Nuclear Technology and Economic Development in the Republic of Korea

In the Republic of Korea the nuclear power and the radio-isotope-based industries have been an integral part of the country’s socio-economic development. This publication is the result of a joint research project between Korean government and scientific institutions and the IAEA aimed quantifying the economic benefits (in terms of net contribution to gross domestic product) of the introduction and operation of the peaceful nuclear science and technology programme in the country. Using an input-output approach, the economic development of different industrial sectors was analyzed and the quantified benefits of a value-added contribution of nuclear technology were estimated at 2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2005.