20-F 1 d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2010

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 20-F

 

 

(Mark One)

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 001-13372

 

 

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

N/A   The Republic of Korea
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)   (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

 

411 YOUNGDONG-DAERO, GANGNAM-GU, SEOUL 135-791, KOREA

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Seung Bum Kim, +822 3456 4264, sbkim96@kepco.co.kr, +822 556 3694

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class:

 

Name of each exchange on which registered:

Common stock, par value Won 5,000 per share*   New York Stock Exchange
American depositary shares, each representing
one-half of share of common stock
  New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

7  3/4% Debentures due April 1, 2013

Twenty Year 7.40% Amortizing Debentures, due April 1, 2016

One Hundred Year 7.95% Zero-to-Full Debentures, due April 1, 2096

6% Debentures due December 1, 2026

7% Debentures due February 1, 2027

6  3/4% Debentures due August 1, 2027

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the last full fiscal year covered by the annual report:

641,567,712 shares of common stock, par value of Won 5,000 per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files):    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  þ                    Accelerated filer  ¨                    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP  ¨                International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨            Other  þ

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  þ

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS AND CONVENTIONS

  1

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  1

PART I

  2

        ITEM 1.

 

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

  2

        ITEM 2.

 

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

  2

        ITEM 3.

 

KEY INFORMATION

  2
  ITEM 3A.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA   2
 

ITEM 3B.

 

CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

  4
 

ITEM 3C.

 

REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

  4
 

ITEM 3D.

 

RISK FACTORS

  5

        ITEM 4.

 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

  15
 

ITEM 4A.

 

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

  15
 

ITEM 4B.

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

  16
 

ITEM 4C.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

  61
 

ITEM 4D.

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

  63

        ITEM 4.A.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

  63

        ITEM 5.

 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

  63
 

ITEM 5A.

 

OPERATING RESULTS

  63
 

ITEM 5B.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

  74
 

ITEM 5C.

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.

  91
 

ITEM 5D.

 

TREND INFORMATION

  92
 

ITEM 5E.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

  92
 

ITEM 5F.

 

TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

  92

        ITEM 6.

 

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT, AND EMPLOYEES

  97
 

ITEM 6A.

 

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

  97
 

ITEM 6B.

 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND SUPERVISORS

  101
 

ITEM 6C.

 

BOARD PRACTICES

  101
 

ITEM 6D.

 

EMPLOYEES

  101
 

ITEM 6E.

 

SHARE OWNERSHIP

  102

        ITEM 7.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

  103
 

ITEM 7A.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

  103
 

ITEM 7B.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

  103
 

ITEM 7C.

 

INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

  104

        ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  105
 

ITEM 8A.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  105
 

ITEM 8B.

 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

  105

        ITEM 9.

 

THE OFFER AND LISTING

  106
 

ITEM 9A.

 

OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS

  106
 

ITEM 9B.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

  108
 

ITEM 9C.

 

MARKETS

  108
 

ITEM 9D.

 

SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

  111
 

ITEM 9E.

 

DILUTION

  111
 

ITEM 9F.

 

EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE

  111

        ITEM 10.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  112
 

ITEM 10A.

 

SHARE CAPITAL

  112
 

ITEM 10B.

 

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

  112
 

ITEM 10C.

 

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

  118
 

ITEM 10D.

 

EXCHANGE CONTROLS

  118
 

ITEM 10E.

 

TAXATION

  123
 

ITEM 10F.

 

DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS

  133
 

ITEM 10G.

 

STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS

  133


Table of Contents
    Page
 

ITEM 10H.

 

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

  133
 

ITEM 10I.

  SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION   133

        ITEM 11.

  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   134

        ITEM 12.

  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES   140
 

ITEM 12A.

  DEBT SECURITIES   140
 

ITEM 12B.

  WARRANTS AND RIGHTS   140
 

ITEM 12C.

  OTHER SECURITIES   140
 

ITEM 12D.

  DEPOSITARY FEES AND CHARGES   140

PART II

  142

        ITEM 13.

  DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES   142

        ITEM 14.

 

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

  142

        ITEM 15.

  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   142

        ITEM 16A.

  AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT   143

        ITEM 16B.

  CODE OF ETHICS   143

        ITEM 16C.

  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES   144

        ITEM 16D.

  EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE   144

        ITEM 16E.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

  144

        ITEM 16F.

  CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANTS   144

        ITEM 16G.

  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE   145

PART III

  149

        ITEM 17.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   149

        ITEM 18.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   149

        ITEM 19.

  EXHIBITS   149


Table of Contents

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS AND CONVENTIONS

All references to “Korea” or the “Republic” in this annual report on Form 20-F, or this report, are references to The Republic of Korea. All references to the “Government” in this report are references to the government of the Republic. All references to “we,” “us,” the “Company” or “KEPCO” in this report are references to Korea Electric Power Corporation and, as the context may require, its subsidiaries. All references to “the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy” and “the Ministry of Strategy and Finance” include the respective predecessors thereof. All references to “tons” are to metric tons, equal to 1,000 kilograms, or 2,204.6 pounds. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding. All references to “Korean GAAP” in this report are references to the accounting guidelines under the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act, the Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise Associate Government Agency and accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea, and all references to “U.S. GAAP” in this report are references to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Unless otherwise stated, all of our financial information presented in this report is prepared under Korean GAAP.

In addition, in this report, all references to:

 

   

“KHNP” are to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.,

 

   

“EWP” are to Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.,

 

   

“KOMIPO” are to Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.,

 

   

“KOSEP” are to Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.,

 

   

“KOSPO” are to Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd., and

 

   

“KOWEPO” are to Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.,

each of which is our wholly-owned generation subsidiary.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes “forward-looking statements” (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), including statements regarding our expectations and projections for future operating performance and business prospects . The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” and similar words used in connection with any discussion of our future operating or financial performance identify forward-looking statements. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.

This report discloses, under the caption Item 3D. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations (“Cautionary Statements”). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

Item 3A. Selected Financial Data

The selected consolidated financial data set forth below as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 have been derived from our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 have been audited by Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein. Deloitte Anjin LLC is a Korean independent registered public accounting firm and is our current independent registered public accounting firm. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 have been audited by KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act, the Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise Associate Government Agency and Korean GAAP, which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. See Item 5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 38 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

You should read the following data with the more detailed information contained in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 18. Financial Statements”. Historical results do not necessarily predict future results.

Consolidated Statement of Earnings Data

 

     2005    2006    2007    2008     2009  
     (in billions of Won and millions of US$, except per share data)  

Amounts in Accordance with Korean GAAP(1):

               

Operating revenues

   (Won) 25,445    (Won) 27,409    (Won) 29,137    (Won) 31,560      (Won) 33,994      $ 29,213   

Operating expenses

     21,523      24,014      26,316      34,358        32,279        27,739   

Operating income (loss)

     3,922      3,395      2,822      (2,798     1,715        1,474   

Income (loss) before income taxes

     3,825      3,369      2,393      (3,844     322        277   

Income tax expenses (benefits)

     1,392      1,123      926      (930     370        318   

Net income (loss)

     2,432      2,246      1,467      (2,914     (48     (41

Controlling interest

     2,407      2,226      1,426      (2,955     (97     (83

Noncontrolling interest

     25      20      41      41        49        42   

Earnings (loss) per share

               

Basic

     3,790      3,488      2,294      (4,746     (155     (0.13

Diluted

     3,766      3,389      2,258      (4,746     (155     (0.13

Earnings (loss) per ADS

               

Basic

     1,895      1,744      1,147      (2,373     (77.5     (0.065

Diluted

     1,883      1,695      1,129      (2,373     (77.5     (0.065

Dividends per share

     1,150      1,000      750      —          —          —     

 

2


Table of Contents
     2005    2006    2007    2008     2009
     (in billions of Won and millions of US$, except per share data)

Amounts in Accordance with U.S. GAAP(2):

                

Operating revenue(3)

   (Won) 25,445    (Won) 27,408    (Won) 29,189    (Won) 31,634      (Won) 34,181    $ 29,374

Operating income (loss)

     4,380      3,727      3,231      (2,971     2,544      2,187

Net income (loss)

     2,995      2,665      1,876      (3,778     1,151      989

Controlling interest

     2,970      2,645      1,835      (3,819     1,102      947

Noncontrolling interest

     25      20      41      41        49      42

Earnings (loss) per share

                

Basic

     4,675      4,146      2,952      (6,134     1,770      1.52

Diluted

     4,645      4,028      2,946      (6,134     1,769      1.52

Earnings (loss) per ADS

                

Basic

     2,338      2,073      1,476      (3,067     885      0.76

Diluted

     2,323      2,014      1,473      (3,067     884      0.76

Dividend per share

     1,150      1,000      750      —          —        —  

Other Data:

                

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4):

                

Korean GAAP

     4.8      3.8      3.1      (3.2     1.0      1.0

U.S. GAAP(2)

     5.3      4.2      3.7      (3.9     1.8      1.8

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data

 

     As of December 31,
     2005     2006    2007     2008     2009
     (in billions of Won and millions of US$, except per share data)

Amounts in Accordance with Korean GAAP(2):

              

Net working capital surplus (deficit)(5)

   (Won) (130   (Won) 171    (Won) (3   (Won) (197   (Won) 281    $ 242

Property, plant and equipment, net

     56,651        56,874      57,739        59,618        59,124      50,809

Construction in progress

     7,355        8,393      9,824        10,178        14,909      12,812

Total assets

     74,737        79,241      82,929        88,199        93,208      80,100

Total stockholders’ equity

     42,338        43,235      44,267        41,275        41,404      35,581

Controlling interest

     42,191        43,084      44,033        40,962        41,027      35,257

Noncontrolling interest

     147        151      234        313        377      324

Common stock

     3,208        3,208      3,208        3,208        3,208      2,757

Long-term debt (excluding current portion)

     15,494        15,428      16,121        23,319        27,856      23,938

Other long term liabilities

     9,767        11,924      13,204        13,069        13,201      11,345

Amounts in Accordance with U.S. GAAP(2):

              

Total assets

     66,864        72,513      76,616        82,230        87,631      75,307

Total liabilities

     30,745        34,450      37,169        46,687        50,714      43,582

Total stockholders’ equity

     36,119        38,063      39,447        35,543        36,917      31,725

Controlling interest

     35,972        37,912      39,213        35,230        36,540      31,401

Noncontrolling interest

     147        151      234        313        377      324

 

Notes:

 

(1) See Item 5A. “Operating Results” for discussion of certain changes in Korean GAAP.
(2) For discussion of significant differences between the application of Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see Item 5B. “ Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 38 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents
(3) For discussion of significant differences in revenue recognition under Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see Item 5B. “ Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 38(a) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
(4) For purposes of computing ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of earnings before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense (including capitalized interest) and amortization of bond discount and issue expenses.
(5) Net working capital means current assets minus current liabilities.

Currency Translations and Exchange Rates

In this report, unless otherwise indicated, all references to “Won” or “(Won)” are to the currency of the Republic, and all references to “U.S. dollars,” “Dollars,” “$” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States of America. Unless otherwise indicated, all translations from Won to U.S. dollars were made at (Won)1,163.7 to US$1.00, which was the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Board (the “Noon Buying Rate”) in effect as of December 31, 2009. The source of these rates is the Federal Reserve Bank of New York until December 31, 2008. Since January 1, 2009, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York discontinued publication of foreign exchange rates. The source of the rates since January 1, 2009 is the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. On June 11, 2010, the Noon Buying Rate was (Won)1,245.9 to US$1.00. The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Korean Won may be highly volatile from time to time and the U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this report should not be relied upon as an accurate reflection of our results of operations. No representation is made that the Won or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this report could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

The following table sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information concerning the Noon Buying Rate in Won per US$1.00.

 

Year Ended December 31,

   At End of Period    Average(1)    High    Low
     (Won per US$1.00)

2005

   1,010.0    1,023.2    1,059.8    997.0

2006

   930.0    950.1    1,002.9    913.7

2007

   935.8    928.0    950.2    903.2

2008

   1,262.0    1,098.6    1,507.9    935.2

2009

   1,163.7    1,274.7    1,570.1    1,149.0

2010 (through June 18)

      1,151.0    1,253.2    1,104.0

January

   1,158.7    1,138.2    1,163.1    1,120.0

February

   1,159.0    1,155.7    1,170.0    1,144.0

March

   1,131.2    1,136.1    1,153.0    1,128.0

April

   1,108.0    1,115.5    1,126.3    1,104.0

May

   1,194.5    1,164.8    1,253.2    1,115.0

June (through June 18)

   1,202.6    1,223.0    1,250.4    1,198.5

 

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York (for the periods ended on or prior to December 31, 2008) and Federal Reserve Board (for the period since January 1, 2009)

Note:

 

(1) Represents the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month during the relevant period.

Item 3B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not Applicable

Item 3C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable

 

4


Table of Contents

Item 3D. Risk Factors

Our business and operations are subject to various risks, many of which are beyond our control. If any of the risks described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be seriously harmed.

Risks Relating to KEPCO

Increases in fuel prices will adversely affect our results of operations and profitability as we may not be able to pass on the increased cost to consumers at a sufficient level or on a timely basis.

Fuel costs constituted 43.7% and 46.0% of our operating revenues and operating expenses, respectively, in 2009. Our generation subsidiaries purchase substantially all of the fuel that they use (except for anthracite coal) from a limited number of suppliers outside Korea at prices determined in part by prevailing market prices in currencies other than Won. For example, most of the bituminous coal requirements (which accounted for approximately 43.0% of our entire fuel requirements in 2009 in terms of electricity output) are imported from a limited number of countries principally consisting of Indonesia, Australia, Canada and China, which accounted for approximately 44.9%, 41.9%, 5.2% and 5.1%, respectively, of the annual bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries in 2009. Approximately 70.0% of the bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries in 2009 were purchased under long-term contracts and the remaining 30.0% from the spot market. Pursuant to the terms of our long-term supply contracts, prices are adjusted annually based on prevailing market conditions. In addition, our generation subsidiaries purchase a significant portion of their fuel requirements under contracts with limited duration. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Fuels.”

In recent years, the prices of bituminous coal, oil and liquefied natural gas, or LNG, have fluctuated significantly, resulting in a higher fuel cost to us. For example, the average “free on board” Newcastle coal price index sharply increased from US$65.3 per ton in 2007 to US$128.4 per ton in 2008 before climbing down to US$72.4 per ton in 2009, and was US$98.5 per ton as of June 11, 2010. The prices of oil and LNG are substantially dependent on the price of crude oil, and according to Bloomberg (Bloomberg Ticker: PGCRDUBA), the average daily spot price of Dubai crude oil fluctuated from US$68.4 per barrel in 2007 to US$93.8 per barrel in 2008 and US$61.7 per barrel in 2009, and was US$77.9 per barrel on May 25, 2010. If fuel prices increase sharply within a short span of time, our generation subsidiaries may be unable to secure requisite fuel supplies at prices that they were able to obtain during prior periods. In addition, any significant interruption or delay in the supply of fuel, bituminous coal in particular, from any of their suppliers may cause our generation subsidiaries to purchase fuel on the spot market at prices higher than the prices available under existing supply contracts, resulting in an increase in the fuel cost. We cannot assure you that the fuel prices will not significantly increase in the remainder of 2010 or thereafter.

Because the Government regulates the rates we charge for the electricity we sell to our customers (see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates”), our ability to pass on such cost increases to our customers is limited. The increase in fuel prices in 2008 led to our recording an operating loss for the first time in our operating history in 2008 and we expect that a high level of fuel prices will continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operation in 2010 and beyond. If the fuel prices remain at the current level or continue to increase and the Government, out of concern for inflation or for other reasons, maintains the current level of electricity tariff or does not increase it to a level to sufficiently offset the impact of high fuel prices, the fuel price increases will significantly lower our profit margins or even cause us to suffer net losses and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would seriously suffer. In addition, partly because the Government may have to undergo a lengthy deliberative process to approve an increase in electricity tariff, which represents a key component of the consumer price index, the electricity tariff may not be adjusted to a level sufficient to ensure a fair rate of return to us in a timely manner or at all. In 2008 when we incurred an operating loss of (Won)2,798 billion largely due to a rapid rise in fuel prices, the Government raised the electricity tariff on average by 4.5% in November 2008. However, such tariff increase was insufficient to fully offset the adverse impact from the rise in fuel costs in 2008.

 

5


Table of Contents

On February 10, 2010, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy announced that it plans to overhaul the current system for determining electricity tariff chargeable to customers by more closely aligning the tariff levels to the movements in fuel prices, with the aim of providing more timely pricing signals to the market regarding the expected changes in electricity tariff levels and encouraging more efficient use of electricity by customers. Currently scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2011, the new tariff system is also intended to provide greater financial stability and ensure a minimum return on investment to electricity suppliers, such as us. However, there is no assurance that the new tariff system will be adopted as presently anticipated or at all, or that the new tariff system in its final form will fully cover our expenses on a timely basis or at all, or have unintended consequences that we are not presently aware of. In addition, the Government may not maintain or raise the tariff level to ensure our profitability until the implementation of the new tariff system in July 2011. Any of such developments may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Recent Developments—Proposed Implementation of a New Tariff System.”

The Government may adopt plans to further restructure the Korean electricity industry, which may have a material adverse effect on us.

Based on a policy initiative to introduce greater competition in the Korean electricity industry, in January 1999 the Government announced a restructuring plan for the electricity industry in Korea, or the Restructuring Plan. For a detailed description of the Restructuring Plan, see Item 4B “Business Overview—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea.” As part of this initiative, in April 2001 the Government established the Korea Power Exchange to enable the sale and purchase of electricity through a competitive bidding process, established the Korea Electricity Commission to ensure fair competition in the restructured Korean electricity, and, in order to promote competition in electricity generation, split off our electricity generation business to form one nuclear generation company and five non-nuclear generation companies to be wholly owned by us. In 2002, the Government introduced a plan to privatize our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries, starting with KOSEP, but this plan was suspended indefinitely in 2003 due to prevailing market conditions and other policy considerations.

As part of the next step of introducing competition in electricity distribution, in September 2003 a Tripartite Commission consisting of representatives of the Government, leading businesses and labor unions in Korea was established to deliberate and propose ways to introduce competition in the distribution of electricity. In June 2004, based on extensive studies, the Tripartite Commission issued a resolution that recommended halting the plan to form and privatize new distribution subsidiaries, and in lieu thereof, creating independent business divisions within us, namely, the “strategic business units,” as a way of improving operational efficiency and internal competition among the business divisions. This resolution was adopted by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy in June 2004, and based on outside studies and public comments, in September 2006 we established nine strategic business units with a separate management structure having limited autonomy, separate financial accounting and performance evaluation criteria, which, together with certain of our other business units, were restructured into 13 integrated business units with a focus on profit maximization in December 2008 following a two-year evaluation period.

Recently, amid concerns that the cost structure of electricity generation has not been optimal, the Government commissioned Korea Development Institute to conduct a study on this subject. Based on such study, the Government currently intends to announce by the end of 2010 a plan to further restructure the electric power industry, including by way of a potential consolidation of one or more of our generation subsidiaries or a potential merger of any one or more of such subsidiaries into us.

In addition, in order to deal with the shortage of fuel and other resources and also to comply with various environmental standards, the Government is currently considering a plan to adopt the Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”), under which each generation subsidiary will be required to supply 2.0% and 10.0% of the total energy generated from such subsidiary in the form of renewable energy by 2012 and 2022, respectively, with fines being levied on any unit failing to do so in the prescribed timeline. We currently estimate that, if the RPS is

 

6


Table of Contents

implemented as currently planned, our generation subsidiaries will incur approximately (Won)4 trillion in additional capital expenditure over the next 10 years. We expect that such additional capital expenditure will be covered by a corresponding increase in electricity tariff. However, there is no assurance that the Government will in fact raise the electricity tariff to a level sufficient to fully cover such additional capital expenditures or at all. For further details, see Item 4. “Business—Renewable Energy.”

Other than as set forth above, we are not aware of any specific plan by the Government to resume the implementation of the Restructuring Plan or otherwise change the current structure of the electricity industry in the near future. However, for reasons relating to a change in Government policy, economic and market conditions and/or other factors, the Government may resume the implementation of the Restructuring Plan or initiate other steps that may change the structure of the Korean electricity. Any such measures may have a negative effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition. In addition, the Government indirectly and directly owns a majority of our shares and exercises significant control over our business and operations, and it may from time to time pursue policy initiatives with respect to our business and operations which may vary with the interest and objectives of our other shareholders.

Our capacity expansion plans, which are based on projections on long-term supply and demand of electricity in Korea, may prove to be inadequate.

