By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter

A total of six nuclear power plants are expected to be built near Mt. Baekdu, which is regarded as a mystic mountain for Koreans, in 2012, according to the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI).

Based on a publication about Jilin Province close to Mt. Baekdu, the KEEI said Tuesday that the province plans to construct nuclear facilities there with the aim of finishing them in 2012.

"Jilin Province is expected to invest a total of 85 billion yuan ― more than 14 trillion won ― this year on the nuclear projects," KEEI official Lee Moon-bae said.

"The plants are expected to be located near the west of Mt. Baekdu. The investment is part of the long-term plans of the world's most populous nation," he said.

Lee said that the Chinese government has channeled a substantial amount of money into nuclear facilities, which have been regarded as eco-friendly sources of energy around the world.

The China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group (CCNPG) has tried to set up a joint venture with a French nuclear player to team up with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

Lee claimed that China has paid a lot of attention to nuclear power as conventional energy resources dwindle.

However, a majority of Koreans are unhappy with the idea of establishing the facilities near Mt. Baekdu, which is a renowned hot spring for Koreans both south and north of the 38th parallel.

"This would be the last place Koreans would choose as a location to establish nuclear facilities on the peninsula," said a Seoul analyst who asked not to be named.

"Obviously, as the place is adjacent to Mt. Baekdu, Koreans would not want to build nuclear plants there. I do not know how Jilin Province will react but If I were them, I would leave the region," he said.

When contacted, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said that the ministry has yet to receive any information.

The Korean government has teamed up with foreign governments such as that of France to build nuclear plants across the globe.

"Koreans have demonstrated a special feeling toward Mt. Baekdu. In my view, their feelings are understandable but at the same time, it is about how to create power for the benefit of the people," Lee said.

voc200@koreatimes.co.kr