment of caves are destroyed by tourism development. Thus to maintain environment of caves, it used to consider the counterplan as follows in restraint of the environmental change. Firstly, in case of development work to open caves, it must keep up with the prototype. Secondly, it must establish a freight depositary to prevent the influence of the caves's stain and damage due to tourist's objects. Thirdly, to maintain the normal temperature and humidity, it must install artificial poultice equipment of the inner parts of caves. Fourthly, in order to prevent the occurrence of $CO_2$, it must assessment of the optimum number of the greatest stayer. Fifthly, the control of closure for a given period of time is useful of the restoration to the cave's original state. Sixthly, by means of make narrow entrance, it should not influence the outer's air on the inner parts on caves. Seventhly, to keep the temperature of the inner part of caves, the lightening should be maintained moderately considering the convenience of a tour. Eightly, when water-proof cables for the lightening bulbs are connected each other, silicon tape is suitable and circuit breakers should be installed at the diverging points of the cables. Ninthly, the direction and angle of the lightening must be changed periodically to prevent green-pollution at the lightening spot. Lastly, when facilities and arrangements are equipped, corrosive materials should be excluded if circumstances allow.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.265-279
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• 2017

The Gyeongju underground silo type disposal facility, approved for use in December 2014, is in operation for the disposal of low and very low-level radioactive wastes, excluding intermediate-level waste. That is why the existing low-level radioactive waste level has been subdivided and the concentration limit value for intermediate-level waste has been changed in accordance with Nuclear Safety Commission Notice 2014-003. For the safe disposal of intermediate-level wastes, new optimization methodology for calculating the concentration limit of intermediate radioactive level wastes at an underground silo type disposal facility was developed. According to the developed optimization methodology, concentration limits of intermediate-level wastes were derived and the inventory of radioactive nuclides was evaluated. The operation and post closure scenarios were evaluated for the derived radioactive nuclide inventory and the results of all scenarios were confirmed to meet the regulatory limit. However, in case of $^{14}C$, it was confirmed that additional radioactivity limitation through a well scenario was needed in addition to the limit of disposal concentration. It was confirmed that the derived intermediate concentration limit of radioactive waste can be used as the intermediate-level waste concentration limit for the underground disposal facility. For the safe disposal of intermediate-level wastes, KORAD plans to acquire additional data from the radioactive waste generator and manage the cumulative radioactivity of $^{14}C$.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.103-118
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• 2021

For management and preservation measures of lava tube, it is studied how the blasting vibration by constructions near Geomunoreum lava tubes in Jeju affect lava tube. 11 boreholes were drilled in study area, and in-situ blasting tests were conducted by changing from 0.5 kg to 10 kg charge per delay in those boreholes. The vibration velocity, which meets the regulatory vibration criterion during daytime, was estimated as below 0.276 cm/sec by analyzing the relationship between vibration velocity and vibration level. In addition, SRE and CRE were calculated from the results of in-situ blasting tests, and k-values were shown as 130.04 in SRE, 199.71 in CRE, respectively. Also, n-values were shown as -1.717 in SRE, -1.711 in CRE, respectively. Charge per delay were assessed based on these equations, and charges per delay had ranges of 0.57~7.42 kg/delay in estimation equation of vibration velocity, 0.21~5.29 kg/delay in SRE, and 0.04~5.51 kg/delay in CRE, considering the 0.2 kine vibration criterion for cultural heritage and the 20~100 m distance from vibration source. Additionally, the relationships which meet the criteria of 0.2 kine, were calculated by combining CRE in this study with the result of previous study. Allowable charges per delay, which meet the criteria of 0.2 kine, were evaluated as 1.07 kg/delay in 50 m, 5.13 kg/delay in 100 m and 22.26 kg/delay in 200 m distances. These relationships for each vibration velocity are useful to deduce charge per delay for the ground near Geomunoreum lava tube.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.491-505
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• 2018

As an alternative to deep geological disposal technology, which is considered as a reference concept, the domestic applicability of deep borehole disposal technology for high level radioactive waste, including spent fuel, has been preliminarily evaluated. Usually, the environment of deep borehole disposal, at a depth of 3 to 5 km, has more stable geological and geo-hydrological conditions. For this purpose, the characteristics of rock distribution in the domestic area were analyzed and drilling and investigation technologies for deep boreholes with large diameter were evaluated. Based on the results of these analyses, design criteria and requirements for the deep borehole disposal system were reviewed, and preliminary reference concept for a deep borehole disposal system, including disposal container and sealing system meeting the criteria and requirements, was developed. Subsequently, various performance assessments, including thermal stability analysis of the system and simulation of the disposal process, were performed in a 3D graphic disposal environment. With these analysis results, the preliminary evaluation of the domestic applicability of the deep borehole disposal system was performed from various points of view. In summary, due to disposal depth and simplicity, the deep borehole disposal system should bring many safety and economic benefits. However, to reduce uncertainty and to obtain the assent of the regulatory authority, an in-situ demonstration of this technology should be carried out. The current results can be used as input to establish a national high-level radioactive waste management policy. In addition, they may be provided as basic information necessary for stakeholders interested in deep borehole disposal technology.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.461-465
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• 2010

Weathering and permeability in rocks play a very important role in underground disposal of radioactive waste and their long-term management as well as stability security of rock structures. Weathering and permeability of rocks are largely controlled by the characters of inner structures of rocks. In other words, weathering rate can be accelerated depending on the quantity of pore and microcrack in rocks. Quantitative evaluation of inner structures of rocks can serve as a tool that can assess the degree of weathering of rocks. Therefore it can be said that the understanding of three dimensional distribution of the inner structure of rocks is important for long-term management of rock structures. This study was performed to analyze three dimensional distribution of pore in rocks using Micro Focus X-ray CT on fresh granite and weathered granite from Korea. Results of the analysis clearly show distribution of pore and porosity of the inner rock.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.103-123
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• 2015

