Risk perception and behavioural intentions in a nuclear host community: evidence from Wolsong, South Korea

Public risk perception plays a critical role in shaping social responses to nuclear power plants (NPPs), particularly in host regions experiencing persistent conflict over safety, waste management, and institutional governance. The Wolsong NPP in South Korea represents a unique case, marked by long-standing opposition, policy disputes over spent fuel, and heightened health concern following the detection of radionuclides. Understanding how local residents perceive risk perception of radionuclides and how these perceptions translate into behavioural intentions such as migration, is critical for the Wolsong region. This study examines the demographic, psychological, and institutional determinants of risk perception of radionuclides and migration intentions among 1342 residents living within a 5 km radius of the plant, using cross-sectional survey data analysed via two sequential multivariable logistic regression models. Higher risk perception was associated with middle age, high school education, elevated anxiety, and, notably, greater recognition of the social benefits of nuclear power, while institutional trust and perceived policy transparency significantly reduced perceived risk. Migration intentions were reported by 13% of respondents and were more prevalent among younger residents, those with shorter residence duration, elevated stress levels, and higher risk perception. Conversely, institutional trust and perceived transparency substantially reduced migration intentions. These findings demonstrate that, in the context of Wolsong's conflict, risk perception functions as a key mechanism linking psychosocial distress, institutional trust, and population stability. Strengthening transparent governance, institutional credibility, and locally responsive risk communication is essential for improving community resilience in nuclear host regions.