South Korea has urged Japan to reconsider its decision to release radioactive water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.

First Vice Minister of Science and ICT Yong Hong-taek made the call on Tuesday during the 65th annual regular session of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) General Conference in Austria.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the vice minister delivered a video-linked keynote speech at the conference to express Seoul's concerns about the planned release.

In the speech, Yong pointed out that Tokyo made the decision in April without prior consultation with Seoul despite its consistent opposition to the plan. 

The vice minister stressed the roles of the UN nuclear watchdog in ensuring the water discharge is conducted in an objective, transparent and safe manner. 

He also reiterated South Korea's hopes to take part in IAEA's monitoring and safety inspection activities. 

In addition, the vice minister mentioned Seoul's efforts to facilitate progress for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and called for continued support of the efforts from the IAEA and its member nations.