To provide effective management policy of geo-heritages, concept of Korean geo-heritage has been organized based on geo-diversity, geo-conservation, geo-tourism, and earth-heritage. In addition, current status of geo-heritage in Korea has been grasped, and categorized. In case GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates exist, spatial information was constructed as GIS (Geographic Information System). Geo-heritages were classified into a total of six categories of natural monument, scenic site, coastal sand-dune, natural cave, world nature heritage, and other types of geo-heritage. By mapping 991 geo-heritages scattered nationwide using geographical information, all statuses can now be readily identified and enable the analysis of the distribution tendencies and correlation with topography. This study was aimed at searching the political connection based on quantitatively organized and analyzed geo-heritages, which have not been mapped thus far. In addition, this study organized data that have existed only in literature, and presented example verification. Moreover, these can be used as guidelines for the future search, discovery, registration and management of geo-heritage. If additional geo-heritages are discovered in field studies or with satellite images, then more correlations may be identified and help facilitate the research on geo-heritages management plans.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.411-421
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• 2017

Understanding the need for temperature regulation, behavior, and ecology of hibernating bats provides the possibility of conservation and management for target species. Our objective in this study was to improve understanding of the population trend and ecological requirement in Myotis formosus population in South Korea. From 2007 to 2016, total of 58 hibernacula for Myotis formosus were found across the country. Of the 58 hibernating sites of Myotis formosus, 86% (n=49) were abandoned mines and 14% (n=8) were natural caves. During the survey period, 28 (5%) bats of total 570 bats were observed in natural caves (n=8) and 542 (95%) bats were observed in abandoned mines (n=49). The internal environments of hibernacula of M. formosus were highly stable despite dramatic variation in the external environment. Specifically, we examined the population trend of the endangered bat Myotis formosus in South Korea by long-term monitoring for hibernation sites. The population trend of endangered species M. formosus showed a marked stable in hibernating population. Our results indicate that a tightly collected long-term data set may help to establish the initial approximation of population trends and manage to threats for the endangered bat species.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.301-314
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• 2016

Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRSs) are stored temporally in the centralized storage facility of Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) and planned to be disposed in the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) disposal facility in Gyeongju city. In this study, preliminary post-closure safety assessment was performed for DSRSs in order to draw up an optimum disposal plan. Two types of disposal options were considered, i.e. engineered vault type disposal and rock cavern type disposal which were planned to be constructed and operated respectively in LILW disposal facility in Gyeongju city. Assessment end-point was individual effective dose of critical group and calculated by using GoldSim code. In normal scenario, the maximum dose was estimated to be approximately $1{\times}10^{-7}mSv/yr$ for both disposal options. It meant that both options had sufficient safety margin when compared with regulatory limit (0.1 mSv/yr). Otherwise, in well scenario, the maximum dose exceeded regulatory limit of 1 mSv/yr in engineered vault type disposal and the exposure dose was mainly contributed by $^{226}Ra$, $^{210}Pb$ (daughter nuclide of $^{226}Ra$) and $^{237}Np$ (daughter nuclide of $^{241}Am$). For rock cavern type disposal, even though the peak dose satisfied regulatory limit, the exposure doses by $^{14}C$ and $^{237}Np$ were relatively high above 10% of regulatory limit. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude $^{14}C$, $^{226}Ra$ and $^{241}Am$ for two type of disposal options and additional management such as long-term storage and development of disposal container for those radionuclides should be performed before permanent disposal for conservative safety and security.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.114-135
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• 2013

Among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the proportion of natural heritage to cultural heritage is relatively small. In 2007, the "Jeju Volcanic Island and Larva Tubes" was the first one that was designated as an UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Korea. The growing Korean geological heritage condition and conservation case studies on management of the geological heritage were examined in this study. Furthermore, the purpose of this study is to show future driving strategy for conservation and improvement plan on our geological heritage. Natural Monuments as a state-designated natural property and Geoparks as a new application system for geological heritage are important to conserve our geological heritage. Public engagement through establishment of visitor centers is definitely needed to improve education and promotion. The study includes field investigation for the "Wadden Sea", an World Natural Heritage Site for a mud flat, interviews with staffs and experts who are responsible for investigating and managing the site. Three factors can likely be attributed to its successful management and conservation policy for the "Wadden Sea". First of all, there is an operation for integrated management system and joint secretariat for research and monitoring. Next, researchers invigorate the visitor centers for promotion and education on geological heritage. Finally, experts and staffs implement various research topics and projects based on a long-range plan. The study was carried out to evaluate the present condition of our geological heritage and to make a proposal as a policy to improve value and conserve them. In conclusion, this study provided future discussion that may help researchers to make a decision on long-term policies for the geological subject of Korean natural heritage.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.339-347
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• 2016

The world's first underground repository for low- and intermediate- level radioactive waste (SFR1) has been in operation since 1988. SFR1 can accommodate $1,000m^3$ of radioactive waste per year with 4 chambers and 1 silo with a total capacity of $63,000m^3$ of radioactive waste. With extended operation time of 10 of the 12 nuclear power reactors and dismantling of the other 2 nuclear reactors, more nuclear waste need to be disposed in the future. Therefore, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) submitted a license application for a repository extension (SFR3) that consists of 6 additional rock chambers with a capacity of $108,000m^3$ of radioactive waste and for accommodating 9 boiling water reactor tanks. In this study, plans for the extension SFR3 are presented with the geological, geomechanical and hydrogeological issues to be considered.