• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.79-90
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• 2023

The study is to estimate the social costs of premature deaths due to nuclear power plant(NPP) accidents, by resorting to the contingent valuation method(CVM) which is used to estimate the value of a statistical life(VSL). The VSL estimate is about 3.55 billion won, which is multiplied by some 1.8 million premature deaths due to the accidents in world history of NPP, to get a maximum social cost of 1,952 trillion won. This estimate is equivalent to the 2022 real GDP of Korea. The annual average number of premature deaths and the resulting average social cost is 26,000 and 28 trillion won, respectively. The social cost of premature deaths due not only to accidents, but also the air pollutants from fired power plants(FPP) during 1987~2021 is estimated to be 26,919 trillion won. This is equivalent to 2021 US GDP, and is about 3,000 times higher than that for NPP of 9 trillion won. In 2021, the estimated social costs of FPP and NPP are 1,075 trillion won and 292 billion won, respectively. For South Korea, the study suggests to adapt an energy mix of increased share of electricity production for NPP relative to FPP, given that the 2050 carbon neutrality strategy of Korea is expected to lead to an increased share of renewable energy in electricity production. The study emphasizes accumulating the number of CVM-based VSL studies to ensure efficient energy policies.

• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.865-885
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• 2022

Korean government updated her Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2021 and announced the target and various measures for reductions. Among the many issues, final energy demand and renewable energy power mix for 17 provinces to achieve the target are being analyzed using GCAM-Korea. Simulation results show that final energy demand of 2030 is approximated at the similar level to that of 2018. This is being enabled by the conservation of coal with higher electrification especially in industry sector. Higher power demand with lower coal consumption in final energy consumption is shown to be provided by 33.1% of renewable, 24.6% of gas, and 18.0% of nuclear power generation in 2030. Meanwhile, the share of coal-fired power generation is expected to be reduced to 12.8%. Major future power provider becomes Gyeongbuk (Nuclear), Gyeonggi (Gas), Jeonnam (Nuclear, Gas) and Gangwon (PV, Wind), compared to one of current major power provider Chungnam (Coal). This analysis is expected to provide a useful insight toward the national and provincial energy and climate change policy.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.237-245
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• 2022

Background: The current study reports measurements of activity concentrations of radon (²²⁰Rn) and thoron (²²⁰Rn) in dwellings, followed by inhalation dose assessment of the public, and then by the development of regulation and the national radon action plan (NRAP) in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: Radon, thoron, and thoron progeny measurements were carried out from 2014 to 2017 using radon-thoron discriminative detectors (commercially RADUET) in 450 dwellings and thoron progeny monitors in 350 dwellings. From 2019 to 2020, radon track detectors (commercially RADTRAK) were deployed in 1,400 dwellings. It was found that activity concentrations of radon range in 1,850 houses from 10 to 2,620 Bq/㎥ with a geometric mean of 76 Bq/㎥. Results and Discussion: Activity concentrations of thoron range from 20 to 700 Bq/㎥ with a geometric mean of 107 Bq/㎥. Thoron equilibrium factor ranges from 0.01 to 0.6, with an arithmetic mean of 0.09 that is higher than the default value of 0.02 given by UNSCEAR. On average, 49%, 9%, and 2% of all surveyed houses have radon concentrations above 100, 200, and 300 Bq/㎥, respectively. The average contribution of thoron to the inhalation dose due to radon and thoron exposure is about 40%. Thus, thoron cannot be neglected in dose assessment to avoid biased results in radio-epidemiological studies. Only radon was considered in the drafted regulation and in the NRAP adopted in October 2020. Reference levels of 300 Bq/㎥ and 1,000 Bq/㎥ were recommended for dwellings and workplaces. Conclusion: Priority actions for the coming years include the following: radon risk mapping, promotion of a protection policy against radon in buildings, integration of the radon prevention and mitigation into the training of construction specialists, mitigation of dwellings and workplaces with high radon levels, increased public awareness of the health risks associated with radon, and development of programs on the scientific and technical aspects.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.75-83
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• 2012