We and our generation subsidiaries make plans for expanding or upgrading our generation capacity based on the Basic Plan Relating to the Long-Term Supply and Demand of Electricity, or the Basic Plan, which is announced and revised generally every two years by the Government. In December 2008, the Government announced the fourth Basic Plan relating to the future supply and demand of electricity. The fourth Basic Plan focuses on, among other things, (i) ensuring that electricity generation conforms to the National Energy Basic Plan relating to the overall energy management policy for Korea, including in areas of demand management, target nuclear power generation, and a greater emphasis on renewable energy; (ii) improving the accuracy of electricity supply forecast based primarily on expected fuel prices, generation efficiency and technological advances, in addition to the mandates under the previous third Basic Plan; including (iii) establishing an optimal level and mix of generating capacity based on fuel types and the operational efficiency of each generation unit; (iv) equilibrating the supply and demand of electricity at the regional level through region-specific planning for capacity expansion; (v) setting high priority to environmental issues by proactively addressing some of the concerns identified under the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; and (vi) improving the transparency and accountability in the decision-making process for formulating the basic plan by formalizing more compartmentalized processes and procedures, including seeking advice from outside experts. We cannot assure that the fourth Basic Plan, or the plans subsequently adopted, will successfully achieve their intended goals, the foremost of which is to formulate a capacity expansion plan that will result in balanced overall electricity supply and demand in Korea at an affordable cost to the end users. If there is a significant variance between the actual capacity expansions by us and our generation subsidiaries based on the projected electricity supply and demand and the actual supply and demand, this may result in inefficient use of our capital, mispricing of electricity and undue financing costs on the part of us and our generation subsidiaries, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The movement of Won against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may have a material adverse effect on us.

The Won has fluctuated significantly against major currencies in recent years, especially as a result of the recent global financial crisis and the relatively speedy recovery of Korean economy therefrom. See Item 3A. “Selected Financial Data—Currency Translations and Exchange Rates.” The depreciation of Won against U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies typically results in a material increase in the cost of fuel and equipment purchased from overseas and the cost of servicing our foreign currency-denominated debt as the prices for substantially all of the fuel materials and a significant portion of the equipment we purchase are stated in currencies other than Won, generally in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 25.3% of our long-term debt (including the current portion and discount on debentures and excluding premium on debentures) was denominated in foreign currencies, principally in U.S. dollars, Yen and Euro. Since substantially all of our

 

7


Table of Contents

revenues are denominated in Won, we must generally obtain foreign currencies through foreign-currency denominated financings or from foreign currency exchange markets to make such purchases or service such debt. As a result, any significant depreciation of Won against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies will have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations.

The proliferation of a competing system which enables regional districts to independently source electricity would erode our market position and hurt our business, growth prospects, revenues and profitability.

In July 2004, the Government adopted the Community Energy System to enable regional districts to source electricity from independent power producers to supply electricity without having to undergo the cost-based pool system used by our generation subsidiaries and most independent power producers to distribute electricity nationwide. A supplier of electricity under the Community Energy System must be authorized by the Korea Electricity Commission and be approved by the Minister of Knowledge Economy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act. The purpose of this system is to decentralize electricity supply and thereby reduce transmission costs and improve the efficiency of energy use. These entities do not supply electricity on a national level but are licensed to supply electricity on a limited basis to their respective districts under the Community Energy System. As of April 30, 2010, 10 districts were using this system and six other districts were preparing to launch it. The generation capacity installed or under construction of the electricity suppliers in these 16 districts amounted to approximately 1% of the aggregate generation capacity of our generation subsidiaries as of April 30, 2010. Since the introduction of the Community Energy System in 2004, a total of 31 districts have obtained the license to obtain electricity supply through the Community Energy System, but 15 of such districts have reportedly abandoned plans to adopt the Community Energy System, largely due to the relatively high level of capital expenditure required, the rise in fuel costs and the lower-than-expected electricity output per cost. However, if the Community Energy System is widely adopted, it will erode our market position in the generation and distribution of electricity in Korea, which has been virtually monopolized by us until recently, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, revenues and profitability.

We may not be successful in implementing new business strategies.

As part of our overall business strategy, we plan to undertake new, or expand existing, projects such as strengthening of our renewable energy generation capabilities under the Renewable Portfolio Standards initiative, adoption of the “smart grid” projects to improve the operational efficiency of our electricity transmission and distribution network, and expansion in overseas markets, particularly in the construction and operation of nuclear generation units.

Due to their inherent uncertainties, such new and expanded strategic initiatives expose us to a number of risks and challenges, including the following:

 

   

new and expanded business activities may require unanticipated capital expenditures and involve additional compliance requirements;

 

   

new and expanded business activities may result in less growth or profit than we currently anticipate, and there can be no assurance that such business activities will become profitable at the level we desire or at all;

 

   

we may fail to identify and enter into alternative business areas in a timely fashion, putting us at a disadvantage vis-à-vis competitors, particularly in overseas markets; and

 

   

we may need to hire or retrain personnel who are able to supervise and conduct the relevant business activities.

As part of our business strategy, we may also seek, evaluate or engage in potential acquisitions, mergers, restructurings, combinations, rationalizations, divestments or other similar opportunities, including with existing or future joint ventures, acquisitions and strategic alliances and with respect to existing or new businesses. The prospects of these initiatives are uncertain, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully

 

8


Table of Contents

implement or grow new ventures, and these ventures may prove more difficult or costly than we presently expect. In addition, we regularly review the profitability and growth potential of our businesses. As a result of such review, we may decide to exit from or to reduce the resources that we allocate to new ventures in the future. There is a risk that these ventures may not achieve profitability or operational efficiencies to the extent we presently expect and we may fail to recover investments or expenditures that we have already made. Any of the foregoing may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operation, financial condition and cash flows.

We plan to pursue international expansion opportunities that may subject us to different or greater risk from those associated with our domestic operations.

While our operations have, to date, been primarily based in Korea, we plan to expand, on a selective basis, our overseas operations in the future. In particular, we plan to further diversify the geographic focus of our operations from Asia to the rest of the world, including the resource-rich Middle East, Australia and Africa as well as expand our project portfolio, which has to-date involved primarily the construction and operation of conventional thermal generation units, to include the construction and operation of nuclear power plants as well as mining and development of energy fuels in order to increase the level of self-sufficiency in the procurement of fuels.

Overseas operations carry risks that are different from those we face in our domestic operations. These risks include:

 

   

challenges of complying with multiple foreign laws and regulatory requirements, including tax laws and laws regulating the our operations and investments;

 

   

volatility of overseas economic conditions, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

   

difficulties in enforcing creditors’ rights in foreign jurisdictions;

 

   

risk of expropriation and exercise of sovereign immunity where the counterparty is a foreign government;

 

   

difficulties in establishing, staffing and managing foreign operations;

 

   

differing labor regulations;

 

   

political and economic instability, natural calamities, war and terrorism;

 

   

lack of familiarity with local markets and competitive conditions;

 

   

changes in applicable laws and regulations in Korea that affect foreign operations; and

 

   

obstacles to the repatriation of earnings and cash.

Any failure by us to recognize or respond to these differences may adversely affect the success of our operations in those markets, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Labor unrest may adversely affect our operations.

As of December 31, 2009, approximately 66.9% of the employees of our non-nuclear generation subsidiaries were members of the Korean Power Plant Industrial Union, and approximately 62.4% of the employees of Korea Hydro-Nuclear Power, or KHNP, our nuclear generation subsidiary were members of the Korean Hydro & Nuclear Power Labor Union. The Restructuring Plan and the privatization plan for our non-nuclear generation subsidiaries generated labor unrest in 2002. Labor unions to which our employees and the employees of our generation subsidiaries belong have opposed the Restructuring Plan from its inception. In particular, the prospect of privatizing some of our core assets has raised concerns among some of our employees. In February 2002, employees belonging to labor unions of our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries began a

 

9


Table of Contents

six-week strike to protest the Government’s plans to privatize the five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the second largest confederation of labor unions in Korea, negotiated with the Government on behalf of the labor unions. After prolonged negotiations with the Government, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions directed the labor unions of our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries to end their strike on April 2, 2002. There was no material disruption in the operation of generation subsidiaries as a result of such labor strike. While there has been no material subsequent labor dispute, we cannot assure you that there will not be a major strike or other disruptions by the labor unions of us and our generation subsidiaries if the Government resumes privatization or other restructuring initiatives or for other reasons, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Planned relocation of the headquarters of us and our generation subsidiaries may reduce our operational efficiency.

In June 2005, the Government announced that it plans to relocate the headquarters of select government-invested enterprises, including us and our six generation and certain other subsidiaries, from the Seoul metropolitan area to other provinces in Korea by the end of 2012. Currently, our headquarters and those of our generation subsidiaries are within close vicinity of each other in the City of Seoul. Pursuant to the Government’s relocation policy, our headquarters are scheduled to be relocated to Naju in Jeolla Province, which is approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul, by the end of 2012. In addition, the headquarters of certain of our subsidiaries are scheduled to be relocated to various other cities in Korea. While we intend to comply with the relocation plan, there can be no assurance that, following such relocation, we will able to maintain the current level of operational efficiency due to geographic dispersion of our business units.

Operation of nuclear power generation facilities inherently involves numerous hazards and risks, any of which could result in a material loss of revenues or increased expenses.

Through KHNP, we currently operate 20 nuclear-fuel generation units. The operation of nuclear power plants is subject to certain hazards, including environmental hazards such as leaks, ruptures and discharge of toxic and radioactive substances and materials. These hazards can cause personal injuries or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and natural resources, pollution or other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of operations. Nuclear power has a stable cost structure, is least costly among the fuel types used by our generation subsidiaries and is the second largest source of Korea’s electricity supply, accounting for 34.1% of electricity generated in Korea in 2009. Due to significantly lower unit fuel costs compared to those for conventional power plants, our nuclear power plants are generally operated at full capacity with only routine shutdowns for check-up and overhaul lasting, with limited exceptions. The breakdown, failure or suspension of operation of a nuclear unit could result in a material loss of revenues, an increase in fuel costs related to the use of alternative power sources, additional repair and maintenance costs, greater risk of litigation and increased social and political hostility to the use of nuclear power, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial conditions and results of operation.

Opposition to the construction and operation of nuclear-fuel generation units may have an adverse effect on us.

In recent years, we have encountered increasing social and political opposition to the construction and operation of nuclear generation units. Although we and the Government have undertaken various community programs to address concerns of residents in areas near our nuclear units, civic and community opposition to the construction and operation of nuclear units could result in delayed construction or relocation of planned nuclear units, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operation. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Power Generation—Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.,” “—Community Programs” and “—Insurance.”

 

10


Table of Contents

The amount and scope of coverage of our insurance are limited.

Substantial liability may result from the operations of our nuclear generation units, the use and handling of nuclear fuel and possible radioactive emissions associated with such nuclear fuel. KHNP carries insurance for its generation units and nuclear fuel transportation, and we believe that the level of insurance is generally adequate and is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. In addition, KHNP is the beneficiary of Government indemnity which covers a portion of liability in excess of the insurance. However, such insurance is limited in terms of amount and scope of coverage and does not cover all types or amounts of losses which could arise in connection with the ownership and operation of nuclear plants. Accordingly, material adverse financial consequences could result from a serious accident to the extent it is neither insured nor covered by the government indemnity.

In addition, our non-nuclear generation subsidiaries carry insurance covering certain risks, including fire, in respect of their key assets, including buildings and equipment located at their respective power plants, construction-in-progress and imported fuel and procurement in transit. Such insurance and indemnity, however, cover only a portion of the assets that the non-nuclear generation subsidiaries own and operate and do not cover all types or amounts of loss that could arise in connection with the ownership and operation of these power plants. In addition, unlike us, our generation subsidiaries are not permitted to self-insure, and accordingly have not self-insured, against risks of their uninsured assets or business. Accordingly, material adverse financial consequences could result from a serious accident to the extent it is uninsured.

In addition, because we and our non-nuclear generation subsidiaries do not carry insurance against terrorist attacks, an act of terrorism would result in significant financial losses. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Insurance.”

We may require a substantial amount of additional indebtedness to refinance existing debt and for future capital expenditures.

We anticipate that additional indebtedness will be required in the coming years in order to refinance existing debt and make capital expenditures for construction of generation plants and other facilities. The amount of such additional indebtedness may be substantial. We expect that a portion of our long-term debt will need to be paid or refinanced through foreign currency-denominated borrowings and capital raising in international capital markets. Such financing may not be available on terms commercially acceptable to us or at all, especially if the global financial markets experience significant turbulence.

We may not be able to raise equity capital in the future without the participation of the Government.

Under applicable laws, the Government is required to directly or indirectly own at least 51.0% of our issued capital stock. As of December 31, 2009, the Government, directly and through Korea Finance Corporation (a statutory banking institution wholly-owned by the Government), owned 51.1% of our issued capital stock. Accordingly, without changes in the existing Korean law, it may be difficult or impossible for us to undertake, without the participation of the Government, any equity financing in the future (other than sales of treasury stock).

Risks Relating to Korea and the Global Economy

Unfavorable financial and economic conditions in Korea and globally may have a material adverse impact on us.

We are incorporated in Korea, where most of our assets are located and most of our income is generated. As a result, we are subject to political, economic, legal and regulatory risks specific to Korea, and our business, results of operation and financial condition are substantially dependent on the Korean consumers’ demand for electricity, which are in turn largely dependent on developments relating to the Korean economy. In addition, the Korean economy is closely integrated with, and is significantly affected by, developments in the global economy

 

11


Table of Contents

and financial markets. In recent years, the global economy and financial markets experienced hardship, which also had a significant adverse impact on the Korean economy and in turn on our business and profitability. During the second and third quarter of 2007, credit markets in the United States and globally began to experience significant difficulties and turbulence as a result of uncertainties in the U.S. subprime mortgage market, which then spread to markets involving highly leveraged structured financial products. In September and October 2008, liquidity concerns increased dramatically with the bankruptcy or acquisition of, and/or government assistance to, several major financial institutions based in the United States and Europe, including Lehman Brothers. These developments led to reduced liquidity in the credit markets, greater volatility in financial markets in general and an economic downturn in many of the world’s major economies, including Korea. In response to such adversity, governments in the United States, Europe and many other countries, including Korea, have implemented a number of initiatives designed to stabilize the financial markets and the economy in general, including fiscal stimulus measures, reduction of base interest rates and direct and indirect assistance to distressed financial institutions. In part due to such initiatives, the Korean and global economy have shown growing signs of recovery since the second half of 2009. However, there can be no assurance that there will not be further difficulties resulting from the recent financial and economic crisis. For example, in November 2009, the Dubai government announced a moratorium on the outstanding debt of Dubai World, a government-affiliated investment company. In addition, many governments worldwide, in particular in Greece, Spain, Hungary and other countries in Europe, are showing increasing signs of fiscal stress and difficulties meeting debt burdens. Any of these or other developments could potentially trigger another financial and economic crisis. Furthermore, while many governments worldwide are considering or are in the process of implementing “exit” strategies in the form of reduced government spending, higher interest rates or otherwise, there can be no guarantee that such strategies will have the desired effect, and such strategies may, for reasons related to timing, magnitude or other factors, have the unintended consequences of prolonging or worsening economic and financial difficulties. As Korea’s economy is highly dependent on the health and direction of the global economy, investors’ reactions to developments in one country can have adverse effects on the securities price of companies in other countries. Factors that determine economic and business cycles of the Korean or global economy are for the most part beyond our control and inherently uncertain. In light of the high level of interdependence of the global economy, any of the foregoing developments could have a material adverse effect on the Korean economy and financial markets, and in turn on our business and profitability.

More specifically, factors that could hurt Korea’s economy in the future include, among others:

 

   

volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including oil prices), exchange rates (particularly against the U.S. dollar), interest rates and stock markets;

 

   

increased reliance on exports to service foreign currency debts, which could cause friction with Korea’s trading partners;

 

   

adverse developments in the economies of countries to which Korea exports goods and services (such as the United States, China and Japan), or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere that could result in a loss of confidence in the Korean economy;

 

   

the continued emergence of China, to the extent its benefits (such as increased exports to China) are outweighed by its costs (such as competition in export markets or for foreign investment and relocation of the manufacturing base from Korea to China);

 

   

social and labor unrest or declining consumer confidence or spending resulting from lay-offs, increasing unemployment and lower levels of income;

 

   

uncertainty and volatility in real estate prices arising, in part, from the Government’s policy-driven tax and other regulatory measures;

 

   

a decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Government’s expenditures for unemployment compensation and other social programs that together could lead to an increased Government budget deficit;

 

12


Table of Contents
   

political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea, including as a result of the increasing polarization of the positions of the ruling conservative party and the progressive opposition;

 

   

a deterioration in economic or diplomatic relations between Korea and its trading partners or allies, including such deterioration resulting from trade disputes or disagreements in foreign policy;

 

   

any other development that has a material adverse effect in the global economy, such as an act of war, a terrorist act or a breakout of an epidemic such as SARS, avian flu or swine flu;

 

   

hostilities involving oil-producing countries in the Middle East and elsewhere and any material disruption in the supply of oil or a material increase in the price of oil resulting from such hostilities; and

 

   

an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities in the Korean peninsula.

Any future deterioration of the Korean economy could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us and the market value of our shares.

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense throughout Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase abruptly as a result of current and future events. In recent years, there have been heightened security concerns stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapons and long-range missile programs and uncertainty regarding North Korea’s actions and possible responses from the international community. In April 2009, after launching a long-range rocket over the Pacific Ocean which led to protests from the international community, North Korea announced that it would permanently withdraw from the six-party talks that began in 2003 to discuss Pyongyang’s path to denuclearization. On May 25, 2009, North Korea conducted its second nuclear testing by launching several short-range missiles. In response to such actions, the Republic decided to join the Proliferation Security Initiative, an international campaign aimed at stopping the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, over Pyongyang’s harsh rebuke and threat of war. After the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on June 12, 2009, to condemn North Korea’s second nuclear test and impose tougher sanctions such as a mandatory ban on arms exports, North Korea announced that it would produce nuclear weapons and take “resolute military actions” against the international community. In addition, the military and political tension in the Korean peninsula may further escalate in light of allegations of involvement by a North Korean submarine in the shipwreck of a Korean navy ship off the west coast of the Korean peninsula in April 2010.

There recently has been increased uncertainty about the future of North Korea’s political leadership and its implications for the economic and political stability of the region. In June 2009, American and South Korean officials announced that Kim Jong-il, the North Korean ruler who reportedly suffered a stroke in August 2008, designated his third son, who is reportedly to be in his twenties, to become his successor. The succession plan, however, remains uncertain. In addition, North Korea’s economy faces severe challenges. For example, on November 30, 2009, the North Korean government redenominated its currency at a ratio of 100 to 1 in an attempt to control inflation and reduce income gaps. In tandem with the currency redenomination, the North Korean government banned the use or possession of foreign currency by its residents and closed down privately run markets, which led to severe inflation and food shortages. Such developments may further aggravate social and political tensions within North Korea as well as the entire Korean peninsula.

There can be no assurance that the level of tension and instability in the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future, or that the political regime in North Korea may not suddenly collapse. Any further increase in tension or uncertainty relating to the military or economic stability in the Korean peninsula, including a breakdown of diplomatic negotiations over the North Korean nuclear program, occurrence of military hostilities or heightened concerns about the stability of North Korea’s political leadership, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation and could lead to a decline in the market value of our common shares and our American depositary shares.

 

13


Table of Contents

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, which differ in significant respects from U.S. GAAP.

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise Associate Government Agency and Korean GAAP, which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP.

Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP differ, among other ways, in respect of the following issues:

 

   

treatment of asset revaluation;

 

   

treatment of foreign exchange translation gains and losses; and

 

   

the establishment of regulatory assets and liabilities to offset the impact of foreign exchange translation losses and gains on our income statement, deferred income taxes and reserves for self-insurance; and

 

   

treatment of liabilities for decommissioning costs.

See Item 5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 38 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Our reported financial results under the new IFRS accounting standards may differ significantly for those under the existing Korean GAAP accounting standards.

In March 2007, the Government announced that all companies listed on the Korea Exchange, including us, will be required to comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) starting in 2011. IFRS is the financial reporting standard adopted in more than 110 countries and has requirements that are substantially different from those under Korean GAAP. We have established a task force team to assist in the preparation for our IFRS compliance and are presently reviewing the effects of such change to our financial reporting. Compared to our current reporting standards under Korean GAAP, the IFRS provides for differing reporting requirements with respect to, among others, revenue recognition and property, plant and equipment, which may make it difficult for our shareholders and other investors to compare our reported financial results under the IFRS to our reported financial results under the existing Korean GAAP and thereby make their investment decisions on a sufficiently informed basis.

We are generally subject to Korean corporate governance and disclosure standards, which differ in significant respects from those in other countries.

