Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant launches 24-hour drone monitoring and strengthens no-fly zone publicity

The Hanbit Nuclear Power Headquarters of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) recently conducted a "special no-fly zone publicity campaign" regarding illegal drone flights around the nuclear power plant. The campaign was held on July 27-28 at Gamame and Gusipo beaches near the Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant, focusing on educating summer tourists and drone users about flight control regulations around the plant.

The publicity was jointly promoted by the Hanbit Nuclear Power Headquarters together with Yeonggwang Police Station, Gochang Police Station, Mokpo Maritime Police Station, Buan Coast Guard Station, volunteer fire brigades, and beach operators. Personnel at the site explained to visitors the drone flight restrictions around the nuclear power plant, consequences of violations, and precautions, aiming to reduce illegal flights caused by lack of awareness of the regulations.

According to regulations, the area within a 3.7 km radius of the Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant is designated as a flight prohibition zone. Operating a drone in this area without permission from relevant authorities such as the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff may result in a fine of up to KRW 3 million under the Aviation Safety Act. The area between 3.7 km and 18.6 km in radius is designated as a flight restriction zone, and those wishing to fly drones must apply for and obtain approval in advance through the one-stop drone civil service platform.

In terms of technical countermeasures, the Hanbit Nuclear Power Headquarters has deployed RF scanner-based drone detection equipment around the plant to detect illegal drones approaching nuclear facilities in real time, operating on a 24-hour basis. In addition, no-fly zone signage and banners have been installed at the site, and reminders have been provided through the T-Map navigation app to raise awareness of restricted areas among external visitors.

The Hanbit Nuclear Power Headquarters stated that it will continue to conduct preventive publicity against illegal drone flights around the nuclear power plant and strengthen coordination mechanisms with relevant agencies including the police, maritime police, and fire authorities, so that unauthorized drones can be promptly addressed upon detection, maintaining safety around nuclear facilities.