An Analysis of the Public Survey for Nuclear Risk Communication

Communication is a broad social-science and an imperfect art. This is why the nuclear society is getting more involved in identifying the public's nuclear perception and in coping with the communication challenges in a well-planned, effective and integrated manner. Undoubtedly, the starting point of risk communication should identify what the public wants. Since 2001, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) has conducted public opinion polls on a yearly basis in order to gain knowledge about the public's awareness toward nuclear safety and to identify their needs. The main purpose of these past surveys is to provide the regulatory authority with basic information concerning the public's opinion on nuclear safety and regulations. Acting on objective assessment of the public's opinion findings, KINS can formulate longterm nuclear safety policies and public relations strategies to enhance the public in understanding nuclear safety better. In order to mutually support these objectives, since early 2007, KINS has a project to establish a 'nuclear risk communication (henceforth Nu-RiCom) model' based on public nuclear issues, where a public survey is included