Companies in Korea, including us, are subject to corporate governance standards applicable to Korean public companies which differ in many respects from standards applicable in other countries, including the United States. As a reporting company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are, and will continue to be, subject to certain corporate governance standards as mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. However, foreign private issuers, including us, are exempt from certain corporate governance standards required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. For a description of significant differences in corporate governance standards, see Item 16G. “Corporate Governance.” There may also be less publicly available information about Korean companies, such as us, than is regularly made available by public or non-public companies in other countries. Such differences in corporate governance standards and less public information could result in less than satisfactory corporate governance practices or disclosure to investors in certain countries.

 

14


Table of Contents

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

Item 4A. History and Development of the Company

General Information

Our legal and corporate name is Korea Electric Power Corporation. We were established by the Government on December 31, 1981 as a statutory juridical corporation in Korea under the Korea Electric Power Corporation (“KEPCO”) Act as the successor to Korea Electric Company. Our registered office is located at 411 Youngdong-daero, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, Korea, and our telephone number is 82-2-3456-4264. Our website address is www.kepco.co.kr. Our agent in the United States is Korea Electric Power Corporation, New York Office, located at 16th Floor, 400 Kelby Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.

The Korean electric utility industry traces its origin to the establishment of the first electric utility company in Korea in 1898. On July 1, 1961, the industry was reorganized by the merger of Korea Electric Power Company, Seoul Electric Company and South Korea Electric Company, which resulted in the formation of Korea Electric Company. From 1976 to 1981, the Government acquired the private minority shareholdings in Korea Electric Company. After the Government acquired all the remaining shares of Korea Electric Company, Korea Electric Company dissolved, and we were incorporated in 1981 and assumed the assets and liabilities of Korea Electric Company. We ceased to be wholly-owned by the Government in 1989 when the Government sold 21.0% of our common stock. As of June 22, 2010, the Government maintained 51.1% ownership in aggregate of our common shares by direct holdings and indirect holdings through Korea Finance Corporation, an entity wholly owned by the Government which was formed following the Government-managed split of Korea Development Bank into Korea Finance Corporation and KDB Financial Group in October 2009. Subsequent to the restructuring, Korea Finance Corporation owns 94.3% of KDB Financial Group, while KDB Financial Group owns 100.0% of Korea Development Bank. Korea Development Bank, which formerly held our shares, transferred all of its equity interest in us to Korea Finance Corporation following the restructuring. However, a substantial majority of debt and other financial obligations owned by us has not been transferred and remains with Korea Development Bank.

Under relevant laws of Korea, the Government is required to own, directly or indirectly, at least 51.0% of our capital. Direct or indirect ownership of more than 50% of our outstanding common stock enables the Government to control the approval of certain corporate matters relating to us that require a stockholders’ resolution, including approval of dividends. The rights of the Government and Korea Finance Corporation as holders of our common stock are exercised by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, based on the Government’s ownership of our common stock and a proxy received from Korea Finance Corporation, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.

We operate under the general supervision of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy. The Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, is responsible for approving, subject to review by the Korea Electricity Commission, the electricity rates we charge our customers. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates.” We furnish reports to officials of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and other Government agencies and regularly consult with such officials on matters relating to our business and affairs. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Regulation.” Our non-standing directors, which comprise the majority of our board of directors, must be appointed by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance following the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee from a pool of candidates recommended by our director nomination committee and have ample knowledge and experience in business management, and our President must be appointed by the President of the Republic upon the motion of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy following the nomination by our director nomination committee, the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee and an approval at the general meeting of shareholders. See Item 6A. “Directors and Senior Management—Board of Directors.”

 

15


Table of Contents

Item 4B. Business Overview

Introduction

We are an integrated electric utility company engaged in the transmission and distribution of substantially all of the electricity in Korea. Through our six wholly-owned generation subsidiaries, we also generate substantially all of the electricity produced in Korea. As of December 31, 2009, we and our generation subsidiaries owned approximately 87.1% of the total electricity generating capacity in Korea (excluding plants generating electricity primarily for private or emergency use). In 2009, we sold to our customers approximately 394 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. We purchase electricity principally from our generation subsidiaries and to a lesser extent from independent power producers. Of the 415 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity we purchased in 2009, 34.4% was generated by KHNP, our wholly-owned nuclear and hydroelectric power generation subsidiary, 59.4% was generated by our wholly-owned five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries, and 6.2% was generated by independent power producers. Our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries are Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd, or KOSEP, Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd., or KOMIPO, Korea Western Power Co., Ltd., or KOWEPO, Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd., or KOSPO, and Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd., or EWP , each of which is wholly-owned by us and is incorporated in Korea. We derive substantially all of our revenues and profit from Korea, and substantially all of our assets are located in Korea.

In 2009, we had consolidated operating revenues of (Won)33,994 billion and consolidated net loss of (Won)48 billion. In 2008, we had consolidated operating revenues of (Won)31,560 billion and consolidated net loss of (Won)2,914 billion. Our operating revenues increased primarily as a result of a 2.4% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold in 2009, which was attributable primarily to the general increase in demand for electricity among consumers in Korea as a result the economic recovery in the second half of 2009. The increase in the volume of electricity sold was due to a 1.8% increase of electricity sold to the industrial sector, including light power usage, a 3.2% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the commercial sector and a 1.7% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the residential sector. See Item 5A. “Operating Results.”

Demand for electricity in Korea grew at a compounded average rate of 4.8% per annum for the five years ended December 31, 2009 compared to real gross domestic product, GDP, which grew at a compounded growth rates of approximately 3.4% for the same period according to The Bank of Korea. The GDP growth rate was 0.2% for 2009 as compared to 2.2% in 2008. Demand for electricity in Korea increased by 2.4% from 2008 to 2009.

Historically, we have made substantial expenditures for the construction of generation plants and other facilities to meet increased demand for electric power. Subject to the fourth Basic Plan, we and our generation subsidiaries plan to continue to make substantial expenditures to expand and enhance our generation, transmission and distribution capabilities over the long term. See Item 5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Requirements.”

We play an important role in the implementation of the Government’s national energy policy, which is established in consultation with us, among others parties. As an entity formed to serve public policy goals of the Government, we seek to maintain a fair level of profitability and strengthen our capital base in order to support the growth of our business in the long term.

Our electricity rates are established by the Government pursuant to procedures that take into account, among others, our needs to recover the costs of operations, make capital investments and provide a fair return to our security holders, as well as the Government’s overall policy considerations, such as inflation. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates.”

Strategy

In June 2009, we established a vision for ourselves to become, by 2020, one of the top utility service providers in the world in terms of environmentally-friendly clean energy, with a focus on substantially increasing

 

16


Table of Contents

our revenue, maintaining a fair level of return on investment, further expanding our overseas businesses and upgrading our technologies, including in the area of nuclear plant design. In order to achieve this vision, we have formulated the following strategies:

 

   

Become a global leader in “green” technology. With the increasing demand for, and embrace of, environmentally friendly, or green, energy worldwide in substitution of the conventional thermal energy, we believe that green energy represents an important business potential as well as a worthy corporate purpose befitting our status as a provider of public utility. In particular, our “green growth” initiatives will focus on the following:

 

  (i) Development of capabilities to generate electricity with lower carbon emission—We are currently developing, or seek to develop, a standardized integrated gasification combination cycle generation unit, namely a generation unit that transmits heat generated in the course of electricity generation for residential and other heating purposes, with an installed capacity of 300 megawatts, a standardized “carbon capture and storage” generation unit with an installed capacity of 500 megawatts, and a standardized nuclear power generation unit for export purposes.

 

  (ii) Improvement in efficiency in our electricity transmission and distribution—We are currently developing, or seek to develop, an intelligent power transmission and distribution network, or “smart grids”, based on advanced information technology, in order to promote a more efficient allocation and use of electricity by consumers, a superconducting technology that will improve efficiency in the transmission of electricity over such network and localized “high-voltage direct current” technology that will reduce electricity loss over the course of transmission and distribution.

 

  (iii) Participation in the development of green energy infrastructure—We are currently developing, or seek to develop, charging facilities for electric vehicles and standard models for a residential unit that can be powered solely by electricity.

 

   

Capture and expand business opportunities. We seek to capture business opportunities presented by our leadership in green technology and transmission and distribution technology by developing commercial applications thereof, including by way of developing related communication technology and diversifying our consulting business.

 

   

Expand overseas business. The primary focus of our overseas business diversification is twofold: (i) leveraging our experience and knowhow gained from our core business of electricity generation in Korea, including nuclear power generation, to capture business opportunities overseas so as to expand our growth potential; and (ii) direct participation in mining and other resource development projects overseas, by way of acquisition or equity investment, in order to facilitate and increase self-sufficiency in fuel procurement. We also plan to expand our geographic focus from Southeast Asia to various other regions in the world, including the resource-rich Middle East, Africa and Australia.

 

   

Advance innovation and operational efficiency. Promoting innovation and operational efficiency has been and will continue to be an important part of our business strategy. Specifically, we aim to foster further strategic cooperation among our affiliates and adopt innovative management systems that will enhance operational efficiency and cost control.

Recent Developments

Proposed Implementation of a New Tariff System

On February 10, 2010, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy announced that it plans to overhaul the current system for determining electricity tariff chargeable to customers by more closely aligning the tariff levels to the movements in fuel prices, with the aim of providing more timely pricing signals to the consumers regarding the expected changes in electricity tariff levels and encouraging more efficient use of electricity of customers. The new system is also expected to provide greater financial stability and ensure a minimum return on investment to electricity suppliers, such as us. The new tariff system is expected to take effect on July 1, 2011.

 

17


Table of Contents

Under the existing system, it generally takes six to 18 months to reflect the changing fuel prices in the electricity tariff levels as a tariff adjustment requires the approval by the Government, which is granted on an annual basis. Accordingly, in times of rapid rises in fuel prices, as was the case from the second half of 2007 to the first half of 2008, we generally absorb the negative impact from rising fuel prices for an extended period of time as we are not allowed to timely adjust the level of tariff we charge to our customers. As a result, we recorded an operating loss in 2008 for the first time in our operating history notwithstanding the one-time subsidy we have received from the Government to offset some of our losses. In addition, from the public policy perspective, the time lag in tariff adjustment and the attendant price inelasticity distort customer incentives for efficient use of electricity in the face of rising fuel prices.

While the details of the new tariff system are subject to further discussion, the announcement by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy contemplates that the tariff levels under the new system will be adjusted largely on account of two sets of factors: (i) movements in fuel costs and (ii) factors unrelated to fuel cost movements. With respect to tariff adjustments on account of fuel cost movements, a system tentatively known as the “Fuel Cost-Adjusted Tariff System” will adopt a self-regulatory system under which a fuel cost-related component of the tariff will be determined on a monthly basis based on the movements of fuel costs without being subject to the annual approval of the Government. Under this system, an electricity price indicator will be made publicly available on a monthly basis for reflection in actual tariff rates two months after its announcement so that consumers may anticipate the movements in electricity tariff and adjust their electricity usage level accordingly. With respect to tariff adjustments on account of factors unrelated to fuel cost movements, under a system tentatively known as the “Incentive Regulation System”, the non-fuel cost-related tariff component will be determined on an annual basis based on the basic service charge, electricity usage, general economic indicators such as increases in commodity prices and inflation, as well as the cost savings and other efficiency improvement targets met by the suppliers of electricity.

We anticipate that the implementation of the new tariff systems will reduce future uncertainties relating to our profitability arising from the volatility in fuel prices, leading to maintenance of a more stable pattern in earnings results. Furthermore, the implementation may lead to higher credit ratings and a reassessment of our share and shareholder value. Details of the new tariff system remain subject to further discussion and there is no assurance that the new tariff system will be adopted as presently anticipated or at all. Furthermore, even if it is implemented as currently anticipated, there is no assurance that new tariff system will fully cover our expenses on a timely basis or at all, or have unintended consequences that we are presently not aware of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. In addition, the Government may not maintain or raise the tariff level to ensure our profitability until the implementation of the new tariff systems in July 2011.

UAE Nuclear Reactor Construction Project

On December 27, 2009, we entered into a contract with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, a state-owned nuclear energy provider in the United Arab Emirates, to design, build and help operate four civil nuclear power generation units for the United Arab Emirates’ civilian nuclear energy program. The contract amount is US$18.6 billion, subject to change based on certain price escalation provisions of the contract, and the project is to last until May 1, 2020. Under this contract, we are obligated to provide the design and construction of four nuclear power generation units, each with a capacity of 1,400 megawatts, supply nuclear fuel for three fuel cycles, including initial loading, and provide technical support and training and education of the plant operation personnel. The generation units will be located in Braka, a region approximately 270 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the first units are expected to be completed by May 2017.

Potential Restructuring of the Generation Subsidiaries

Amid concerns that the cost structure of electric power generation is not optimal, the Government has recently commissioned Korea Development Institute to conduct a study on this subject. Based on such study, the

 

18


Table of Contents

Government currently intends to announce by the end of 2010 a plan to substantially reorganize the electric power industry, including by way of a potential consolidation of one or more of our generation subsidiaries or a potential merger of any one or more of them into us. There is no guarantee that such restructuring will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Proposed Adoption of the Renewable Portfolio Standard

In order to deal with the shortage of fuel and other resources and also to comply with various environmental standards, the Government is currently considering a plan to adopt the Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”), under which each generation subsidiary will be required to supply 2.0% and 10.0% of the total energy generated from such subsidiary in the form of renewable energy by 2012 and 2022, respectively, with fines being levied on any unit failing to do so in the prescribed timeline. We currently estimate that, if the RPS is implemented as currently planned, our generation subsidiaries will incur approximately (Won)4 trillion in additional capital expenditure over the next 10 years. We expect that such additional capital expenditure will be covered by a corresponding increase in electricity tariff. However, there is no assurance that the Government will in fact raise the electricity tariff to a level sufficient to fully cover such additional capital expenditures or at all. For further details, see “—Renewable Energy.”

Amendment to the KEPCO Act

On March 18, 2010, a proposed amendment to the KEPCO Act was passed by the National Assembly of Korea, which would enable us to engage in the development and operation of our real estate holdings, subject to certain restrictions. The key provisions of the amendment relate to categorizing the development and operation of real estate holdings as one of our permitted business activities, provided that such activities will be conducted by a professional real estate management company commissioned or entrusted by us. The legislation requires prior approval by the Minister of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy prior to engaging in any such activity and proceeds from such activity are required to be used to fund construction of environment-friendly facilities related to electricity transmission, distribution and transformation, such as re-routing the transmission cables indoors or underground. We have also amended our Articles of Incorporation (included in this report) in line with the new amendment and plan to take follow-up measures related to commissioning professional management companies. The amendment will take effect on October 13,2010, six months after the promulgation of the amendment.

Revaluation of Tangible Assets

On January 21, 2010, as part of our IFRS implementation process, we completed the revaluation of certain tangible assets. The revaluation resulted in an increase of our total asset amount by approximately (Won)22 trillion which we will recognize as those assets’ fair value upon adoption of IFRS on January 1, 2011. The assets subject to the revaluation consist of land, buildings, structure, machinery and equipment.

Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea

On January 21, 1999, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy published the Restructuring Plan. The overall objectives of the Restructuring Plan consisted of: (i) introducing competition and thereby increase efficiency in the Korean electricity industry; (ii) ensuring a long-term, inexpensive and stable electricity supply; and (iii) promoting consumer convenience through the expansion of consumer choice.

The following provides further details relating to the Restructuring Plan.

Phase I

During Phase I, which served as a preparatory stage for Phase II and lasted from the announcement of the Restructuring Plan in January 1999 until April 2001, we undertook steps to split our generation business units off into one wholly-owned nuclear generation subsidiary (namely, KHNP) and five non-nuclear wholly-owned

 

19


Table of Contents

subsidiaries (namely, KOMIPO, KOSEP, KOWEPO, KOSPO and EWP), each with its own management structure, assets and liabilities. These steps were completed upon the approval of the split-off at our shareholders’ meeting in April 2001.

The Government’s principal objectives in the split-off of the generation units into separate subsidiaries were to: (i) introduce competition and thereby increase efficiency in the electricity generation industry in Korea; and (ii) ensure a stable supply of electricity in Korea.

Following the implementation of Phase I, we retained, until the adoption of the Community Energy System in July 2004 as further discussed in “—Transmission and Distribution” below, our monopoly position with respect to the transmission and distribution of electricity in Korea.

While our ownership percentage of the non-nuclear and non-hydroelectric generation subsidiaries will depend on the further adjustments to the Restructuring Plan to be adopted by the Government, we plan to retain 100.0% ownership of both KHNP and our transmission and distribution business.

Phase II

Phase II, which is the current phase, began in April 2001. At the outset of Phase II in April 2001, the Government introduced a cost-based competitive bidding pool system under which we purchase power from our generation subsidiaries and other independent power producers for transmission and distribution to customers. For a further description of this system, see “—Power Purchase—Cost-based Pool System” below.

In order to support the logistics of the cost-based pool system, the Government established the Korea Power Exchange in April 2001 pursuant to the Electricity Business Law. The primary function of the Korea Power Exchange is to deal with the sale of electricity and implement regulations governing the electricity market to allow for electricity distribution through a competitive bidding process. The Government also established the Korea Electricity Commission in April 2001 to regulate the Korean electricity industry and ensure fair competition among industry participants. To facilitate this goal, the Korea Power Exchange established the Electricity Market Rules relating to the operation of the bidding pool system. To amend the Electricity Market Rules, the Korea Power Exchange must have the proposed amendment reviewed by the Korea Electricity Commission and then obtain the approval of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy.

The Korea Electricity Commission’s main functions include implementation of standards and measures necessary for electricity market operation and review of matters relating to licensing participants in the Korean electricity industry. The Korea Electricity Commission also acts as an arbitrator in tariff-related disputes and disputes among participants in the Korean electricity industry and consumers and investigates illegal or deceptive activities of the industry participants.

Privatization of Non-nuclear Generation Subsidiaries

In April 2002, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy released the basic privatization plan for five of our generation subsidiaries other than KHNP. Pursuant to this plan, we commenced the process for selling KOSEP in 2002. According to the original plan, this process was, in principle, to take the form of a sale of management control, potentially supplemented by an initial public offering as a way of broadening the investor base. In November 2003, KOSEP submitted its application to the Korea Exchange for a preliminary screening review, which was approved in December 2003. However, in June 2004, KOSEP made a request to the Korea Exchange to delay its stock listing due to unfavorable stock market conditions at that time. We may resume the stock listing process for KOSEP in due course, after taking into consideration the overall stock market conditions and other pertinent matters. The aggregate foreign ownership of our generation subsidiaries is limited to 30.0% of total power generation capacity in Korea. In consultation with us, the Government will determine the size of the ownership interest to be sold and the timing of such sale, with a view to encouraging competition and assuring adequate electricity supply and debt service capability.

 

20


Table of Contents

We believe the Government currently has no specific plans to resume the public offering of KOSEP or commence the same for any of our other generation subsidiaries in the near future. However, we cannot assure that our generation subsidiaries will not become part of Government-led privatization initiatives in the future for reasons relating to a change in Government policy, economic and market conditions and/or other factors.

Suspension of the Plan to Form and Privatize Distribution Subsidiaries

In September 2003, the Tripartite Commission consisting of representatives from the Government, the leading businesses and labor unions in Korea, established the Joint Study Group. In June 2004, based on a report published by this Joint Study Group, the Tripartite Commission issued a resolution that recommended halting the plan to form and privatize new distribution subsidiaries, and in lieu thereof, creating independent business divisions within us to be named “strategic business units,” as a way of improving operational efficiency and internal competition among the business divisions. This resolution was adopted by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy in June 2004, and we subsequently commissioned a third-party consultant to conduct a study on implementing plans related to the creation of the strategic business units and solicited comments on the study from various parties, including labor unions and the Government. Based on this study and related comments, in September 2006, we established nine strategic business units with a separate management structure having limited autonomy, separate financial accounting, and performance evaluation criteria.

Following two-year evaluations of this organization model and in response to the rapidly changing economic conditions in light of the global liquidity and economic crisis beginning in the second half of 2008, in December 2008, we effected internal corporate reorganization, the primary goal of which was to transform us into a more efficient and profit-oriented organization by aligning our business units closer to the objective of profit maximization rather than cost control. As a result, based on positive customer feedback relating to the nine strategic units, we have expanded the concept of autonomous business units to apply to sales offices as well as other branch offices and the electricity management division, the effect of which is that our businesses are currently managed by 13 autonomous integrated regional business units, each of which is responsible for transmission, distribution and sales of electricity in a given region. We also plan to strengthen performance evaluation systems based on profit-oriented metrics and adopt a “6 Sigma” method to foster quality control in our operations.

In addition, amid concerns that the cost structure of electric power generation is not optimal, the Government has commissioned Korea Development Institute to conduct a study on this subject. Based on such study, the Government intends to announce by the end of 2010 a plan to substantially reorganize the electric power industry, including by way of a potential consolidation of one or more of our generation subsidiaries or a potential merger of any one or more of them into us, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition.

