Wolseong nuclear reactor shuts down

A nuclear power generator in the southeastern city of Gyeongju came to a halt on Monday due to a detected malfunction, its operator said. No radiation leak was reported.

The Reactor-1 at Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant, located some 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was shut down at 9:39 p.m. during normal operations due to a turbine halt signal, according to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.

The operator said it is looking into the exact cause of the shutdown, adding the nuclear reactor is in a safe condition.

The Wolseong nuclear reactor began commercial operation in April 1983, and its 30-year life span is scheduled to end next month.

The operator's plan to run the reactor for 10 additional years has stoked backlash from environmental organizations and local residents. (Yonhap News)