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Korea in talks with IAEA over visit by agency chief amid nuclear-powered sub push

Published: 31 Mar. 2026, 20:02

The ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, a 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine, is anchored at the Jinhae Naval Base in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, on March 25. [YONHAP]

Korea is in talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over a potential visit by the agency's chief, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday, amid Seoul's push to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Seoul and the IAEA are discussing the possibility of a visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, with an exact date yet to be decided, the official told reporters.

A local media outlet reported Tuesday that Grossi plans to visit Seoul as early as next month.

“We intend to cooperate with the IAEA as we continue close communication with the United States," the Foreign Ministry official said. "Grossi's potential visit is also under discussion for initial talks on nuclear fuel inspections."

Under last year's summit agreements, the United States committed to supporting Korea's efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

The process would require Seoul to sign a separate agreement with the IAEA to meet inspection requirements and other safeguards, in addition to a deal with Washington.

Follow-up steps to implement security commitments in the summit agreements have yet to begin between Korea and the United States, with Seoul seeking an early visit by a U.S. delegation to speed up negotiations.

Yonhap