Minimum Government Ownership of Our Shares

The KEPCO Act requires that the Government own at least 51.0% of our capital stock. Direct or indirect ownership of more than 50.0% of our outstanding common stock enables the Government to control the approval of certain corporate matters which require a stockholders’ resolution, including approval of dividends. The rights of the Government and Korea Finance Corporation as holders of our common stock are exercised by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The Government currently has no plan to cease to own, directly or indirectly, at least 51.0% of our outstanding common stock.

Power Purchase

Cost-based Pool System

Since April 2001, the purchase and sale of electricity in Korea is required to be made through the Korea Power Exchange, which is a statutory not-for-profit organization established under the Electricity Business Act

 

21


Table of Contents

with responsibilities for setting the price of electricity, handling the trading and collecting relevant data for the electricity market in Korea. The suppliers of electricity in Korea consist of our six generation subsidiaries, which were spun off from us in April 2001, and independent power producers, which numbered 406 as of December 31, 2009. We distribute electricity purchased through the Korea Power Exchange to the end users.

We have certain relationships with the Korea Power Exchange as follows: (i) we and our six generation subsidiaries are member corporations of the Korea Power Exchange and collectively own 100.0% of its share capital; (ii) three of the 10 members of the board of directors of the Korea Power Exchange are currently our or our subsidiaries’ employees; and (iii) one of our employees is currently a member in three of the key committees of the Korea Power Exchange that are responsible for evaluating the costs of producing electricity, making rules for the Korea Power Exchange and gathering and disclosing information relating to the Korean electricity market.

Notwithstanding the foregoing relationships, however, we have neither control nor significant influence over the Korea Power Exchange or its policies since, among others, (i) the Korea Power Exchange, its personnel, policies, operations and finances are closely supervised and controlled by the Government, namely through the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, and are subject to a host of laws and regulations, including, among others, the Electricity Business Act and the Public Agencies Management Act, as well as the Articles of Incorporation of the Korea Power Exchange; (ii) we are entitled to elect no more than one-third of the Korea Power Exchange directors and our representatives represent only a minority of its board of directors and committees (with the other members being comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, employees of the Korea Power Exchange, businesspersons and/or scholars); and (iii) the role of our representatives in the policy making process for the Korea Power Exchange is primarily advisory based on their technical expertise derived from their employment at us or our generation subsidiaries. Consistent with this view, the Finance Supervisory Service issued a ruling on April 12, 2005 that stated that we are not deemed to have significant influence or control over the decision-making process of the Korea Power Exchange relating to its business or financial affairs.

The price of electricity in the Korean electricity market is determined principally based on the cost of generating electricity using a system known as the “cost-based pool” system. Under the cost-based pool system, the price of electricity has two principal components, namely the marginal price (representing in principle the variable cost of generating electricity) and the capacity price (representing in principle the fixed cost of generating electricity).

Marginal price

The primary purpose of the marginal price is to compensate the generation companies for fuel costs, which represents the principal component of the variable costs of generating electricity. The concept of marginal price under the cost-based pool system has undergone several changes in recent years in large part due to the sharp fluctuations in fuel prices. For example, prior to December 31, 2006, the marginal price operated on a two-tiered structure, namely, a “base load” marginal price applicable to electricity generated from nuclear fuels and coals, which tend to be less expensive per unit of electricity than electricity generated from liquefied natural gas, oil and hydroelectric power to which a “non-base load” marginal price applied. The base load marginal price and the non-base marginal price were generally set at levels so that electricity generated from cheaper fuels could be utilized first while ensuring a relatively fair rate of return to all generation units. However, when the price of coal rose sharply beginning in the second half of 2006, the pre-existing base load marginal price was abolished and a market cap by the name of “regulated market price” was introduced in its stead for electricity generated from base load fuels, with the regulated market price being set at a level higher than the pre-existing base load marginal price in order to compensate the generation subsidies for the rapid rise in the price of coal. However, when the price of coal continued to rise sharply above the level originally assumed in setting the regulated market price, this had the effect of undercutting our profit margin as the purchaser of electricity from our generation subsidiaries, although the generation subsidiaries were able to maintain a better margin under the regulated market price regime than under the pre-existing base load marginal price regime. Accordingly, on

 

22


Table of Contents

May 1, 2008, the regulated market price regime was abolished, and the current system of “system marginal price” was introduced in order to set the marginal price in a more flexible way by using the concept of an “adjustment coefficient” tailored to each fuel type.

Under the system marginal price regime currently in effect, the marginal price of electricity at which our generation subsidiaries sell electricity to us is determined using the following formula:

Variable cost + [System marginal price – Variable cost] * Adjusted coefficient

The system marginal price represents, in effect, the marginal price of electricity at a given hour at which the projected demand for electricity and the projected supply of electricity for such hour intersect, as determined by the merit order system, which is a system used by the Korea Power Exchange to allocate which generation units will supply electricity for which hour and at what price. To elaborate, the projected demand for electricity for a given hour is determined by the Korea Power Exchange based on forecast made one day prior to trading, and such forecast takes into account, among others, historical statistical information relating to demand for electricity nationwide by day and by hour, after taking into account, among others, seasonality and peak-hour versus non-peak hour demand analysis. The projected supply of electricity at a given hour is determined as the aggregate of the available capacity of all generation units that have submitted bids to supply electricity for such hour. These bids are submitted to the Korea Power Exchange one day prior to trading.

Under the merit order system, the generation unit with the lowest variable cost of producing electricity among all the generation units that have submitted a bid for a given hour is first awarded a purchase order for electricity up to the available capacity of such unit as indicated in its bid. The generation unit with the next lowest variable cost is then awarded a purchase order up to its available capacity in its bid, and so forth, until the projected demand for electricity for such hour is met. We refer to the variable cost of the generation unit that is the last to receive the purchase order for such hour as the system marginal price, which also represents the most expensive price at which electricity can be supplied at a given hour based on the demand and supply for such hour. Generation units whose variable costs exceed the system marginal price for a given hour do not receive purchase orders to supply electricity for such hour. The variable cost of each generation unit is determined by the Cost Evaluation Committee on a monthly basis based on the evaluation of the average unit production cost of generating electricity at such unit during two months prior to such evaluation. The final allocation of electricity supply, however, is further adjusted on the basis of other factors, including the proximity of a generation unit to the geographical area to which power is being supplied, network and fuel constraints and the amount of power loss.

The purpose of the merit order system is to encourage generating units to reduce its electricity generation costs by making its generation process more efficient, sourcing fuels from most cost-effective sources or adopting other cost savings programs. The additional adjustment mechanism is designed to improve the overall cost-efficiency in the distribution and transmission of electricity to the end-users by adjusting for losses arising from the distribution and transmission process.

Under the merit order system, the electricity purchase allocation, the system marginal price and the final allocation adjustment are automatically determined based on an objective formula. The adjusted coefficient, the capacity price and the variable costs are determined in advance of trading by the Cost Evaluation Committee. Accordingly, a supplier of electricity cannot exercise control over the merit order system or its operations to such supplier’s strategic advantage.

The adjusted coefficient applies uniformly to all generation units that use the same type of fuel, and is generally higher for generation units that use fuel types that inherently entail higher construction and maintenance costs, such as nuclear plants. The adjusted coefficient is determined by the Cost Evaluation Committee in principle on an annual basis, although in exceptional cases driven by external factors such as fuel costs and electricity tariff rates, the adjusted coefficient may be adjusted on a quarterly basis.

 

23


Table of Contents

Capacity Price

In addition to payment in respect of the variable cost of generating electricity, our generation subsidiaries receive payment in the form of capacity price, the purpose of which is to compensate them for the costs of constructing generation facilities and to provide incentives for new construction. The capacity price is determined annually by the Cost Evaluation Committee based on the construction costs and maintenance costs of a standard generation unit and is paid to each generation company for the amount of available capacity indicated in the bids submitted the day before trading. From time to time, the capacity price is adjusted in ways to soften the impact of changes in the marginal price over time based on the expected rate of return for our generational subsidiaries. Currently, the capacity price is (Won)7.65/kWh and since January 1, 2010 has applied equally to all generation units, regardless of fuel types used.

Effective as of January 1, 2007, a regionally differentiated capacity price system was introduced by setting a standard capacity reserve ratio in the range of 12.0% to 20.0% in order to prevent excessive capacity build-up as well as induce optimal capacity investment at the regional level. The capacity reserve ratio is the ratio of peak demand to the total available capacity. Under this system, generation units in a region where available capacity is insufficient to meet demand for electricity as evidenced by a failure to meet the standard capacity reserve ratio receive increased capacity price. Conversely, generation units in a region where available capacity exceeds demand for electricity as evidenced by satisfaction of the standard capacity reserve ratio receive reduced capacity price. Other than the foregoing region-based variations, the capacity price applies uniformly to all generation units regardless of fuel types used.

Following the suspension of the plan to form separate distribution subsidiaries through privatization (see “—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea—Suspension of the Plan to Form and Privatize Distribution Subsidiaries”), there was a discussion of replacing the current cost-based pool system with a more market-oriented system known as a two-way bidding pool system. Under the two-way bidding pool system, a pool of generating companies on the supply side and a pool of retail distributors on the demand side would each make a bid based on which the electricity price will be determined, which would contrast with the current system where we have a virtual monopoly of the demand side as the purchaser and distributor of substantially all of electricity in Korea. However, we believe that due to the indefinite suspension of the restructuring plan, the two-way bidding pool system is unlikely to be adopted in the near future absent any unexpected change in government policy.

Proposed Implementation of a New Tariff System

On February 10, 2010, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy announced that it plans to overhaul the current system for determining electricity tariff chargeable to customers by more closely aligning the tariff levels to the movements in fuel prices, with the aim of providing more timely pricing signals to the market regarding the expected changes in electricity tariff levels and encouraging more efficient use of electricity of customers. The new system, which is expected to reflect into the tariff structure components related to fuel cost movements and factors unrelated to fuel cost movements, is also expected to provide greater financial stability and ensure a minimum return on investment to electricity suppliers, such as us. The new tariff system is expected to take effect on July 1, 2011, and the details of the plan are subject to further discussion. See “—Recent Developments—Proposed Implementation of a New Tariff System”.

 

24


Table of Contents

Power Trading Results

The power trading results, as effected through the Korea Power Exchange, for our generation subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

    

Items

   Volume
(Gigawatt
hours)
   Percentage
of Total
Volume
   Sales to
KEPCO
(in billions
of Won)
   Percentage
of

Total Sales
   Unit Price
(Won/kWh)

Generation Companies

   KHNP    142,302    35.1    5,158    19.2    36.3
   KOSEP    57,459    14.2    3,726    13.8    64.9
   KOMIPO    43,943    10.8    3,711    13.8    84.5
   KOWEPO    43,980    10.8    3,804    14.1    86.5
   KOSPO    52,525    12.9    4,615    17.1    87.9
   EWP    48,383    11.9    3,824    14.2    79.1
   Others(1)    17,099    4.2    2,125    7.9    124.3
                           
  

Total

   405,690    100.0    26,965    100.0    66.5
                           

Energy Sources

   Nuclear    141,123    34.8    5,030    18.7    35.6
  

Bituminous coal

   178,840    44.1    10,787    40.1    60.3
   Anthracite coal    7,298    1.8    797    3.0    109.2
   Oil    12,819    3.2    1,867    6.9    145.6
   LNG    3,594    0.9    550    2.0    153.1
   Combined-cycle    54,300    13.4    6,968    25.9    128.3
   Hydro    2,762    0.7    302    1.1    109.3
   Pumped-storage    2,814    0.7    441    1.6    156.6
   Others    2,140    0.5    223    0.8    104.4
                           
  

Total

   405,690    100.0    26,965    100.0    66.5
                           

Load

   Base load    325,289    80.2    16,411    60.9    50.5
   Non-base load    80,401    19.8    10,554    39.1    131.3
                           
  

Total

   405,690    100.0    26,965    100.0    66.5
                           

 

Note:

 

(1) Others represent independent power producers that trade electricity through the cost-based pool system of power trading.

Power Purchased from Independent Power Producers

In 2009, we purchased an aggregate of 9,476 gigawatt hours of electricity generated by independent power producers under existing power purchase agreements. These purchases were made outside of the cost-based pool system of power trading. These independent power producers had an aggregate capacity of 4,069 megawatts as of December 31, 2009.

Power Generation

As of December 31, 2009, our generation subsidiaries had a total of 467 generation units, including nuclear, thermal, hydroelectric and internal combustion units, representing total installed generating capacity of 63,962 megawatts. Our thermal units produce electricity using steam turbine generators and include units fired by coal and oil. Internal combustion units are diesel-fired gas turbine and combined-cycle units. Combined-cycle units consist of either LNG-fired combined-cycle units or oil-fired combined-cycle units. We also purchase power from several generation plants not owned by our generation subsidiaries.

 

25


Table of Contents

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 the number of units, installed capacity and the average capacity factor for each type of generating facilities owned by our generation subsidiaries.

 

     Number
of Units
   Installed
Capacity(1)
   Average  Capacity
Factor(2)
          (Megawatts)    (Percent)

Nuclear

   20    17,716    91.7

Thermal:

        

Coal

   50    24,205    91.7

Oil

   18    4,478    30.5

LNG

   4    888    6.9
              

Total thermal

   72    29,571    72.9

Internal combustion

   176    347    37.3

Combined-cycle

   93    11,819    46.6

Hydro

   61    4,457    10.5

Wind

   18    37    25.4

Solar

   24    12    14.2

Fuel cell

   3    3    31.2
              

Total

   467    63,962    71.9
              

 

Notes:

 

(1) Installed capacity represents the level of output that may be sustained continuously without significant risk of damage to plant and equipment.
(2) Average capacity factor represents the total number of kilowatt hours of electricity generated in the indicated period divided by the total number of kilowatt hours that would have been generated if the generation units were continuously operated at installed capacity, expressed as a percentage.

The expected useful life of a unit, assuming no substantial renovation, is approximately as follows: nuclear, over 40 years; thermal, over 30 years, respectively; internal combustion, over 25 years; and hydroelectric, over 55 years. Substantial renovation can extend the useful life of thermal units by up to 20 years.

We attempt to achieve efficient use of fuels and diversification of generating capacity by fuel type. In the past, we relied principally upon oil-fired thermal generation units for electricity generation. Since the oil shock in 1974, however, Korea’s power development plans have emphasized the construction of nuclear generation units. While nuclear units are more expensive to construct than non-nuclear units of comparable capacity, nuclear fuel is less expensive than fossil fuels in terms of electricity output per unit cost. However, efficient operation of nuclear units requires that such plants be run continuously at relatively constant energy output levels. As it is impractical to store large quantities of electrical energy, we seek to maintain nuclear power production capacity at approximately the level at which demand for electricity is continuously stable. During those times when actual demand exceeds the level of continuous demand, we rely on units fired by fossil fuels and hydroelectric units, which can be started and shut down more quickly and efficiently than nuclear units, to meet the excess demand. Bituminous coal is currently the cheapest thermal fuel per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced, and therefore we seek to maximize the use of bituminous coal for generation needs in excess of the stable demand level, except for meeting short-term surges in demand which require rapid start-up and shutdown. Thermal units fired by LNG, hydroelectric units and gas turbine internal combustion units are the most efficient types of units for rapid start-ups and shutdowns, and therefore we use such units principally to meet short-term surges in demand. Anthracite coal is a less efficient fuel source than bituminous coal in terms of electricity output per unit cost.

Our generation subsidiaries have constructed and recommissioned thermal and internal combustion units in order to help meet power demand. Subject to market conditions, our generation subsidiaries plan to continue to add additional thermal and internal combustion units. These units generally take less time to complete construction than nuclear units.

 

26


Table of Contents

The high average age of our oil-fired thermal units is attributable to our reliance on oil-fired thermal units as the primary means of electricity generation until mid-1970s. Since then, we have diversified our fuel sources and constructed relatively few oil-fired thermal units compared to units of other fuel types.

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the amount of electricity generated by facilities linked to our grid system and the amount of power used or lost in connection with transmission and distribution.

 

     2005    2006    2007    2008    2009    % of 2009
Gross
Generation(1)
     (in gigawatt hours, except percentages)

Electricity generated by generation subsidiaries:

                 

Nuclear

   146,779    148,749    142,937    150,958    147,771    34.1

Thermal:

                 

Coal

   134,892    140,346    155,684    174,156    193,803    44.7

Oil

   15,529    14,307    15,703    7,981    11,970    2.7

LNG

   786    1,258    2,028    1,518    762    0.2
                             

Total thermal

   151,207    155,911    173,415    183,655    206,535    47.6

Internal combustion

   575    677    579    503    697    0.2

Combined-cycle

   48,311    54,174    60,465    55,909    47,580    11.0
                             

Hydro

   2,867    2,914    2,779    3,836    4,091    0.9
                             

Wind

   19    21    21    53    82    0.02
                             

Solar and fuel cells

   —      1    5    15    24    0.01

Total generation

   349,758    362,447    380,201    394,929    406,780    93.8

Electricity purchased from others:

                 

Thermal

   12,559    16,429    20,660    25,699    25,274    5.8

Hydro

   2,322    2,305    2,263    1,727    1,550    0.4
                             

Total purchased

   14,881    18,734    22,923    27,426    26,824    6.2

Gross generation

   364,639    381,181    403,124    422,355    433,604    100.0

Auxiliary use(2)

   16,452    15,812    16,613    17,374    18,258    4.2

Pumped-storage(3)

   1,980    2,315    1,817    3,243    3,713    0.9
                             

Total net generation(4)

   346,207    363,054    384,694    401,726    411,631    94.9
                             

Transmission and distribution losses(5)

   15,615    14,587    15,345    16,106    16,770    4.1

 

Notes:

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, percentages are based on gross generation.
(2) Auxiliary use represents electricity consumed by generation units in the course of generation.
(3) Pumped-storage represents electricity consumed during low demand periods in order to store water which is utilized to generate hydroelectric power during peak demand periods.
(4) Total net generation is gross generation minus auxiliary and pumped-storage use.
(5) Total transmission and distribution losses divided by total net generation.

The table below sets forth our total capacity at the end of, and peak and average loads during, the indicated periods.

 

     2005    2006    2007    2008    2009
     (Megawatts)

Total capacity

   62,258    65,514    68,268    72,491    73,470

Peak load

   54,631    58,994    62,285    62,794    66,797

Average load

   41,625    43,514    46,019    48,082    49,498

 

27


Table of Contents

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

We commenced nuclear power generation activities in 1978 when our first nuclear generation unit, Kori-1, began commercial operation. On April 2, 2001, we transferred all of our nuclear and hydroelectric power generation assets and liabilities to KHNP.

Currently, KHNP owns and operates 20 nuclear generation units at four power plant complexes in Korea, located in Kori, Wolsong, Yonggwang and Ulchin as well as 27 hydroelectric generation units and two solar generation units and one wind generation unit.

The table below sets forth the number of units and installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor by types of generation units in 2009.

 

     Number of Units    Installed  Capacity(1)    Average  Capacity
Factor(2)
          (Megawatts)    (Percent)

Nuclear

   20    17,716    91.7

Hydroelectric

   27    539    28.8

Wind

   1    0.8    8.5

Solar

   2    3    14.9
              

Total

   50    18,258.693    —  
              

 

Notes:

 

(1) Installed capacity represents the level of output that may be sustained continuously without significant risk of damage to plant and equipment.
(2) Average capacity factor represents the total number of kilowatt hours of electricity generated in the indicated period divided by the total number of kilowatt hours that would have been generated if the generation units were continuously operated at installed capacity, expressed as a percentage.

We are currently building eight additional nuclear generation units, consisting of four units each with a 1,000 megawatt capacity and four units each with a 1,400 megawatt capacity at the Shin-Kori and Shin-Wolsong and Shin-Ulchin sites, respectively. We expect to complete these units between 2010 and 2017. In addition, we plan to build two additional nuclear units, each with a 1,400 megawatt capacity, at the Shin-Kori site by 2019.

 

28


Table of Contents

Nuclear

The table below sets forth certain information with respect to the nuclear generation units of KHNP as of December 31, 2009.

