The government has begun removing fuel from the Wolseong-1 nuclear reactor, set to be shut down for the reactor’s safer management. 

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power(KHNP), operator of the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant in North Gyeongsang Province, said fuel withdrawal operations at Wolseong-1 began on Monday and will be complete on January 31st. 

In June, KHNP’s board of directors decided on "an early closure" of the old reactor for safety reasons. 

The operator said fuel withdrawal eliminates the need for additional safety measures that are required in case fuel remains in the reactor. It plans to keep the withdrawn fuel in a separate storage unit. 

Meanwhile, the operator will seek approval from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) next year for the reactor's permanent suspension.