The Gyeongju nuclear waste repository is a significant success story as it stands as the first state project determined in a plebiscite. The city recorded a high turnout of 70.8 percent and a support rating of no less than 89.5 percent after the government incentivized its offer and local campaigning won over reluctant locals.

Though defeated by Gyeongju, both Gunsan and Yeongdeok posted turnouts in the 70 percent to 80 percent range and support rates of around 80 percent. This occurred despite fierce opposition from residents of candidate sites in previous years.

Conflict arising from the controversial plan to introduce a radioactive waste dump into their backyard even spilled over into violence in Buan, North Jeolla Province, two years ago.

A number of factors contributed to the surging interest in accepting the repository. Following the Buan debacle, the government overcame residents' safety concerns by eliminating high-level radioactive waste from the proposed dump site. It also promised support for the regional economy in the form of a state subsidy of W300 billion (about US$300 million), vowed to relocate the headquarters of the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Co. and build a multi-billion won sub-atomic particular accelerator in the area. These pledges were legally guaranteed.

In addition, the government introduced a plebiscite to hand the residents the decision-making power on whether they wanted to host a nuclear waste repository.

The government now has to make good on its promise by proving it can deliver the Gyeongju nuclear waste repository without any hitches and in an exemplary manner. Transparent and efficient management is needed not only in the construction process but also in the operational stage.

The administration may look abroad for positive examples. Foreign nuclear waste repositories such as Roka Shomura in Japan are already being used as recreational and tourism facilities for local citizens as well as venues for further scientific study. We must see to it that the Gyeongju site meets world safety standards and is enjoyed and endeared by the people who have to live with it.

It is important for those residents and environmental organizations that opposed the inducement of nuclear waste dumps to accept the outcome of ballots and join forces so that construction on the waste repository proceeds smoothly. Instead of putting more obstacles in the way of the epic project, let them contribute to enhancing the nuclear waste dump’s safety.