 

Unit

   Reactor
Type(1)
   Reactor
Design(2)
  

Turbine and

Generation(3)

   Commencement
of operations
   Installed
Capacity
     (Megawatts)

Kori-1

   PWR    W    GEC, Hitachi, D    1978    587

Kori-2

   PWR    W    GEC    1983    650

Kori-3

   PWR    W    GEC, Hitachi    1985    900

Kori-4

   PWR    W    GEC, Hitachi    1986    900

Wolsong-1

   PHWR    AECL    P    1983    679

Wolsong-2

   PHWR    AECL, H    H, GE    1997    700

Wolsong-3

   PHWR    AECL, H    H, GE    1998    700

Wolsong-4

   PHWR    AECL, H    H, GE    1999    700

Yonggwang-1

   PWR    W    W, D    1986    950

Yonggwang-2

   PWR    W    W, D    1987    950

Yonggwang-3

   PWR    H, CE    H, GE    1995    1,000

Yonggwang-4

   PWR    H, CE    H, GE    1996    1,000

Yonggwang-5

   PWR    D, CE    D, GE    2002    1,000

Yonggwang-6

   PWR    D, CE    D, GE    2002    1,000

Ulchin-1

   PWR    F    A    1988    950

Ulchin-2

   PWR    F    A    1989    950

Ulchin-3

   PWR    H, CE    H, GE    1998    1,000

Ulchin-4

   PWR    H, CE    H, GE    1999    1,000

Ulchin-5

   PWR    D, CE    D, GE    2004    1,000

Ulchin-6

   PWR    D, CE    D, GE    2005    1,000
                

Total nuclear

               17,716
                

 

Notes:

 

(1) “PWR” means pressurized light water reactor; “PHWR” means pressurized heavy water reactor.
(2) “W” means Westinghouse Electric Company (U.S.A.); “AECL” means Atomic Energy Canada Limited (Canada); “F” means Framatome (France); “H” means Hanjung; “CE” means Combustion Engineering (U.S.A.); “D” means Doosan Heavy Industries.
(3) “GEC” means General Electric Company (UK); “P” means Parsons (Canada and UK); “W” means Westinghouse Electric Company (U.S.A.); “A” means Alsthom (France); “H” means Hanjung; “GE” means General Electric (U.S.A.); “D” means Doosan Heavy Industries; “Hitachi” means Hitachi ltd. (Japan).

 

29


Table of Contents

The table below sets forth the average capacity factor and average fuel cost per kilowatt for 2009 with respect to each nuclear generation unit of KHNP.

 

Unit

   Average Capacity
Factor
   Average Fuel Cost
Per kWh
     (Percent)    (Won)

Kori-1

   96.4    4.1

Kori-2

   93.0    4.4

Kori-3

   89.4    4.2

Kori-4

   91.8    4.2

Wolsong-1

   23.3    8.9

Wolsong-2

   94.8    5.5

Wolsong-3

   95.3    5.7

Wolsong-4

   92.5    6.0

Yonggwang-1

   89.0    4.2

Yonggwang-2

   101.3    3.9

Yonggwang-3

   100.8    3.7

Yonggwang-4

   88.6    4.1

Yonggwang-5

   90.9    3.7

Yonggwang-6

   98.0    3.8

Ulchin-1

   90.9    4.1

Ulchin-2

   100.5    3.8

Ulchin-3

   93.5    3.7

Ulchin-4

   91.4    3.9

Ulchin-5

   91.0    4.0

Ulchin-6

   99.9    3.6
         

Total nuclear

   91.7    4.2
         

The average capacity factor of all of our nuclear units in aggregate has been maintained at 90.0% or more in each year since 2000.

Under extended-cycle operations, nuclear units can be run continuously for periods longer than the conventional 12-month period between scheduled shutdowns for refueling and maintenance. Since 1987, we have adopted the mode of extended-cycle operations for all of our pressurized light water reactor units and plan to use it for our newly constructed units. The average duration of shutdown for routine fuel replacement and maintenance was 29 days excluding Wolsung unit-1, or 48 days including Wolsung unit-1, in 2009.

KHNP’s nuclear units experienced an average of 0.3 unplanned shutdowns per unit in 2009. In the ordinary course of operations, KHNP’s nuclear units routinely experience damage and wear and tear, which are repaired during routine shutdown periods or during unplanned temporary suspensions of operations. No significant damage has occurred in any of KHNP’s nuclear reactors, and no significant nuclear exposure or release incidents have occurred at any of KHNP’s nuclear facilities since the first nuclear plant commenced operation in 1978. See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—Operation of nuclear power generation facilities inherently involves numerous hazards and risks, any of which could result in a material loss of revenues or increased expenses.”

 

30


Table of Contents

Hydroelectric

The table below sets forth certain information, including the installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor in 2009, regarding each hydroelectric unit of KHNP.

 

Location of Unit

   Number of Units   

Classification

   Year Built    Installed Capacity    Average Capacity
Factor
                    (Megawatts)    (Percent)

Hwacheon

   4    Dam waterway    1944    108    25.0

Chuncheon

   2    Dam    1965    62    25.6

Euiam

   2    Dam    1967    45    38.2

Cheongpyung

   3    Dam    1943    79    36.0

Paldang

   4    Dam    1973    120    31.3

Seomjingang

   3    Basin deviation    1945    35    19.5

Boseonggang

   2    Basin deviation    1937    5    44.9

Kwoesan

   2    Dam    1957    3    25.3

Anheung

   3    Dam waterway    1978    0.5    39.5

Kangreung

   2    Basin deviation    1991    82    —  
                    

Total

   27          539    25.2
                    

Solar/Wind

The table below sets forth certain information, including the installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor in 2009, regarding each solar and wind power unit of KHNP.

 

Location of Unit

  

Classification

   Year Built    Installed Capacity    Average Capacity
Factor
               (Megawatts)    (Percent)

Yonggwang

   Solar    2008    3    14.9

Kori

   Wind    2008    1    8.5
               

Total

         4    13.6
            

Korea Water Resources Corporation, which is a Government-owned entity, assumes full control of multi-purpose dams, while KHNP maintains the dams used for power generation. Existing hydroelectric power units have exploited most of the water resources in the Republic available for commercially viable hydroelectric power generation. Consequently, we expect that no new major hydroelectric power plants will be built in the foreseeable future. Due to the ease of its start-up and shut-down mechanism, hydroelectric power generation is reserved for peak demand periods.

 

31


Table of Contents

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

The table below sets forth, by fuel type, the weighted average age and installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor and average fuel cost per kilowatt in 2009 based upon the net amount of electricity generated, of KOSEP.

 

    Weighted
Average  Age
of Units
  Installed
Capacity
  Average
Capacity
Factor
  Average Fuel
Cost per  kWh
    (Years)   (Megawatts)   (Percent)   (Won)

Bituminous:

       

Samchunpo #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  17.8   3,245   90.1   52.1

Yong Hung #1, 2, 3, 4

  2.8   3,344   94.7   60.6

Anthracite:

       

Yongdong #1, 2

  32.4   325   77.3   102.4

Oil-fired:

       

Yosu #1, 2

  32.6   529   28.8   156.9
               

Total thermal

  17.7   7,443   76.3   60.7
               

Combined cycle and internal Combustion:

       

Bundang gas turbine #1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8; steam turbine #1, 2

  15.5   922   39.9   165.1

Pumped storage:(1)

       

Muju #1, 2

  14.7   600   7.8   143.8
               

Total

  16.7   8,965   77.1   66.9
               

 

Note:

 

(1) During periods of low energy usage, the pumped-storage stations use electricity from other generating plants to pump water from lower to higher elevations to be available for increased production during periods of peak energy usage or to supplement production in case of unplanned shutdowns at other generating plants.

 

32


Table of Contents

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

The table below sets forth, by fuel type, the weighted average age and installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor and average fuel cost per kilowatt in 2009 based upon the net amount of electricity generated, of KOMIPO.

 

     Weighted
Average  Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
   Average
Capacity
Factor
   Average Fuel
Cost per  kWh
     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)    (Won)

Bituminous:

           

Boryeong #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

   14.9    4,000    87.9    40.9

Anthracite:

           

Seocheon #1, 2

   26.4    400    75.3    72.0

Oil-fired:

           

Jeju #2, 3

   9.4    15    55.6    144.7

LNG-fired:

           

Seoul #4, 5

   39.7    388    17.5    178.5

Incheon #1, 2

   37.3    500    2.1    151.7
                   

Total thermal

   19.7    5,303    68.3    49.2
                   

Combined cycle and internal combustion:

           

Boryeong gas turbine #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; steam turbine #1, 2, 3, 4

   10.6    1,800    23.7    111.6

Incheon gas turbine #1, 2; steam turbine #1

   2.5    1,012    86.2    96.1
                   

Total

   7.7    2,812    100.0    102.1
                   

Wind power:

           

Yangyang #1, 2

   3.5    3    16.7    6.3

Pumped storage:

           

Yangyang #1, 2, 3, 4

   3.6    1,000    8.7    78.7

Hydroelectric:

           

Yangyang

   4.4    1    30.1    0.8
                   

Total

   14.2    9,119    54.9    63.0
                   

 

33


Table of Contents

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

The table below sets forth, by fuel type, the weighted average age and installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor and average fuel cost per kilowatt in 2009 based upon the net amount of electricity generated, of KOWEPO.

 

     Weighted
Average  Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
   Average
Capacity
Factor
   Average Fuel
Cost per  kWh
     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)    (Won)

Bituminous:

           

Taean #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

   9.4    4,000    94.1    55.3

Oil-fired:

           

Pyeongtaek #1, 2, 3, 4

   28.1    1,400    29.7    113.6
                   

Total thermal

   14.2    5,400    77.6    61.1
                   

Combined cycle:

           

Pyeongtaek

   16.8    480    11.7    125.4

West Incheon

   17.5    1,800    48.1    104.8
                   

Total combined-cycle

   17.4    2,280    40.4    106.0
                   

Pumped storage:

           

Samryangjin #1, #2

   24.1    600    7.3    76.6

Cheongsong #1, #2

   3.1    600    10.1    76.2
                   

Total pumped storage

   13.6    1,200    8.7    76.4
                   

Hydroelectric:

           

Taean

   2.3    2    25.1    —  
                   

Total hydroelectric

   2.3    2    25.1    —  
                   

Solar:

           

Taean

   4.4    0.1    12.2    —  

Samryangjin

   2.3    3    14.5    —  
                   

Total solar

   2.3    3    14.4    —  
                   

Total

   14.9    8,885    58.8    69.6
                   

 

34


Table of Contents

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

The table below sets forth, by fuel type, the weighted average age and installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor and average fuel cost per kilowatt in 2009 based upon the net amount of electricity generated, of KOSPO.

 

     Weighted
Average  Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
   Average
Capacity
Factor
   Average Fuel
Cost per  kWh
     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)    (Won)

Bituminous:

           

Hadong #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

   9.0    4,000    99.3    41.2

Oil-fired:

           

Youngnam #1, 2

   38.5    400    27.0    129.1

Nam Jeju #3, 4

   3.5    200    74.9    152.9
                   

Total thermal

   11.3    4,600    88.5    47.8
                   

Combined cycle:

           

Shin Incheon #9, 10, 11, 12

   13.7    1,800    67.2    103.8

Busan #1, 2, 3, 4

   6.6    1,800    65.5    100.3

Hallim

   13.4    105    5.2    211.7
                   

Total combined cycle

   10.2    3,705    64.6    102.3
                   

Internal combustion:

           

Nam Jeju

   19.3    40    41.4    131.8
                   

Total internal combustion

   19.3    40    41.5    131.8
                   

Pumped storage:

           

Cheongpyeong

   30.5    400    4.6    77.3
                   

Total pumped storage

   30.5    400    4.6    77.3
                   

Wind power:

           

Hankyung

   4.5    21    28.3    1.8

Seongsan

   0.8    12    25.3    0.5
                   

Total wind power

   3.2    33    27.3    1.4
                   

Solar

   1.6    1    13.7    —  
                   

Total

   11.7    8,779    75.3    68.1
                   

 

35


Table of Contents

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

The table below sets forth, by fuel type, the weighted average age and installed capacity as of December 31, 2009 and the average capacity factor and average fuel cost per kilowatt in 2009 based upon the net amount of electricity generated, of EWP.

 

    Weighted
Average Age
of Units
  Installed
Capacity
  Average
Capacity

Factor
  Average Fuel
Cost per  kWh
    (Years)   (Megawatts)   (Percent)   (Won)

Bituminous:

       

Dangjin #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7,8

  6.4   4,000   91.9   39.2

Honam #1, 2

  36.7   500   96.2   58.2

Anthracite:

       

Donghae #1, 2

  10.8   400   94.8   48.9

Oil-fired:

       

Ulsan #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  33.7   1,800   88.1   113.4
               

Total thermal

  19.4   6,700   91.4   48.4
               

Combined cycle:

       

Ulsan gas turbine #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; steam turbine #1, 2, 3

  13.2   1,200   98.1   105.5

Ilsan gas turbine #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; steam turbine #1, 2

  15.8   900   94.9   110.7
               

Total combined-cycle and internal combustion

  14.4   2,100   96.8   108.0
               

Pumped storage:

       

Sancheong #1, 2

  6.7   700   98.4   76.9
               

Total pumped storage

  6.7   700   98.4   76.9
               

Total

  16.4   9,500   93.1   56.8
               

 

36


Table of Contents

Power Plant Remodeling and Recommissioning

Our generation subsidiaries supplement power generation capacity through remodeling or recommissioning of thermal units. Recommissioning includes installation of anti-pollution devices, modification of control systems and overall rehabilitation of existing equipment.

 

Power Plant

 

Capacity

 

Completed (Year)

  Extension   Company

Taean #1~8

 

4,000MW

(500MW×8)

 

FGD(1) : 1998 to 2007

SCR(2) : 2005 to 2007

EP(3) : 1995 to 2007

LNCS(4) :1995 to 2007

EP(3) upgrade(#5, 2009)

  Anti-pollution   KOWEPO

Pyeongtaek #1-4

 

1,400 MW

(350×4)

 

FGD(1) : 2005

SCR(2) : 2006 to 2007

EP(3) : 1992

EP(3) upgrade(#1, 2009)

  Anti-pollution   KOWEPO

Seoincheon CC

 

1,800 MW

(gas turbines 150

MW ×8)

(steam turbines 75

MW ×8)

 

LNCS(4) : 1992

Gas turbine upgrade

(2003 to 2006)

  Anti-pollution

Efficiency

improvement

  KOWEPO

Honam #1

  250MW  

2010

  10 years   EWP

Honam #2

  250MW  

2010

  10 years   EWP

Boryeong #1-8

 

4,000 MW

(500×8)

 

FGD(1) : 1996 to 2009

SCR(2) : 2006 to 2009

LNCS(4) : 1993 to 2009

EP(3) : 1984 to 2009

  Anti-pollution   KOMIPO

Incheon #1-2

 

500 MW

(250×2,)

 

SCR(2) : 2002 to 2005

LNCS(3) : 2002 to 2005

  Anti-pollution   KOMIPO

Seoul #4,5

 

387.5MW

(137.5×1)

(250×1)

 

SCR(2): 2001 to 2002

  Anti-pollution   KOMIPO

Seocheon #1,2

 

400MW

(200×2)

 

FGD(1) : 1998, SCR : 2006

LNCS(4) : 2004 to 2005

EP(3) : 1982 to 1983

  Anti-pollution   KOMIPO

Incheon #1,2

 

500MW

(250×2)

 

1996(#1)

2002(#2)

  10 years   KOMIPO

Yosu #2

  335MW  

2011

  30 years   KOSEP

Hadong #1~8

 

4,000MW

(500MW× 8)

 

FGD(1) : 1998 to 2009

EP(3) : 1997 to 2009

LNCS(3) :1997 to 2009

SCR(2) : 2006 to 2009

  Anti-pollution   KOSPO

Shin-Incheon CC

 

1,800 MW

(gas turbines 150

MW × 8)

(steam turbines 150 MW × 4)

 

LNCS(4): 1996

  Anti-pollution   KOSPO

Busan CC

 

1,800 MW

(gas turbines 150

MW × 8)

(steam turbines 150 MW × 4)

 

LNCS(4) : 2003 to 2004

  Anti-pollution   KOSPO

 

37


Table of Contents

Power Plant

 

Capacity

 

Completed (Year)

  Extension   Company

Youngnam #1~2

 

400 MW

(100 MW × 2)

 

FGD(1) : 1999

SCR(2) : 2002

EP(3) : 1988 to 1990

LNCS(4) : 2002-

  Anti-pollution   KOSPO

Namjeju T/P #3~4

 

200 MW

(100×2)

 

FGD(1) : 2006 to 2007

SCR(2) : 2006 to 2007

EP(3) : 2006 to 2007

  Anti-pollution   KOSPO

Namjeju D/P #1~4

 

40 MW

(10×4)

 

SCR(2) : 1999 to 2000

EP(3) : 1990 to 1991

  Anti-pollution   KOSPO

 

Notes:

 

(1) “FGD” means a flue gas desulphurization system.
(2) “SCR” means a selective catalytic reduction system.
(3) “EP” means an electrostatic precipitation system.
(4)

“LNCS” means a low nitrodioxide (NO2) combustion system.

Transmission and Distribution

We currently transmit and distribute substantially all of the electricity in Korea. In addition to us, there were 12 electricity suppliers that are licensed to distribute electricity in all of 16 total districts of Korea as of April 30, 2010. These entities do not supply electricity at a national level but are licensed to supply electricity on a limited basis to their respective districts under the Community Energy System authorized by the Korea Electricity Commission and approved by the Minister of Knowledge and Economy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act. We also transmit and distribute electricity to these districts. As of April 30, 2010, 10 districts were using this system, and six other districts were preparing to launch it. The generation capacity installed or under construction of the electricity suppliers in the 16 districts amounted to approximately 1% of the generation capacity of our generation subsidiaries as of April 30, 2010. Since the introduction of the Community Energy System in 2004, a total of 31 districts have obtained the license to obtain electricity supply through the Community Energy System, but 15 of such districts have reportedly abandoned plans to adopt the Community Energy System largely due to the relatively high level of capital expenditure required, the rise in fuel costs and the lower-than-expected electricity output per cost.

As of December 31, 2009, our transmission system consisted of 30,257 circuit kilometers of lines of 765 kilovolts and others including high voltage direct current lines, and we had 715 substations with an aggregate installed transformer capacity of 247,786 megavolt-amperes.

As of December 31, 2009, our distribution system consisted of 99,630 megavolt-amperes of transformer capacity and approximately eight million units of support with a total line length of 420,258 circuit kilometers.

In recent years, we have made substantial investments in our transmission and distribution systems to increase coverage and improve efficiency. Our current projects principally focus on increasing capabilities of the existing lines and reduce our transmission and distribution loss, which was 4.1% in 2009. In light of the increased damage to large-scale transmission and distribution facilities, we plan to reinforce stability of our transmission and distribution facilities through stricter design and material specifications. In addition, we also plan to expand underground transmission and distribution facilities to meet customer demand for more environment-friendly facilities. In order to reduce the interruption time in power distribution, which is an indicator of the quality of electricity transmission, we are also continuing to make investments in upgrading our evaluation technologies, automation of electricity transmission and development of new transmission technologies. In particular, as part of our overall business strategy, we are currently developing, or seek to develop, an intelligent power transmission and distribution network, or “smart grids”, based on advanced information technology, in order to promote a more efficient allocation and use of electricity by consumers, a

 

38


Table of Contents

superconducting technology that will improve efficiency in the transmission of electricity over such network and localized “high-voltage direct current” technology that will reduce electricity loss over the course of transmission and distribution. See “—Strategy.”

Some of the facilities we own and use in our distribution system use rights of way and other concessions granted by municipal and local authorities in areas where our facilities are located. These concessions are generally renewed upon expiration.

Fuel

Nuclear

Uranium, the principal fuel source for nuclear power, accounted for 37.6%, 38.2%, and 36.3% of our fuel requirements for electricity generation in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

All uranium ore concentrates are imported from, and conversion and enrichment of such concentrates are provided by, sources outside Korea and are paid for with currencies other than Won, primarily in U.S. dollars.

In order to ensure stable supply, KHNP enters into long-term and medium-term contracts with various suppliers and supplements such supplies with purchases in spot markets. In 2009, KHNP purchased 100.0%, or 3,035 tons, of its uranium concentrate requirement under long-term supply contracts with suppliers in Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, France and the United States. Under the long-term supply contracts, the purchase prices of uranium concentrates are adjusted annually based on base prices and spot market prices prevailing at the time of actual delivery. Non-Korean suppliers typically provide the conversion and enrichment of uranium concentrate, and Korean suppliers typically provide fabrication of fuel assemblies. Except for certain fixed contract prices, contract prices for processing of uranium are adjusted annually in accordance with the general rate of inflation. KHNP intends to obtain its uranium requirements in the future, in part, through purchases under medium- to long-term contracts and, in part, through spot market purchases.

