In a recent revelation, it was found that parts of the B-1 underground bunker within the Army Capital Defense Command in South Korea have radon levels exceeding indoor air quality standards. Radon is a class 1 carcinogen linked to lung cancer, raising significant health concerns since this bunker is used as a workspace for military personnel, as well as a site for joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises.
Yoo Yong-won, a member of the People Power Party and former military specialist journalist, disclosed these findings at a press conference, citing an anonymous active-duty soldier’s report that the radon levels in some areas of the B-1 bunker had long exceeded allowable air quality limits. The Ministry of National Defense confirmed this, acknowledging the presence of radon levels above 148 Bq/m³ — the legal standard.
The Ministry has been monitoring and addressing this issue since 2013, investing over 10 billion KRW to enhance radon reduction facilities. However, due to the naturally radon-rich location of the bunker and lack of space for additional ventilation systems, certain areas still report radon levels surpassing the legal limit.
There are rising concerns about the health implications for military personnel working in the bunker, especially since it is a critical command facility used during wartime, with substantial numbers stationed there for extended periods during joint exercises. Yoo expressed concerns that even with enhanced ventilation, the risk of exposure remains if the systems malfunction, potentially leaving personnel exposed to high radioactivity.
Chung Seung-yeon, an emeritus professor and a radon expert, noted that the complex and cramped layout of the B-1 bunker makes it difficult to achieve effective natural ventilation, and simply increasing ventilation units may not effectively reduce radon levels.
It was also pointed out that strategic command staff stationed in the bunker for several months were not informed about the radon risks. Yoo criticized that this lack of disclosure resulted in personnel being unknowingly exposed to high radon levels, reportedly causing unexplained headaches and fatigue among them.
With the upcoming joint exercises in August involving over a thousand military personnel and government employees, Yoo urged the Ministry of National Defense to quickly find a comprehensive solution to maintain safe radon levels throughout the bunker. He highlighted the need for an effective strategy to manage elevated radon levels or consider a new command facility if structural adjustments fail to mitigate the risk.
Furthermore, Yoo insisted that health checks for all 40 strategic command staff working in the bunker should be conducted thoroughly to ensure any health issues are promptly addressed.