The primary objective of radiological environmental monitoring after a radiological emergency at a nuclear facility is acquisition of background data for the determination of protective actions for the population and the comprehensive assessment of the impact on the population residing in proximity to the nuclear facility. The responsible entities engaged in the conduct of the radiological environmental monitoring encompass government organization and nuclear licensees, operating in strict adherence to the national radiological disaster prevention framework. In accordance with the national radiological disaster prevention framework, radiation environmental monitoring is executed through the deployment of emergency response organization, and recurrent exercise drills aimed at augmenting responsible capabilities. In the context of radiation environmental monitoring, it is necessary to specify measurement parameters, monitoring location, and methodological protocols for each stage, considering potential exposure pathways. In terms of equipment, it is important to utilize mobile assets such as aerial or vehicle surveys for rapid and accurate radiation environment monitoring. Radiation disaster drills are regularly conducted, and the radiation environment monitoring field is also regularly trained to enhance response capabilities. The scale of these drills may vary, ranging from exclusive participation by nuclear licensees to joint exercises conducted by governmental agencies. This iterative process of periodic drills and equipment enhancements has led to a progressive augmentation of environmental monitoring capabilities, ensuring a well-coordinated orchestration of radiation monitoring within the framework of radiation protection. Notwithstanding these achievements, challenges in public communication regarding the decision to take protective actions and the dissemination of information to the public. Considering that the purpose of radiation environmental monitoring extends beyond safeguarding public health; it also serves to alleviate public anxiety. In the future, public communication between these stakeholders should also be included in disaster drill programs to ensure proper consultation between each stakeholder during drills and to build understanding and trust in radiation environmental monitoring. This is expected to improve the quality of radiation environmental monitoring response capabilities.

• Bongseok Kim(Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)) Corresponding author