Coal

Bituminous coal accounted for 39.4%, 42.3% and 45.7% of our fuel requirements for electricity generation in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and anthracite coal accounted for 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.9% of our fuel requirements for electricity generation in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

In 2009, our generation subsidiaries purchased 71.2 million tons of bituminous coal, of which approximately 44.9%, 41.9%, 5.2%, 5.1% and 2.9% were imported from Indonesia, Australia, Canada, China and others, respectively. Approximately 70.0% of the bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries in 2009 were purchased under long-term contracts with the remaining 30.0% purchased in the spot market. Some of our long-term contracts relate to specific generating plants and extend through the end of the projected useful lives of such plants, subject in some cases to periodic renewal. Pursuant to the terms of our long-term supply contracts, prices are adjusted annually based on market conditions. The average cost of bituminous coal per ton purchased under such contracts has increased substantially, having recorded (Won)55,519, (Won)98,248 and (Won)107,010 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Due to such price increases as well as increased shipping cost for bituminous coal, our generation subsidiaries may not be able to secure their respective bituminous coal supply at prices comparable to those of prior periods. See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—Increase in fuel prices will adversely affect our results of operations and profitability, and we may not be able to pass on the increased cost to consumers at a sufficient level or on a timely basis.”

In 2009, our generation subsidiaries purchased 3.0 million tons of anthracite coal. In 2009, our generation subsidiaries purchased approximately 46% of our anthracite coal requirements in Korea under long-term contracts with Korea Coal Corporation, which is wholly-owned by the Government, and the Korea Coal Mines Cooperative, and approximately 56% from Vietnam and other countries. The prices for anthracite coal under such contracts are set by the Government. The average cost of anthracite coal per ton purchased under such contracts was (Won)97,833, (Won)121,416 and (Won)111,155 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

 

39


Table of Contents

Oil

Oil accounted for 4.3%, 2.2% and 3.1% of our fuel requirements for electricity generation in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

In 2009, our generation subsidiaries purchased approximately 17.8 million barrels of fuel oil, of which 89.3% was purchased through competitive open bidding among five Korean refiners for supply terms of three months, and the remainder was purchased through international open bidding (including domestic refineries and traders) for individual cargoes. Purchase prices are based on the spot market price in Singapore. The average cost per barrel was (Won)62,480, (Won)98,243 and (Won)76,678 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

LNG

LNG accounted for 16.4%, 14.5% and 11.9% of our fuel requirements for electricity generation in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

In 2009, we purchased approximately 6.9 million tons of LNG from Korea Gas Corporation, a Korean corporation of which we own 24.5%. Under the terms of the LNG contract with Korea Gas Corporation, our annual minimum purchase quantity is determined by our negotiations with Korea Gas Corporation, subject to the Government’s approval, and may be adjusted through negotiations between the parties. Under this contract, all of our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable for a “take-or-pay” obligation to Korea Gas Corporation to the extent of our annual minimum purchase quantity in the amount of approximately 7.5 million tons. In addition, the annual minimum purchase quantity of LNG to be purchased from Korea Gas Corporation will exclude any amount of LNG purchased from a source other than Korea Gas Corporation. We believe the quantities of LNG provided under such contract will be adequate to meet the needs of our generation subsidiaries for LNG for the next several years. Our LNG supply contract with Korea Gas Corporation has a term of 20 years and expires in December 2026.

The annual purchase price for LNG is determined by our negotiations with Korea Gas Corporation, subject to approval by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy. Korea Gas Corporation imports LNG primarily from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Qatar, Oman, Australia, Egypt and Nigeria and supplies LNG to us and other Korean gas companies. The average cost per ton of LNG under our contract with Korea Gas Corporation was (Won)598,028, (Won)953,667 and (Won)739,631 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Hydroelectric

As of December 31, 2009, hydroelectric units represented 3% of our total installed generating capacity.

The availability of water for hydroelectric power depends on rainfall and competing uses for available water supplies, including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural consumption. Pumped storage enables us to increase the available supply of water for use during periods of peak electricity demand.

Sales and Customers

Our sales are dependent principally on the level of demand for electricity in Korea and the rates we charge for the electricity we sell to the end-users.

Demand for electricity in Korea grew at a compounded average rate of 4.8% per annum for the five years ended December 31, 2009. According to The Bank of Korea, the compounded growth rate for real gross domestic product, or GDP, was approximately 3.4% for the same period. The GDP growth rate was 2.2% in 2008 and decreased to 0.2% in 2009 as a result of the recent economic downturn, and increased to 7.8% in the first quarter of 2010 amid signs of economic recovery.

 

40


Table of Contents

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the annual rate of growth in Korea’s gross domestic product, or GDP, and the annual rate of growth in electricity demand (measured by total annual electricity consumption).

 

         2005             2006             2007             2008             2009      

Growth in GDP (at 2005 constant prices)

   4.0   5.2   5.1   2.2   0.2

Growth in electricity consumption

   6.5   4.9   5.7   4.5   2.4

Electricity demand in Korea varies within each year for a variety of reasons other than the general growth in GDP demand. Electricity demand tends to be higher during daylight hours due to heightened commercial and industrial activities and electrical appliance use. Due to the use of air conditioning during the summer and heating during the winter, electricity demand is higher during these two seasons than the spring or the fall. Variation in weather conditions may also cause significant variation in electricity demand.

We do not use any marketing channels, including any special sales methods, to sell electricity to our customers, other than to install electricity meters on-site and take monthly readings of such meters, based upon which invoices are sent to our customers.

Demand by the Type of Usage

The table below sets forth the consumption of electric power, and growth of such consumption year-on-year, by the type of usage (in gigawatt hours) for the periods indicated.

 

    2005   YoY
growth
(%)
  2006   YoY
growth
(%)
  2007   YoY
growth
(%)
  2008   YoY
growth
(%)
  2009   YoY
growth
(%)
  % of
Total
2009

Residential

  69,555   6.2   72,730   4.6   75,148   3.3   77,269   2.8   78,548   1.7   19.9

Commercial

  73,716   9.2   77,809   5.6   82,208   5.7   86,827   5.6   89,619   3.2   22.7

Educational

  4,309   14.2   4,790   11.2   5,304   10.7   5,783   9.0   6,465   11.8   1.6

Industrial

  174,945   5.2   183,067   4.6   194,936   6.5   203,475   4.4   207,216   1.8   52.5

Agricultural

  7,318   8.2   7,636   4.3   8,215   7.6   8,869   8.0   9,671   9.0   2.5

Street lighting

  2,570   8.6   2,687   4.6   2,794   4.0   2,847   1.9   2,954   3.8   0.8
                                           

Total

  332,413   6.5   348,719   4.9   368,605   5.7   385,070   4.5   394,475   2.4   100.0
                                           

The industrial sector represents the largest segment of electricity consumption in Korea. Demand from the industrial sector increased by 2.1% to 216,887 gigawatt hours in 2009 from 2008.

Demand from the commercial sector has increased in recent years, largely due to the rapid expansion of the service sector of the Korean economy, which has resulted in increased office building construction, office automation and use of air conditioners. Growth in the commercial sector is also attributable to the construction industry and the expansion of the leisure and distribution industries. Demand from the commercial sector increased by 3.2% to 89,619 gigawatt hours in 2009 from 2008.

In 2009, we provided electricity to 12 million households, which represent substantially all of the households in Korea. Continuing increase in demand from the residential sector is primarily due to population growth and increased use of air conditioners and other electrical appliances. Demand from the residential sector increased by 1.7% to 78,548 gigawatt hours in 2009 from 2008.

Demand Management

Our ability to provide an adequate supply of electricity is principally measured by the facility capacity reserve ratio and the supply capability reserve ratio. The facility capacity reserve ratio represents the difference between the peak usage during a year and the installed capacity at the time of such peak usage, expressed as a

 

41


Table of Contents

percentage of such installed capacity. The supply capability reserve ratio represents the difference between the peak usage in a year and the average available capacity at the time of such peak usage, expressed as a percentage of such peak usage. The following table sets forth our facility capacity reserve ratio and supply capability reserve ratio for the periods indicated.

 

         2005             2006             2007             2008             2009      

Facility reserve ratio

   13.0   9.8   7.9   12.0   9.7

Supply reserve ratio

   11.3   10.5   7.2   9.1   7.9

While we seek to meet the growing demand for electricity in Korea primarily by continuing to expand our generating capacity through the addition of new generating facilities, we also implement several measures to curtail electricity consumption, especially during peak periods. The principal measure we take is to apply, for large-scale customers, time-of-use rate schedules, which are structured to the effect that higher tariffs are charged at the time of peak demand. Our other demand management programs include applying a progressive rate structure for the residential use of electricity. We seek to reduce not only energy consumption but also greenhouse gas emission by deploying various high efficiency devices such as energy efficient lightings. Furthermore, we replace lightings for low-income households for free as part of government’s energy welfare policy.

Electricity Rates

The Electricity Business Law and the Price Stabilization Act of 1975, each as amended, prescribe the procedures for the approval and establishment of rates charged for the electricity we sell. We submit our proposals for revisions of rates or changes in the rate structure to the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy. The Ministry of Knowledge and Economy then reviews these recommendations and, upon consultation with the Electricity Rates Expert Committee of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, makes the final decision. Under the Electricity Business Law, the Korea Electricity Commission must review our proposals prior to the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy’s final decision.

Under the Electricity Business Law and the Price Stabilization Act, electricity rates are established at levels that would enable us to recover our operating costs attributable to our basic electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations as well as receive a fair investment return on capital used in those operations. For the purposes of rate approval, operating costs are defined as the sum of our operating expenses and our adjusted income taxes.

Fair investment return represents an amount equal to the rate base multiplied by the rate of return. The rate base is equal to the sum of:

 

   

net utility plant in service (which is equal to utility plant minus accumulated depreciation minus revaluation reserve),

 

   

working capital for two months (equal to one-sixth of annual operating expenses other than depreciation expenses and any other non-cash expenses),

 

   

our equity interests in generation subsidiaries, and

 

   

the portion of construction-in-progress which is charged from our retained earnings.

The amounts used for the variables in the rates are those projected by us for the periods to be covered by the rate approval. There is no provision for prior period adjustments to compensate us.

For the purpose of determining the fair rate of return, the rate base is divided into two components in proportion to our total stockholders’ equity and our total debt. The rate of return permitted in relation to the debt component of the rate base is set at a level designed to approximate the weighted average interest cost on all

 

42


Table of Contents

types of borrowing for the periods covered by the rate approval. The rate of return permitted in relation to the equity component of the rate base is set by applying the capital asset pricing model which takes account of the risk-free rate, the return on the Korea Stock Price Index, KOSPI, a Korean equity market index, and the correlation of the stock price of our company with KOSPI. In 2009, the approved rate of return on the debt component of the rate base was 4.0% while the approved rate of return on the equity component of the rate was 6.4%. As a result of such approved rates of returns, the fair rate of return in 2009 was determined to be 5.6%.

The Electricity Business Law and the Price Stabilization Act do not specify a basis for determining the reasonableness of operating expenses or any other items (other than the level of the fair investment return) for the purposes of the rate calculation. However, the Government exercises substantial control over our budgeting and other financial and operating decisions.

In addition to the calculations described above, a variety of other factors are considered in setting overall tariff levels. These other factors include consumer welfare, our projected capital requirements, the effect of electricity tariff on inflation in Korea and the effect of tariff on demand for electricity.

In the latter half of the 1980s, our actual rate of return on equity generally exceeded the rate of return on equity assumed for the purposes of electricity tariff approvals, principally as a result of declining fuel costs and a higher than expected growth in demand. As a result, the tariff rates were reduced on average by 6.5% per annum during the period from 1987 to 1990. However, primarily because of changes in fuel prices and the growth in capital investment, and in order to encourage conservation of electricity and secure internal cash for capital expenditures, the tariff rates were increased on average by 3.0% per annum during the period from 1991 to 1995. During the period from 1996 to 2000, in order to compensate for the Won depreciation which caused our fuel expenditure to increase, the tariff rates were increased on average by 4.3% per annum, and during the period 1997 through 2000, our actual rate of return on invested capital was generally below the rate of return assumed for the purpose of rate approvals. During the period 2004 to 2009, the tariff rates were increased by an average of 2.0% per annum to compensate for high fuel costs and facility investment costs, and our actual rate of return on invested capital was generally below the rate of return assumed for the purpose of tariff rate approvals. On June 27, 2009, the tariff rate was increased by 3.9% on average. We currently expect this tariff rate increase will raise our actual rate of return on invested capital by approximately 1.7%.

The Ministry of Knowledge and Economy adjusts the electricity tariff schedule from time to time. For example, on January 15, 2007, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy increased each of the industrial tariff and street-lighting tariff by 4.2%, while making no changes to the tariff applicable to other sectors, which resulted in an increase by 2.1% in our overall average tariff. In addition, on January 1, 2008, as part of a plan to improve the electricity tariff structure, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy approved a raise of the average industrial tariff and average night power usage tariff by 1.0% and 18.0%, respectively, while reducing the average commercial tariff by 3.0%, which had no material effect on our overall average tariff. Furthermore, in light of the rapid rise in fuel prices following the general rise in commodity prices (including oil) worldwide from the second half of 2007 and the first half of 2009 which seriously undermined our profitability, effective June 27, 2009, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy approved a raise of the industrial, commercial, educational, street lighting and night power usage tariff by 6.5%, 2.3%, 6.9%, 6.9% and 8.0%, while making no changes to the residential and agricultural tariff, which is expected to result in an increase by 3.9% in our overall average tariff. There is no assurance, however, that such or future tariff increase will be sufficient to fully offset the adverse impact from the rise in fuel costs in the future.

On February 10, 2010, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy announced that it plans to overhaul the current system for determining electricity tariff chargeable to customers by more closely aligning the tariff levels to the movements in fuel prices, with the aim of providing more timely pricing signals to the market regarding the expected changes in electricity tariff levels and encouraging more efficient use of electricity of customers. The new system, which is expected to reflect into the tariff structure components related to fuel cost movements and factors unrelated to fuel cost movements, is also expected to provide greater financial stability and ensure a

 

43


Table of Contents

minimum return on investment to electricity suppliers, such as us. The new tariff system is expected to take effect on July 1, 2011, and the details of the plan are subject to further discussion. See “—Recent Developments—Proposed Implementation of a New Tariff System”.

The tariff rates we charge for electricity vary among the different classes of consumers, which principally consist of industrial, commercial, residential, educational and agricultural consumers. The tariff also varies depending upon the voltage used, the season, the time of day, the rate option selected by the user and, in the residential sector, the amount of electricity used per household, as well as other factors. Beginning in 1995, we adjusted seasonal tariff variations by removing the month of June from the summer period when peak rates are in effect and increasing the rates for the months of October, November, December, January, February and March to correspond more closely to peak demand variations. On April 1, 2007, we adjusted the winter period to consist of November, December, January and February, to reflect the changes in monthly usage levels in October and March.

Our current tariff schedule, which became effective as of June 27, 2009, is summarized below by the type of consumer:

Industrial. The basic charge varies from (Won)4,260 per kilowatt to (Won)6,610 per kilowatt depending on the type of contract, the voltage used and the rate option. The energy usage charge varies from (Won)38.1 per kilowatt hour to (Won)148.3 per kilowatt hour depending on the type of contract, the voltage used, the season, the time of day and the rate option.

Commercial. The basic charge varies from (Won)5,280 per kilowatt to (Won)6,660 per kilowatt depending on the type of contract, the voltage used and the rate option. The energy usage charge varies from (Won)40.5 per kilowatt hour to (Won)158.9 per kilowatt hour depending on the type of contract, the voltage used, the season, the time of day and the rate option.

Residential. Residential tariff include a basic charge ranging from (Won)370 for electricity usage of less than 100 kilowatt hours to (Won)11,750 for electricity usage in excess of 500 kilowatt hours. Residential tariff also include an energy usage charge ranging from (Won)52.4 to (Won)643.9 per kilowatt hour for electricity usage depending on the amount of usage and voltage.

Educational. The basic charge varies from (Won)4,580 per kilowatt to (Won)5,560 per kilowatt depending on the voltage used and the rate option. The energy usage charge varies from (Won)48.2 per kilowatt hour to (Won)81.6 per kilowatt hour depending on the voltage used, the season and the rate option.

Agricultural. The basic charge varies from (Won)340 per kilowatt to (Won)1,070 per kilowatt depending on the type of usage. The energy usage charge varies from (Won)20.6 per kilowatt-hour to (Won)36.4 per kilowatt hour depending on the type of usage.

Street-lighting. The basic charge is (Won)4,500 per kilowatt and the energy usage charge is (Won)61.8 per kilowatt hour. For electricity capacity of less than 1 kilowatt or for places where the installation of the electricity meter is difficult, a fixed rate of (Won)26.9 per watt applies, with the minimum charge per month of (Won)880.

In April 2001, as part of implementing the Restructuring Plan, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy established the Electric Power Industry Basis Fund to enable the Government to take over certain public services previously performed by us. Since December 28, 2005, 3.7% of the tariff we collected from our customers is transferred to this fund prior to recognizing our sales revenue.

Power Development Strategy

We and our generation subsidiaries make plans for expanding or upgrading our generation capacity based on the Basic Plan Relating to the Long-Term Supply and Demand of Electricity, or the Basic Plan, which is announced and revised generally every two years by the Government based on considerations of demand growth

 

44


Table of Contents

projections, availability and cost of financing, changes in prices and availability of fuel, ability to acquire necessary plant sites, environmental considerations, community opposition and other factors.

In December 2008, the Government announced the fourth Basic Plan relating to the future supply and demand of electricity. The fourth Basic Plan focuses on, among other things, (1) ensuring that electricity generation conforms to the National Energy Basic Plan relating to the overall energy management policy for Korea, including in areas of demand management, target nuclear power generation, and a greater emphasis on renewable energy and (2) improving the accuracy of electricity supply forecast based primarily on expected fuel prices, generation efficiency and technological advances, in addition to the mandates under the previous third Basic Plan, including (3) establishing an optimal level and mix of generating capacity based on fuel types and the operational efficiency of each generation unit, (4) equilibrating the supply and demand of electricity at the regional level through region-specific planning for capacity expansion, (5) setting high priority to environmental issues by proactively addressing some of the concerns identified under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, and (6) improving the transparency and accountability in the decision-making process for formulating the basic plan by formalizing more compartmentalized processes and procedures, including seeking advice from outside experts. We cannot assure that the fourth Basic Plan, or the plans subsequently adopted, will successfully achieve their intended goals, the foremost of which is to formulate a capacity expansion plan that will result in balanced overall electricity supply and demand in Korea at an affordable cost to the end users. If there is a significant variance between the actual capacity expansions by us and our generation subsidiaries based on the projected electricity supply and demand and the actual supply and demand, this may result in an inefficient use of our capital, mispricing of electricity and undue financing costs on the part of us and our generation subsidiaries, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Capital Investment Program

The table below sets forth, for each of the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the amounts of capital expenditures (including capitalized interest) for the construction of generation, transmission and distribution facilities. The figures in the table are derived from “Additions to property to property, plant and equipment” under the item “cash flows from investing activities” in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

2007

  2008   2009
(In billions of Won)
(Won)8,545   (Won) 8,925   (Won) 11,244

In accordance with the fourth Basic Plan, our generation subsidiaries currently intend to add new installed capacity of 27,620 megawatts during the period from 2009 to 2022 by newly constructing 12 nuclear units, seven coal-fired units, eight LNG-combined units, and two pumped-storage hydroelectric units and others. According to the fourth Basic Plan, the total capacity of all generating facilities at the end of 2022 is expected to be 100,891 megawatts, with nuclear power plants accounting for 32.6% of the total capacity, coal-fired plants 29.2%, LNG combined plants 22.9%, oil-fired plants 3.6% and hydroelectric and other plants 11.8%.

The table below sets forth the currently estimated date of completion and installed capacity of new or expanded generation units to be completed by our generation subsidiaries according to the fourth Basic Plan in each year from 2010 to 2012.

 

Year

   Number of Units   

Type of Units

   Total Installed Capacity
               (Megawatts)

2010

   1    Nuclear power    1,000
   2    LNG-combined    1,571

2011

   1    LNG-combined    900
   2    Pumped-storage hydroelectric    800
   1    Nuclear power    1,000

2012

   3    LNG-combined    1,700
   1    Nuclear power    1,000

 

45


Table of Contents

In the years between 2013 and 2022, our generation subsidiaries plan to complete nine nuclear units with an aggregate installed capacity of 12,200 megawatts, six coal-fired units with an aggregate installed capacity of 5,740 megawatts, and one LNG-combined unit with an aggregate installed capacity of 700 megawatts.

As part of our capital investment program, we also intend to add new transmission lines and substations, continue to replace overhead lines with underground cables and improve the existing transmission and distribution systems.

The actual number and capacity of generation units and transmission and distribution facilities we construct and the timing of such construction are subject to change depending upon a variety of factors, including, among others, demand growth projections, availability and cost of financing, changes in fuel prices and availability of fuel, ability to acquire necessary plant sites, environmental considerations and community opposition.