Marking the first anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear accident, which took place on March 11th, 2011, the level of adolescent awareness and understanding of radiation was surveyed, and the results were then compared with those for adults with the same questionnaires conducted at similar times. A qualitative survey and frequency analysis were made for the design of the study methodology. Those surveyed were limited to 3rd grade middle school students, 15 years of age, who are the future generation. The questionnaire, which is a survey tool, was directly distributed to the students and 2,217 answers were analysed. The questionnaires were composed of 40 questions, and it was found that Cronbach's coefficient was high with 'self awareness of radiation' at 0.494, 'risk of radiation' at 0.843, 'benefit of radiation' at 0.748, 'radiological safety control' at 0.692, 'information sources of radiation' at 0.819, and 'impacts of Fukushima accident'. The results of the survey analysis showed that the students' knowledge of radiation was not very high with 67.4 points (69.5 points for adults) calculated on a maximum scale of 100 points (converted points). The impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident were found to be less significant to adolescents than adults, and the rate of answer of "so" or " very so" in the following questions demonstrates this well. It was also shown that the impacts of the Fukushima accident to adolescents were comparatively low with 27.0% (38.9% for adults) on the question of "attitude changed against nuclear power due to the Fukushima accident," 65.7%(86.6% for adults) on the question of "the damages from the Fukushima accident was immeasurably huge," and 65.0% (86.3% for adults) on "the Fukushima accident contributed to raising awareness on the safety of nuclear power plants". The adolescents had a high rate of "average" answers on most of the questions compared with adults, and it can be construed that this resulted from adolescent awareness of radiation not being firmly rooted on themselves. This study was the first of its kind for surveying adolescents regarding the level of awareness of radiation after the Fukushima accident, and the results were compared with the survey results of adults, and they are expected to greatly contribute toward establishing a radiation policy by the government in the future.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.326-332
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• 2018

Korea faces major changes in energy policy, which include eco-friendly and zero-nuclear power. On the other hand, there are very few policies for the waste-management of mid- to large-sized lithium-ion batteries, such as electric car batteries and energy storage systems, which are expected to increase explosively due to such energy policy changes. Therefore, this study estimated the amount of mid- to large-sized lithium ion batteries waste and performed economics analysis of a middle and large sized secondary battery recycling project. Based on the results, a policy alternative for the revitalization of the related lithium-ion battery recycling industry is suggested. As a result, the B / C ratio of a domestic mid - to large - sized lithium ion battery recycling project is 1.06, in which the benefit is higher than the cost, so the business is economic feasible. Although the recycling project's economic efficiency is high, the recycling industry has not been activated in Korea because the domestic demand for rechargeable batteries recycling is very low. To solve this problem, this study proposes a plan to activate the industry by adding lithium secondary batteries to the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) items.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.97-126
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• 2014

October 4, 1957 the Soviet Sputnik 1 was launched into space the first time in the history of mankind. After launching, the realm of humankind was expanded to space. Today all countries of the world wage a fierce competition in order to utilize space for various purposes. World powers of space such as United States, Russia, China, and Japan, put reconnaissance satellites and ocean surveillance satellites into orbit, being able to easily see equipment and troops movement on earth. Each country makes efforts to occupy space assets through the militarization of space and expand national interests. Recently private companies or individuals involved in commercial space activities are becoming more prevalent. Thus, in addition to space activities for military purposes, commercial space activities become widespread. Individuals and private companies as well as nations are also involved in space activities. Outer space is not the monopoly of space powers such as the United States and Russia. The whole human race can benefit from free access to space, being the common heritage of mankind. In particular, outer space becomes an indispensable element of military activities and human life. Many countries are now entering space development, putting a lot of budget into new development programs. Republic of Korea also built the Narodo Space Center, starting its space development with budget and manpower. We have to find out ways to use space not only for military purposes but also for commercial space activities that can contribute to the national economy. In addition, through the joint efforts of the international community, we have to make efforts for preservation and peaceful use of space. Various issues relating to space activities and research should be studies in order to contribute to the progress of humanity. Those issues include the definition of outer space, space debris reduction and environmental conservation issues, non-bind measure cooperation - European International Code of Conduct, space law and national legislation related empowerment issues, arms control measures in space, and restrictions on the use of nuclear fuel. We also need to be involved in the discussion of those issues as one of responsible space countries. In addition, we try to find out regional cooperation schemes such as the ESA in the Europe actively. Currently in the Northeast Asia, cooperation bodies led by Japan and China respectively, are operated in the confrontational way. To avoid such confrontation, a new cooperative body needs to be established for cooperation on space exploration and information. The system to allow the exchange of satellite information for early warning of natural disasters needs to be built as well. In addition, efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the relevant international treaties on space, and fill in the blanks in international space laws should be made at the same time. To this end, we have to do a leading role in the establishment of standards such as non-binding measures (resolution) - Code of Conduct, being discussed in the UN and other organizations, and compliance with those standards. Courses in aerospace should be requires in law schools and educational institutes, and professional manpower need to be nurtured. In addition, the space-related technology and policy needs to be jointly studied among the private, public, and military groups, and the cross exchange among them should be encouraged.

