South Korea’s first facility dedicated exclusively to storing radioactive waste will soon start operations, the facility’s state-run operators said Sunday, adding that the facility would help improve the country’s nuclear waste management.

The 1.56 trillion won ($1.53 billion) facility in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, was completed at the end of June after seven years of construction, the Korea Radioactive Waste Agency said.

It also marks almost two decades since the government initiated the plans to build the country’s first nuclear repository.

“The work has been completed, and the facility will go into full operation as soon as the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission confirms its safety,” KORAD Chairman Lee Jong-in was quoted as telling reporters at the scene.

(hnpark@heraldcorp.com)