The table below sets forth, for the years from 2010 to 2013, the budgeted amounts of capital expenditures (including capitalized interest) for the construction of generation, transmission and distribution facilities pursuant to our capital investment program. The budgeted amounts may vary from the actual amounts of capital expenditures for a variety of reasons, including, among others, the implementation of the fourth Basic Plan, changes in the number of units to be constructed, the actual timing of such construction, changes in rates of exchange between the Won and foreign currencies and changes in interest rates.

 

     2010    2011    2012    2013    Total
     (in billions of Korean won)

Generation:

              

Nuclear

   4,633    5,616    5,030    5,060    20,339

Thermal

   1,851    3,186    4,592    4,222    13,851
                        

Sub-total

   6,484    8,802    9,623    9,282    34,190
                        

Transmission and Distribution:

              

Transmission

   2,678    3,827    3,014    1,344    10,863

Distribution

   2,627    2,550    2,432    2,250    9,859

Others

   849    973    930    1,132    3,884
                        

Sub-total

   6,154    7,350    6,376    4,726    24,606
                        

Total

   12,638    16,152    15,998    14,008    58,796
                        

We have financed, and plan to finance in the future, our capital investment programs primarily through net cash provided by our operating activities and financing in the form of debt securities and loans from domestic financial institutions, and to a lesser extent, borrowings from overseas financial institutions. In addition, in anticipation of potential liquidity shortage, we maintain several credit facilities with domestic financial institutions in the aggregate amount of (Won)1,725 billion and US$130 million, the full amount of which was available as of December 31, 2009. We and KHNP also maintain global medium-term note programs in the aggregate amount of US$5.0 billion, of which approximately US$3.3 billion remains currently available for future drawdown. See also “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources.”

Environmental Programs

The Environmental Policy Basic Act, the Air Quality Preservation Act, the Water Quality Preservation Act, the Marine Pollution Prevention Act and the Waste Management Act, collectively referred in this report as the Environmental Acts, are the major laws of Korea that regulate atmospheric emissions, waste water, noise and other emissions from our facilities, including power generators and transmission and distribution units. Our existing facilities are currently in material compliance with the requirements of these environmental laws and international agreements, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic

 

46


Table of Contents

Pollutants and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. In order to foster coordination among us and our generation subsidiaries in respect of climate change and development of renewable energy sources, we formed the Committee on Climate Change and the Committee on Renewable Energy in 2005.

In 2005, we became the first Korean public company to join the United Nations Global Compact, an international voluntary initiative designed to hold a forum for corporations, United Nations agencies, labor and civic groups to promote reforms in economic, environmental and social policy. As part of our involvement with such initiative, since September 2005, we have issued an annual report named the “Sustainability Report” to disclose our activities from the perspectives of economy, environment and society, in accordance with the reporting guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative, the official collaborating center of the United Nations Environment Programme that works in cooperation with United Nations Secretary General. In December 2009, our report on the Communication on Progress was reviewed favorably by the United Nations Global Compact and was subsequently posted on its website in recognition of our strong commitment to compliance with the principles of United Nations Global Compact. In 2008 and 2009, our sustainability report was selected as a notable report on Communication on Progress by the United Nations Global Compact.

Atmospheric emissions from generating plants burning fossil fuels include, among others, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulates. The Environmental Acts establish emissions standards relating to, among other things, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulates. Such standards have become more stringent from January 1999 to reduce the amount of permitted emissions.

The table below sets forth the number of emission control equipment installed at coal-fired power plants by our generation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009.

 

     KOSEP    KOMIPO    KOWEPO    KOSPO    EWP

Flue Gas Desulphurization System

   12    12    12    12    11

Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction System

   —      —      —      —      2

Selective Catalytic Reduction System

   8    16    12    15    11

Electrostatic Precipitation System

   14    14    12    14    18

Low NO2 Combustion System

   18    31    24    30    30
                        

Total

   52    73    60    71    72
                        

The table below sets forth the amount of annual emission from all generating facilities of our generation subsidiaries. In 2009, the amount of CO2 emissions increased by approximately 11.0% compared to 2008, principally due to the construction of additional coal thermal power stations. Furthermore, the amount of CO2 emissions is expected to further increase in 2010 due to the construction of additional coal thermal power stations but is expected to decrease thereafter, principally due to an increased use of nuclear power and renewable energy.

 

Year

   Sox
(g/MWh)
   NOx
(g/MWh)
   Dust
(g/MWh)
   CO2
(kg/MWh)

2007

   187    300    9    447

2008

   167    288    9    455

2009

   169    308    8    489

In order to comply with the current and expected environmental standards and address related legal and social concerns, we intend to continue to install additional equipment, make related capital expenditures and undertake several environmentally friendly measures to foster community goodwill. For instance, in October 2004, we and our generation subsidiaries reached an agreement with the Ministry of Environment and civic organizations to completely remove polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, a toxin, from the insulating oil of our transformers by 2015. In addition, when constructing certain large new transmission and distribution facilities, we assess and disclose their environmental impact at the planning stage of such construction, as well as consult

 

47


Table of Contents

with local residents, environmental groups and technical experts to generate community support for such projects. We exercise additional caution in cases where such facilities are constructed near ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands or preservation areas. We also make reasonable efforts to minimize any negative environmental impact, for example, by using more environmentally-friendly technology and hardware. In addition, we also undertake measures to minimize losses during the transmission and distribution process by making our power distribution network more energy-efficient in terms of loss of power, as well as to lower consumption of energy, water and other natural resources. In addition, we and our subsidiaries have acquired the ISO 1400 certification which is an environmental management system widely adopted internationally and have made it a high priority to make our electricity generation and distribution more environmentally friendly.

Our environmental measures, including the use of environmentally friendly but more expensive parts and equipment and budgeting capital expenditures for the installation of such facilities, may result in increased operating costs and liquidity requirement. The actual cost of installation and operation of such equipment and related liquidity requirement will depend on a variety of factors which may be beyond our control. There is no assurance that we will continue to be in material compliance with legal or social standards or requirements in the future in relation to the environment.

As part of our long-term strategic initiatives, we plan to take other measures designed to promote the generation and use of environmentally friendly, or green, energy. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Strategy.”

Renewable Energy

Some of our generation facilities are powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, wind power and hydraulic power. While such facilities are currently insignificant as a proportion of our total generating capacity or generation volume of our generation subsidiaries, we expect that the portion will increase in the future

The following table sets forth the generating capacity and generation volume in 2009 of our generation facilities that are powered by renewable energy sources.

 

     Generating Capacity
(megawatts)
    Generation Volume
(gigawatt-hours)
 

Hydraulic Power

   557.3      1,261.2   

Wind Power

   36.8      81.9   

Solar Energy

   11.5      27.6   

Fuel Cells

   3.0      9.5   

Subtotal

   608.5      1,380.1   

As percentage of total(1)

   1.0   0.3

 

Note:

 

(1) As a percentage of the total generating capacity or total generation volume, as applicable, of all of our generation subsidiaries.

In order to deal with shortage of fuel and other resources and also to comply with various environmental standards, the Government is currently considering a plan to adopt the Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”) policy, under which each generation subsidiary will be required to supply 2.0% and 10.0% of the total energy generated from such subsidiary in the form of renewable energy by 2012 and 2022, respectively, with fines being levied on any unit failing to do so in the prescribed timeline. We currently estimate that, if the RPS is implemented as currently planned, our generation subsidiaries will incur approximately (Won)4 trillion in additional capital expenditure over the next 10 years. We expect that such additional capital expenditure will be covered by a corresponding increase in electricity tariff. However, there is no assurance that the Government will in fact raise the electricity tariff at a level sufficient to fully cover such additional capital expenditures or at all.

 

48


Table of Contents

In July 2005, nine government-invested utilities companies, including us, entered into a Renewable Portfolio Agreement (“RPA”) with the Government in order to expand the generation and distribution of renewable energy. This agreement contemplates two phases of capacity build-up for the generation and distribution of renewable energy. During Phase I, which lasted from 2006 to 2008, we made capital expenditures of (Won) 520.1 billion to construct renewable energy generation capacity of 184 megawatts, of which 63 megawatts capacity has been completed to-date. During Phase II, lasting from 2009 to 2011, we and our generation subsidiaries are scheduled to make capital expenditures of (Won) 1,692.3 billion to construct renewable energy generation capacity of 534 megawatts.

The breakdown of capital expenditures for Phase I and Phase II under the RPA by type of expenditure is as follows:

 

     Phase I (2006 – 2008)    Phase II (2009 – 2011)  
     (in billions of Won)  

Facilities investment

   (Won) 380.0    (Won) 1,560.6 (1) 

Research and development

     127.6      82.5 (2) 

Promotion and other

     12.5      49.2 (3) 
               

Total

   (Won) 520.1    (Won) 1,692.3 ( 4 ) 
               

 

Notes:

 

(1) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won) 146.0 billion.
(2) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won) 29.9 billion.
(3) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won) 5.2 billion.
(4) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won) 181.1 billion.

We have financed, and plan to finance in the future, our capital investment programs primarily through net cash provided by our operating activities and financing in the form of debt securities and loans from domestic financial institutions, and to a lesser extent, from overseas financial institutions. In addition, in anticipation of potential liquidity shortage, we and KHNP also maintain global medium-term note programs in the aggregate amount of US$5 billion, of which approximately US$3.3 billion remains currently available for future drawdown. See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources.”

Community Programs

Building goodwill with local communities is important to us in light of concerns among the local residents and civic groups in Korea regarding construction and operation of generation units, particularly nuclear generation units. The Act for Supporting the Communities Surrounding Power Plants requires that the generating companies and the affected local governments carry out various activities up to a certain amount annually to addresses neighboring community concerns. Pursuant to this Act, we and our generation subsidiaries, in conjunction with the affected local and municipal governments, undertake various programs, including scholarships and financial assistance to low-income residents.

Until 2005, activities required to be undertaken pursuant to the Act for Supporting the Communities Surrounding Power Plants were funded only by the Electric Power Industry Basis Fund, or EPIBF. See “—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates.” Following amendments to this Act in July 2005, however, such activities are currently required to be funded partly by the EPIBF and partly as part of KHNP’s budget. KHNP is required to make annual contributions to the affected local communities in an amount equal to (Won) 0.25 per kilowatt of electricity generated by its nuclear generation units during the one-year period before the immediately preceding fiscal year. In addition, under an amendment to the Korean tax law in December 2005, a new local tax is levied on nuclear generation units, and KHNP has been required to pay such tax since 2006 in an amount equal to (Won) 0.50 per kilowatt of its generation volume in the affected areas.

 

49


Table of Contents

Prior to the construction of a generation unit, our generation subsidiaries perform an environmental impact assessment which is designed to evaluate public hazards, damage to the environment and concerns of local residents. A report reflecting this evaluation and proposing measures to address the problems identified must be submitted to and approved by the Ministry of Environment prior to the construction of the unit. Our generation subsidiaries are then required to implement the measures reflected in the approved report.

Despite these activities, civic community opposition to the construction and operation of generation units (including nuclear units) could adversely impact our construction plans for generation units (including nuclear units) and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flow.

Nuclear Safety

KHNP takes nuclear safety as its top priority and continues to focus on ensuring the safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants. KHNP also focuses on enhancing corporate ethics and transparency in the operation of its plants.

KHNP has instituted a corporate code of ethics in September 2002 and is firmly committed to enhancing nuclear safety, developing new technologies and improving transparency. In December 2003, KHNP also established the “Statement of Safety Policy for Nuclear Power Plants” to ensure the highest level of nuclear safety. Furthermore, KHNP has invested approximately 5% of its total annual sales into research and development for the enhancement of nuclear safety and operational performance.

KHNP has implemented comprehensive programs to monitor, ensure and improve safety of nuclear power plants. In order to enhance nuclear safety through risk-informed assessment, KHNP conducts probabilistic safety assessments for all its nuclear power plants. In order to systematically verify nuclear safety and identify the potential areas for safety improvements, KHNP performs periodic safety reviews on a 10-year frequency basis for all its operating units. These reviews have been completed for Kori units 1, 2, 3 and 4, Yonggwang units 1, 2, 3 and 4, Ulchin units 1 and 2 and Wolsong units 1 and 2. In order to enhance nuclear safety and plant performance, in 2003, KHNP established a maintenance effectiveness monitoring program in accordance with the maintenance rules issued by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The program was initially implemented at Kori units 3 and 4 and Ulchin units 3 and 4 in 2007 as a pilot program. The program has been expanded into all pressurized light water reactor plants in June 2009. KHNP is also developing advanced maintenance rule implementation technologies for pressurized heavy water reactor plants.

KHNP has developed the Risk Monitoring System for operating nuclear power plants, which it implements in all of its nuclear power plants. The Risk Monitoring System is intended to help ensure nuclear plant safety. In addition, KHNP has developed and implemented the Severe Accident Management Guidelines in order to manage severe accidents for all of its nuclear power plants.

KHNP conducts various activities to enhance nuclear safety such as quality assurance audits, reviews by the KHNP Nuclear Review Board, and reviews by the KHNP operational safety review team, which consists of former employees of KHNP and experts from academia and internal research institutes. KHNP maintains a close relationship with international nuclear organizations in order to enhance nuclear safety. In particular, KHNP invites international safety review teams such as the World Association of Nuclear Operators (“WANO”) Peer Review Team, the International Atomic Energy Agency (“IAEA”), the Operational Safety Review Team and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Technical Exchange Visit Team, to its nuclear plants for purposes of meeting international standards for independent review of its facilities. KHNP actively exchanges relevant operational information and technical expertise with its peers in other countries. For example, in September 2009, Yonggwang nuclear site hosted the WANO Peer Review. The recommendations and findings from this event were shared with KHNP’s other nuclear plants to implement improvements at such plants.

Following the operational reforms and upgrades implemented in 1992, the average level of radiation dose per unit has continuously decreased, recording 0.82 man-Sv in 2009, which was substantially lower than the global average in 2009 of 1.12 man-Sv/year as reported in the WANO performance indicator report.

 

50


Table of Contents

Low and intermediate level waste, or LILW, and spent fuels are stored in temporary storage facilities at each nuclear site of KHNP. The temporary LILW storage facilities at Ulchin and Wolsong reached their full capacity in 2008 and 2009, respectively, and facilities at Yonggwang and Kori are expected to reach their full capacity by 2012 and 2014, respectively. We expect that the Korea Radioactive Waste Management Corporation will complete the construction of a LILW disposal facility in the city of Gyeongju by December 2012, and starting from August 2010, LILW stored in temporary storage facilities at Ulchin will be transferred to a disposal facility in the city of Gyeongju.

In order to increase the storage capacity of temporary storage facilities for spent fuels, KHNP has been pursuing various projects, such as installing high-density racks in spent fuel pools, building dry storage facilities and transporting the spent fuels to other nuclear units within a nuclear site. Through these activities, we expect that the storage capacity for spent fuels in all nuclear sites will be sufficient to accommodate all the spent fuels produced by 2016. The policy for spent fuel management options is currently under development.

All of KHNP’s nuclear plants are in compliance with Korean law and regulations and the safety standards of the IAEA.

Since the submission of our annual report on Form 20-F in 2009, there have been no significant safety-related events or accidents in KHNP’s nuclear power plants that would have a material adverse effect on us.

Decommissioning

Decommissioning of a nuclear power unit is the process whereby the unit is shut down at the end of its life, the fuel is removed and the unit is eventually dismantled. KHNP implements a dismantling policy under which dismantling would take place five to ten years after the unit’s permanent shutdown. Kori unit-1, the first nuclear power plant in Korea, commenced its operation in 1978 and reached the end of its intended life in June 2007. KHNP obtained an approval to extend the Kori operation for another 10 years, and the unit resumed its operations in January 2008. Wolsong unit-1, the second nuclear power plant in Korea, will reach the end of its intended lifetime in November 2012. Applications for continued operation of Wolsong unit-1 were submitted to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in December 2009 and are currently being reviewed. Wolsong unit-1 is currently undergoing facility improvement.

While it does not carry a cash reserve for its decommissioning liability, KHNP retains financial responsibility for decommissioning its units. KHNP has accumulated the decommissioning cost as a liability since 1983. The decommissioning costs of nuclear facilities were first estimated in 1992, based on an engineering study. The Radio-active Waste Management Act, which was enacted in an effort to centralize the disposal of spent fuel and low and intermediate radioactive waste and related management processes and became effective on January 1, 2009, designates Korea Radio-Active Waste Management Corporation (“KRMC”) as the entity in charge of the disposal of spent fuels and low and intermediate radioactive waste. As a result, our related asset retirement obligation liabilities were transferred to KRMC as of the date of the enactment of the RWMA.

For the accounting treatment of decommissioning costs, see Item 5A “Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies—Decommissioning Costs.”

Overseas Activities

We are actively engaged in a number of overseas activities. We believe that such activities help us to diversify our revenue streams by leveraging the operational experience of us and our subsidiaries gathered from providing a full range of services, power plant construction, specialized engineering and maintenance services in Korea, as well as to establish strategic relationships with a number of countries that are or may become providers of fuels.

 

51


Table of Contents

The table set below summarizes the overseas projects that we are currently pursuing based on binding agreements.

 

Region

  

Project Period

  

Project Description

Malaya, Philippines

   September 1995 to January 2011    650-megawatt oil-fired power plant (ROMM(1) )

Ilijan, Philippines

   March 1999 to June 2022    1,200-megawatt combined-cycle power plant project (BOT(2))

Naga, Philippines

   February 2006 to March 2012    206-megawatt power plant (ROMM)(1)

Shanxi, China

   April 2007 to April 2056    4,432-megawatt coal-fired power plants (BOO(3)) and coal mine projects

Gansu, China

   September 2005 to August 2026    98.8-megawatt wind power plant (BOO)(3)

Inner Mongolia, China

   May 2007 to October 2028    529.5 megawatt wind power plant (BOO)(3)

Indonesia

   Since July 2009    Share subscription of PT Adaro Energy Tbk

Lebanon

   February 2006 to February 2011    870-megawatt combined-cycle power plant operation and maintenance service

Nigeria

   March 2006 to February 2011 (Phase 1)    Exploration of oil and gas for two offshore blocks

Jordan

   May 2009 to October 2035   

373-megawatt combined-cycle power plant

(BOO)(3)

Saudi Arabia

   July 2009 to March 2033   

1,204-megawatt oil-fired power plant

(BOO)(3)

West Africa

   September 2008 to October 2010    Line Route and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study

Niger

   Since December 2009    Share subscription of ANCE, a uranium development company, and uranium procurement

NSW, Australia

   2008 to 2028    Moolarben coal mine development

QLD, Australia

   Since November 2007   

Share subscription of Cockatoo Coal

Limited

Canada

   December 2007 to November 2011    Uranium exploration project in the Cree East

Canada

   January 2008 to April 2010    Uranium exploration project in the Waterbury Lake

Canada

   Since June 2009    Share subscription of Denison Mines, a uranium development company, and uranium procurement

France

   June 2006 to 2015    Construction and operation of a uranium enrichment plant

 

Notes:

 

(1) Represents “rehabilitation, operation, maintenance and management” projects.
(2) Represents “build, operate and transfer” projects.
(3) Represents “build, own and operate” projects.

While strategically important, we believe that our overseas activities, as currently being conducted, are not in the aggregate significant in terms of scope or amount compared to our domestic activities. In addition, a number of the overseas contracts currently being pursued are based on non-binding memoranda of understanding and the details of such projects may significantly change during the course of negotiating the definitive agreements.

A description of the material overseas activities by us and our subsidiaries by key geographic region is provided below.

 

52


Table of Contents

Asia

In September 2005 and April 2006, we and China Datang Corporation formed two joint ventures to build four wind-powered generation projects in China, consisting of one unit in Gansu province with total capacity of 49.3MW and three units in Inner Mongolia with 139.4MW. Since then, one unit has been added in Gansu and nine more units in Inner Mongolia with 438.6MW in total capacity. We hold a 40.0% equity interest in the joint ventures while China Datang Corporation holds the remaining 60.0%. The joint ventures were capitalized with RMB 269 million for the Yumen projects in Gansu and RMB 1,431 million for the Inner Mongolia projects. One third of the investment was funded with equity contribution and the remaining two thirds with debt. These projects are currently in operation and generating further revenue in the form of clean development mechanism, or CDM, business. We and China Datang Corporation are currently building wind–powered generation units in Inner Mongolia with a total capacity of 496.3MW.

We formed a limited partnership with Shanxi International Electricity Group and Deutsche Bank in China to develop and operate power projects and coal mines in Shanxi province, China, which was approved by the Chinese government in April 2007. The total estimated installed capacity is 4,432 megawatts and our equity ownership in the partnership is 34.0%, representing 1,507 megawatts in installed capacity.

