South Korean nuclear experts are now in Japan to check on the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The visit comes ahead of the release of treated and diluted water from the facility into the ocean around this summer. Seoul has raised concerns about the plan.
Ahead of their visit to the plant, Japanese officials briefed them on Monday about the water release procedures and the construction of the pipeline into the sea.
Water used to cool molten nuclear fuel mixes with rain and groundwater. It has been treated to remove most of the radioactive materials, but the filtered water still contains some tritium.
The government plans to release it after it has been diluted to well within Japan's safety limits. Officials say it will even clear the World Health Organization's suggested levels for drinking water.
The South Korean delegation is scheduled to visit the Fukushima plant for two days from Tuesday to confirm how the water is stored and the safety levels.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said, "Japan will carefully explain that the water will be treated to meet the safety standards, and then will be diluted with seawater. We will try to build understanding in South Korea regarding the safety of the release."
Officials in Seoul have said their team will investigate the potential effects on South Korea's oceans and marine products and immediately implement necessary measures.