• Journal of Labour Economics
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.23-51
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• 2015

This paper estimates the effect of household size and its changes on income inequality. Household formation is an important inequality-reducing mechanism through income pooling and collective consumption. The increase in small households, reflecting lower fertility rate and the increase in both nuclear and old families, has weakened the inequality-reducing effect of household formation. In contrast, additional workers in households and their income have strengthened the inequality-reducing effect of household formation. Given the increasing trend of old families, these results suggest for a balanced policy package that promotes employment and does not discourage co-habitation in order to maintain the inequality-reducing effect of household formation.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.225-233
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• 2010

At this point in time South Korea is rapidly metastasizing to a aging society. A major cause of aging can be summarized as increased life expectancy, decrease of nuclear family and birthrate, and South Korea's progress is faster than any other country. From the 1970s, western society has changed social welfare to deinstitutionalization and community care because of problems about economic reason and facilities protection, so the type of elderly social service has also changed from the facility welfare service which is accommodated old people in certain facility to community welfare service which provides various welfare services with living together. Public facilities for low income group which are supported by government are lower, 6.6%, than the United States or Japan, 50%. They are divided into private manage facilities and subscription elderly facilities. These subscription elderly residential facilities show poor administration because of focusing on development and market analysis for investment returns. Therefore, in order to vitalize the elderly welfare residential facilities in Korea, we need plans about systematic services facilities for welfare and phased medical treatments. Therefore, the purpose of this study is that (1) the types and functions of residents for community elderly residential facilities in elderly welfare policies of U.S., and supported policies are researched as a transcendental model, (2) data about operating system with the principles of the market is analyzed, and (3) basic data about welfare facility plan for community residential elderly people is provided.

• Journal of the Korean Regional Science Association
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.89-104
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• 1994

Recently, environmental issues have remained high on the agendas of public discussion and economic research. In the case of Korea, democratic movement in the late 80's centered people's concerns on the environmental dispute according to landfill, correctional institution, crematory, and nuclear powerplant, etc., Moreover, the failure to provide these kinds of facilities in time have caused serious social problems associated with environmental protection and economic development. The purposes of this paper are threefolds. First, they organize foreign and domestic NIMBYS case studies which have been settled in a desirable way. The second concern is to analyze the consciousness of NIMBYS resident by making up a questionnaire. Third, they estimate the market values of urban unwanted facilities by employing CVM(Contingent Valuation Method) procedure. The results of the study have a double implication : that NIMBYS resident are reluctant to accept government mechanical compensation based on simple published land values, and that unique concensus to preserve the viability and healthfulness of our environment among three main bodies: residents, people, government is necessary in solving NIMBYS subjects in Korea. In addition, this first implication develops to emphasize the intrduction of releveant measures taken to reconcile NIMBYS disagreement, which are complete openness of government policies, full support of local economic development, and perfect management of pollution protection systems for NIMBYS facilities.

• Proceedings of the Korea Technology Innovation Society Conference
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• 2017.11a
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• pp.1473-1487
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• 2017

2017년 6월 19일 고리 원전 1호기 영구정지 기념식에서 문재인 대통령의 '탈원전' 선언을 계기로, 국내에서는 후쿠시마 원전 사고 이후 탈원전으로 복귀한 독일의 사례에 대한 관심이 고조되었다. 독일은 1986년 체르노빌 원전 사고 이후 탈원전에 대한 논의가 본격적으로 이루지면서 집권 정부의 성향과 사회 경제적 요인에 따라 "2000년 탈원전 선언 ${\rightarrow}$ 2010년 탈원전 보류 ${\rightarrow}$ 2011년 탈원전 복귀"의 결정 과정을 거쳤다. 이러한 정책 변화의 배경에는 간헐성의 재생에너지를 뒷받침(back-up)할 수 있는 자국의 풍부한 갈탄 매장량, 지리적으로 주변국과 연결된 전력망을 통해 전력을 상시 주고받을 수 있는 전력 수급 환경, 탈원전에 대한 정부 국민 산업계의 40여년에 걸친 합의형성 등 '독일 자국의 실정을 반영한 정책적 판단'이 자리하고 있다. 그럼에도 불구하고, 2011년 후쿠시마 원전 사고 직후 독일의 즉각적인 탈원전 복귀는 화석연료 사용의 증가로 인한 온실가스 배출량 증가, 재생에너지 보조금 증가 및 송전망 확대로 인한 전기요금 상승, 간헐성의 재생에너지로 인한 불안정한 전력 수급, 과잉 생산된 전력의 수출로 인한 주변국 전력계통 혼란 등의 문제를 초래하고 있다. 이에 본고에서는 독일의 탈원전 정책이 '어떤 정책결정 과정을 거쳤으며, 현실적으로 어떤 문제에 직면해 있는지'를 살펴보고 우리나라의 에너지 수급 현실을 반영한 정책적 시사점을 도출하고자 한다.