The Waste Management Symposia (WM) 2026 has emerged as a pivotal gathering for professionals in the field of radioactive waste management, bringing together experts from around the globe. This year’s event took place in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona, from March 8 to 11. The conference, recognized as the world’s largest international venue for discussions surrounding radioactive waste management and the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, gathered participants from 30 countries, representing over 900 institutions and more than 2,500 industry professionals.
The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD), led by President & CEO Sungdon Cho, made a significant impact at WM 2026 by establishing a Joint Exhibition Pavilion. This initiative was designed to bolster the export efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within South Korea’s radioactive waste management sector. Alongside partner companies—Godo Tech, GeoGreen21, and FNC Technology—KORAD showcased cutting-edge Korean technologies, highlighting the nation’s advancements in radioactive waste management and solidifying its commitment to international cooperation.
The scope of discussions at WM 2026 was vast, encompassing crucial topics such as the safe management of radioactive waste, transportation, packaging, disposal methods, nuclear decommissioning, and environmental remediation. KORAD’s participation signals a strategic shift towards reinforcing international collaborations and partnerships, addressing global trends and challenges in radioactive waste management, while also sharing Korea’s insights and practices with a broader audience.
As part of the conference’s agenda, KORAD presented Korea’s Third Basic Plan for Low- and Intermediate-level Radioactive Waste Management. This significant document outlines the national R&D roadmap for establishing a geological disposal facility that operates deep underground, alongside discussions surrounding the strategic functions of the Underground Research Laboratory (URL). These initiatives are critical as they anchor Korea’s methodologies in safe radioactive waste handling and disposal.
A standout feature of KORAD’s participation was the KORAD NIGHT—a well-organized official reception that served as a networking platform. This event allowed industry representatives, government agencies, and public institutions from various countries to converge, exchange ideas, and foster relationships. Through bilateral meetings with iconic organizations such as Posiva from Finland and SKB (Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB) from Sweden, KORAD aims to lay the groundwork for future collaborative efforts in research and technical development.
During his remarks, KORAD President Sungdon Cho emphasized the agency’s commitment to intensifying exchanges of personnel and technology with leading nations in the radioactive waste sector. “By advancing our radioactive waste technologies, we can significantly contribute to the global community,” Cho stated. He also expressed a commitment to driving the international export of Korean-developed radioactive waste solutions, particularly through the engagement of SMEs, showcasing the importance of these enterprises in promoting innovation and advancing capabilities.
KORAD functions as the sole institution responsible for radioactive waste management in the Republic of Korea. It maintains oversight of both low and intermediate-level radioactive waste management facilities and the nation’s high-level radioactive waste management initiatives. Through active participation in platforms like WM 2026, KORAD is not only reinforcing its national agenda but is also elevating Korea’s presence on the global nuclear waste management stage.