We are currently engaged in four major power projects in the Philippines: (i) a “rehabilitate, operate, maintain, manage” 650-megawatt oil-fired power plant project in Malaya, with target completion in January 2011; (ii) a “build, operate and transfer” 1,200-megawatt combined-cycle power plant project in Ilijan, construction of which began in November 1997 and completed in June 2002 (the project cost of the Ilijan project was US$710 million, for which project finance on a limited recourse basis was provided); (iii) acquisition in February 2006 of 40.0% equity interest in SPC Power Corporation, an independent power producer operating a 206-megawatt Naga power complex in Cebu, the Philippines; and (iv) construction, which began in February 2008, of 200-megawatt CFBC coal power plant in Naga, Cebu where the current 206-megawatt Naga power complex exists, with target completion in May 2011. Our equity ratios are currently 100.0% for Malaya project, 51.0% for Ilijan project, and 60.0% for Cebu project, respectively.

In March 2009, a consortium comprised of us and Samsung C&T was selected as a preferred bidder for the construction and operation of a coal power project in Balkash, Kazakhstan. We signed a framework agreement with Samruk Energy, Kazakh state-owned energy company. The “build-own-operate” project will produce 1,200 to 1,500 megawatts coal power plants in Kazakhstan, with target completion in 2014. We also acquired a priority right to construct an additional power project if the Kazakh government decides to build more plants in Balkhash area under its power supply plan. We believe this project provides us with an attractive opening to business opportunities into Central Asia with respect to its natural resources.

On July 23, 2009, we, together with KOSEP, purchased 480 million shares, or 1.5% of the share capital, of PT Adaro Energy Tbk (“Adaro”) for an aggregate purchase price of US$57.2 million, as part of our efforts to secure stable coal supplies. Adaro is the second largest coal producer in Indonesia and the fifth largest coal exporter in the world, and produced a total of 40.6 million tons of coal in 2009. As part of this investment, we are entitled to an annual coal procurement of 3 million tons yearly.

On April 15, 2010, our board of directors approved a plan to invest in the construction of additional wind power facilities in Liaoning and Inner Mongolia in China, with the total generation capacity for the additional facilities being 148.5 megawatts. Our investment in such additional facilities is expected to be US$29 million.

Middle East

On December 27, 2009, following an international open bidding process, we entered into a prime contract with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (the “ENEC”), a state-owned nuclear energy provider of the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) to design, build and help operate four civil nuclear power generation units to be located in Braka, a region approximately 270 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, for the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy

 

53


Table of Contents

program. The contract amount for the project is US$18.6 billion, with the term of the contract to last from December 27, 2009 to May 1, 2020. Under the contract, we and the subcontractors, some of which are our subsidiaries, are to perform various duties in connection with the project, including, among others, (i) designing and constructing four nuclear power generation units (each with a capacity of 1,400 megawatts); (ii) supplying nuclear fuel for three fuel cycles including initial loading (with each cycle currently projected to last for approximately 18 months); and (iii) providing technical support, training and education to the plant operation personnel. The target completion dates for the four units are set for May 2017, May 2018, May 2019 and May 2020. In addition, in order to foster a long-term strategic partnership and stable management of the units post-construction, we currently plan to make an equity investment in an operation company to be established by ENEC. Details of such investment, including its size and structure, remain subject to further negotiation at this time, and we plan to make further disclosures regarding such investment in due course and as appropriate.

We are making continuous efforts to win a bid for another nuclear power project in Turkey involving the construction of nuclear generation units in Sinop, Turkey, near the Black Sea. A Joint Declaration was signed between EUAS, a Turkish state-run power company, and us on March 10, 2010. Under the Joint Declaration, a joint task force team was organized and is presently conducting a feasibility study for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

In March 2008, a consortium consisting of us and Xenel was selected as the preferred bidder for a gas-fired power plant project located in Al Qatrana, near Amman, Jordan. The power plant is expected to have an installed capacity of 373 megawatts, incur construction cost of US$460 million and have an operating life of 25 years. The construction for the “build-own-operate” project began in May 2009 with target completion in August 2011. We and Xenel hold 80 and 20 equity interest, respectively, of the joint venture which will oversee the project. We believe that this project will help us to expand our business in the Middle East and position us as a competitive power producer in the global market.

On December 1, 2008, we formed a consortium with ACWA Power International of Saudi Arabia and submitted a bid for the 1,204 megawatts oil-fired power project in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. In March 2009, we were selected as the preferred bidder against competitors that included Suez of Belgium, IP of Britain and Oger of Saudi Arabia. The project’s target completion date is 2013 and the project will involve operation of the plant for 20 years with an estimated project cost of US$ 2.5 billion. We are expected to hold a 40.0% equity interest in the joint venture which will oversee the project. On July 11, 2009, we entered into a power purchase agreement with Saudi Electricity Company to construct and operate a heavy oil power plant at Rabigh in Saudi Arabia.

Since February 2006, we have operated and provided maintenance services for combined cycle power plants in Lebanon with a total capacity of 870 megawatts.

North America

On December 14, 2007, a consortium consisting of four Korean companies, namely us, Korea Resources Corporation, Hanwha Corporation and SK Energy Co., Ltd., entered into an agreement with CanAlaska Uranium, Ltd., a uranium exploration company located in Canada (“CanAlaska”), to carry out a joint uranium exploration project to search for uranium deposits across mines in the Cree East area, Saskachewan, Canada. Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium and CanAlaska each hold a 50.0% equity interest in the four-year project. The estimated capital expenditure for the project is C$19 million, all of which is to be borne by the consortium through cash contributions over the term of the project. Our share of the estimated cash contribution is C$4.75 million for which we have received a 12.5% equity interest in the project. If additional capital expenditure is required, the amount in excess of C$19 million is to be shared equally between CanAlaska and the consortium. To date, we have invested C$3.2 million for which we have received a 10.1% equity interest. The Cree East project is due to expire at the end of 2010.

On January 30, 2008, a consortium consisting of us, KHNP, Korea Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd., Hanwha Corporation and Gravis Capital Corp., a Canadian company, entered into an agreement with Fission Energy

 

54


Table of Contents

Corp., a uranium exploration company located in Canada, to carry out a joint uranium exploration project in Waterbury Lake, Saskachewan, Canada. Under the terms of the agreement, each of the consortium and Fission Energy Corp. each holds a 50.0% equity interest in the three-year project. The estimated capital expenditure for the project is C$15 million, all of which is to be borne by the consortium through cash contributions over the term of the project. Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium is required to purchase a 50.0% equity interest in the project held by Fission Energy Corp. upon the final payment of cash contributions by the consortium during the term of the project. We have a 20.0% equity interest in the project and are expected to make estimated cash contribution of C$6 million. KHNP holds a 15.0% equity interest and is expected to make estimated cash contribution of C$4.5 million. Each of the other members of the consortium holds a 5% equity interest in the project and is expected to make estimated cash contribution of C$1.5 million. During the 3 years of exploration, we discovered a high grade uranium mineralization in drilling around 20 holes out of 97 holes and the discovery will be tested whether it is economically feasible by additional exploration programs. We are currently in negotiation to extend the contract for an additional term of three years.

On June 15, 2009, we, together with KHNP, entered into a definitive agreement with Denison Mines Corporation (“Denison”) to purchase 58.0 million shares, or 17.1%, of the share capital of Denison for an aggregate purchase price of C$75.4 million. As a result of such share purchase, we have become the largest shareholder of Denison. Under the terms of the agreement, we are entitled to procure up to approximately 20.0% of Denison’s current annual uranium production, during the period from 2010 to 2015. For the period from 2016, we will also be entitled to procure up to 20.0% of Denison’s then annual uranium production so long as we beneficially own 10.0% or more of Denison’s share capital. We anticipate that we will procure up to 159 metric tons of uranium in 2010.

On January 22, 2010, we entered into a Green Energy Investment Agreement with the Government of Ontario, Canada, jointly with Samsung C&T Corporation under a consortium. Under the terms of the Green Energy Investment Agreement, the consortium will develop and construct wind and solar-powered electricity generation units in Ontario, Canada, from 2013 to 2016, following which the consortium shall operate the facilities for a period of 20 years. The Green Energy Investment Agreement has an approximate value of US$ 6 billion, and the roles and responsibilities between us and Samsung C&T will be decided based on further negotiations.

Australia

On November 7, 2007, we and EWP entered into a share subscription agreement with Cockatoo Coal Limited, a coal exploration and mining company located in Australia. Under the terms of agreement, we and EWP acquired 40 million ordinary shares of Cockatoo Coal in equal proportions, representing approximately 9.5% of total equity ownership in Cockatoo Coal, for A$16.8 million. We intend to participate in coal exploration projects or development projects with Cockatoo in the future. On February 26, 2009, EWP entered into another share subscription agreement for 9.9 million ordinary shares for A$5 million, which leads to 8.3% of total equity ownership as of December 31, 2009.

On January 2, 2008, a consortium consisting of Korea Resources Corporation, Hanwha Corporation, us and four of our wholly owned generation subsidiaries, namely, KOSEP, KOMIPO, KOWEPO and KOSPO, entered into an agreement with Felix Resources Limited, an Australian coal mining company, to develop a coal mine located in Moolarben, New South Wales, Australia. Under the terms of agreement, the consortium purchased 10.0% equity interest in the Moolarben project from Felix Resources, of which we and our four generation subsidiaries own an aggregate of 5%. Felix holds 80.0% equity interest of the project. The consortium will participate in the mine development and operation through cash contribution which is equal to 10.0% of capital expenditure incurred on the project which will be operated for 21 years. Our four generation subsidiaries also have a coal off-take agreement for 2.5 million tons of coal per annum, and the Moolarben coal will be exported to North Asia including Korea from June 2010. The reserve is approximately 300 million tons of high quality thermal coal with average production capacity of 16 million tons per annum.

 

55


Table of Contents

Africa

In August 2005, a consortium consisting of us, Korea National Oil Corporation, a Government-controlled enterprise, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering won a bid from the federal government of Nigeria for exploration and production of oil in two off-shore blocks. This consortium holds 60.0% of the equity interest in the special purpose vehicle established to carry out the project regarding these two blocks and we hold 8.8% of the interest in the consortium. In March 2006, the consortium entered into production sharing contracts with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in connection with this project. Under these contracts, if the consortium is successful in finding oil, it will be entitled to operate the related facilities for 20 years. However, in January 2009, the government of Nigeria unilaterally decided to void allocation of the oil blocks granted to the consortium based on a claim that the consortium failed to pay full amount of the consideration. Korea National Oil Corporation has filed a suit in the Nigerian court challenging this assertion. On August 20, 2009, the Federal High Court in Nigeria ruled that the Nigerian government illegally cancelled offshore exploration rights with respect to the deep sea oil exploration projects and banned the Nigerian government from further interfering with the consortium. The Nigerian government subsequently appealed the ruling and the case is currently pending in court.

Another consortium consisting of us, KNOC and POSCO Engineering & Construction commenced the development of the downstream projects in Nigeria in 2006. While an agreement in-principle was entered into with the Nigerian authorities regarding the project development in October 2008, due to the court proceedings discussed above, these projects are currently on hold.

In October 2007, we invested US$9.1 million in KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Ltd., or KERNL, a joint venture with the Nigerian government. We currently own 30.0% of KERNL’s equity capital. In May 2007, KERNL entered into a share purchase agreement with the Nigerian government for the purchase of 51.0% of the equity capital of Egbin Power Plc in Nigeria, which owns and operates the Egbin power plant, for a consideration of approximately US$280 million. The acquisition remains to be completed.

On December 30, 2009, we and KHNP, our wholly-owned nuclear generation subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement with Areva NC Expansion (“ANCE”) to purchase 1.0 million shares, or 15.0%, of the share capital of ANCE at an aggregate purchase price of EUR 170 million. We are entitled to procure up to approximately 10.0% of Imouraren SA’s current annual uranium production which is estimated 740 metric tons based on ANCE’s annual production plan during the period between 2013 and 2036. Imouraren SA is an ANCE-invested mine operating company. After 2013, we will also be entitled to procure up to 10.0% of Imouraren SA’s current annual uranium production so long as we beneficially own 10.0% or more of ANCE’s share capital.

Europe

On June 30, 2009, KHNP acquired a 2.5% equity interest in Societe D. Enrichissement Du Tricastin (“SET Holding”), which was established by Areva for the purpose of constructing and operating a uranium enrichment plant in Tricastin, France. KHNP has invested approximately 129 million Euros for the 2.5% equity interest, and Kansai Electric Power in Japan and Suez Energy International in Belgium have also acquired 2.5% and 5.0% equity interest, respectively, in SET Holding. The maximum production capability of the uranium enrichment plant is eight million Seperative Work Unit or, SWU. We believe that this investment will help us secure a more stable and economical supply of enriched uranium.

North Korea

Kaesong Complex

Since 2005, we have provided electricity to the industrial complex located in Kaesong, North Korea, which was established pursuant to an agreement made during the summit meeting of the two Koreas in June 2000. The Kaesong complex is the largest economic project between the two Koreas and is designed to combine the Republic’s capital and entrepreneurial expertise with the availability of land and labor of North Korea. In

 

56


Table of Contents

March 2005, we built a 22.9 kilovolt distribution line from Munsan substation in Paju, Gyeonggi Province to the Kaesong complex and became the first to supply electricity to pilot zones such as ShinWon Ebenezer. In April 2006, we started to construct a 154 kilovolt, 16 kilometer transmission line connecting Munsan substation to the Kaesong complex as well as Pyunghwa substation in the complex and began operations in May 2007. As of December 31, 2009, we supplied electricity to 244 units, including administrative agencies, support facilities and resident corporations, using a tariff structure identical to that of South Korea. No assurance can be given that we will not experience any material losses from this project as a result of, among other things, a project suspension or failure of the project as a result of a breakdown in the relationship between the Republic and North Korea. See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Korea and the Global Economy—Tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us and the market value of our shares.”

The Light Water Reactor Project

The Korean Peninsula Development Organization, or KEDO, was chartered in March 1995 as an international consortium stipulated by the Agreed Framework, which was signed by the United States and North Korea in October 1994. KEDO signed an agreement with North Korea in December 1995 to construct two light water reactors in North Korea in return for certain nuclear non-proliferation steps to be taken by North Korea. KEDO designated us as its prime contractor to build two units of pressurized light water reactors with total capacity of 2,000 megawatts. We entered into a fixed price turnkey contract with KEDO, which became effective on February 3, 2000. However, when North Korea did not meet the conditions required for the continuation of the project, KEDO suspended the project in December 2003. Following the suspension, KEDO notified us of the termination of the project and the related turnkey contract between KEDO and us. The executive board of KEDO decided to terminate the light water reactor project on May 31, 2006. On December 12, 2006, we entered into a termination agreement with KEDO. According to the termination agreement, we assumed substantially all of KEDO’s rights and obligations related to the light water reactor outside of North Korea. In exchange, we waived the right to claim any expenses incurred and any potential claims by subcontractors to KEDO. We recorded the equipment transferred under the termination agreement as other non-current assets in the amount of (Won)94 billion, and the estimated claims by subcontracts as other long-term liabilities in the amount of (Won)15 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the termination agreement, we are required to report the disposal or reuse of the transferred equipment to KEDO, and the gains and losses under the termination agreement are shared with KEDO through mutual negotiation. Our management believes that ultimate gains or losses could not be reasonably estimated as of December 31, 2009, as they are contingent upon disposal or reuse of the related assets and settlement of obligations.

Insurance

We and our generation subsidiaries carry insurance covering against certain risks, including fire, in respect of key assets, including buildings, equipment, machinery, construction-in-progress and procurement in transit, as well as, in the case of KEPCO, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

We and our generation subsidiaries maintain casualty and liability insurance against risks related to our and our subsidiaries’ business to the extent we consider appropriate. We also self-insure against such risks to the extent permitted by law. We and our generation subsidiaries do not separately insure against terrorist attacks.

These insurance and indemnity policies, however, cover only a portion of the assets that we and our generation subsidiaries own and operate and do not cover all types or amounts of loss that could arise in connection with the ownership and operation of these assets.

Substantial liability may arise from the operation of nuclear-fueled generation units and from the use and handling of nuclear fuel and possible radioactive emissions associated with such nuclear fuel. KHNP maintains property and liability insurance against risks of its business to the extent required by the related law and regulations or considered as appropriate and otherwise self-insure against such risks. KHNP carries insurance for

 

57


Table of Contents

its generation units against certain risks, including property damage, nuclear fuel transportation and liability insurance for personal injury and property damage. Each of KHNP’s four power plant complexes has property damage insurance coverage of up to US$1 billion per accident in respect of such plant complex. KHNP maintains a nuclear liability insurance for personal injury and third-party property damage for a coverage of up to (Won)50 billion per accident per plant complex, for a total coverage of (Won)200 billion. KHNP is also the beneficiary of a Government indemnity with respect to such risks for damage claims of up to (Won)50 billion per nuclear plant complex, for a total coverage of (Won)200 billion. Under the Nuclear Damage Compensation Act of 1969, as amended, KHNP is liable only up to 300 million Special Drawing Rights, or SDRs, which amounts to approximately US$443 million, at the rate of 1 SDR = US$1.47596 as posted on the Internet homepage of the International Monetary Fund on June 18, 2010, per single accident; provided that such limitation will not apply where KHNP intentionally causes harm or knowingly fails to prevent the harm from occurring. KHNP will receive the Government’s support, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, if (i) the damages exceed the insurance coverage amount of (Won)50 billion and (ii) the Government deems such support to be necessary for the purposes of protecting damaged persons and supporting the development of nuclear energy business. The amount of Government’s support to KHNP for such qualifying nuclear incident would be 300 million SDRs, or the limit of KHNP’s liability, minus the coverage amount of up to (Won)50 billion as determined by the National Assembly. KHNP also carries insurance against terrorism with the insurance coverage being up to US$300 million on property and (Won)50 billion on liabilities. While KHNP carries insurance for its generation units and nuclear fuel transportation, the level of insurance is generally adequate and is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and KHNP is the beneficiary of a certain Government indemnity which covers a portion of liability in excess of the insurance, such insurance is limited in terms of amount and scope of coverage and does not cover all types or amounts of losses which could arise in connection with the ownership and operation of nuclear plants. Accordingly, material adverse financial consequences could result from a serious accident to the extent it is neither insured nor covered by the government indemnity.

Other than KHNP, neither we nor our generation subsidiaries carry any insurance against terrorist attacks specifically.

See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—The amounts and scope of coverage of our insurance are limited.”

Competition

We currently transmit and distribute substantially all of the electricity in Korea. In addition to us, there were 12 electricity suppliers that are licensed to distribute electricity in 16 districts of Korea as of April 30, 2010. These entities do not supply electricity on a national level but are licensed to supply electricity on a limited basis to their respective districts under the Community Energy System authorized by the Korea Electricity Commission and approved by the Minister of Knowledge and Economy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act. We also transmit and distribute electricity to these districts. As of April 30, 2010, 10 districts were using this system, and six other districts were preparing to launch it. The generation capacity installed or under construction of the electricity suppliers in these 16 districts amounted to approximately 1% of the generation capacity of our generation subsidiaries as of April 30, 2010. Since the introduction of the Community Energy System in 2004, a total of 31 districts have obtained the license to obtain electricity supply through the Community Energy System, but 15 of such districts have reportedly abandoned plans to adopt the Community Energy System, largely due to the relatively high level of capital expenditure required, the rise in fuel costs and the lower than expected electricity output per cost. However, if the system is widely adopted, it will erode our market position in the generation and distribution of electricity in Korea, which has been virtually monopolized by us until recently, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, revenues and profitability.

The power generation industry, which began its liberalization process with the establishment of our power generation subsidiaries in April 2001, may become further liberalized in accordance with the Restructuring Plan. See Item 4B “Business Overview—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea.”

 

58


Table of Contents

In the residential sector, consumers may use natural gas, oil and coal for space and water heating and cooking. However, currently there is no practical substitute for electricity for lighting and for many household appliances that are available on commercially affordable terms.

In the commercial sector, electricity is the dominant energy source for lighting, office equipment and air conditioning. Its other uses, such as space and water heating, natural gas and, to a lesser extent, oil, provide competitive alternatives to electricity.

In the industrial sector, currently there is no practical substitute for electricity in a number of applications, including lighting and power for many types of industrial machinery and processes that are available on commercially affordable terms. For other uses, such as space and water heating, electricity competes with oil and natural gas and potentially with gas-fired combined heating and power plants.

Regulation

We are a statutory juridical corporation established under the KEPCO Act for the purpose of ensuring a stable supply of electric power and further contributing toward the sound development of the national economy through facilitating development of electric power resources and carrying out proper and effective operation of the electricity business. The KEPCO Act (including the amendment thereto) prescribes that we engage in the following activities:

 

   

development of electric power resources;

 

   

generation, transmission, transformation, distribution of electricity and other related business;

 

   

investment, research and technology development related to the businesses mentioned in items 1 and 2;

 

   

overseas business related to the businesses mentioned in items 1 through 3;

 

   

investments or contributions related to the businesses mentioned in items 1 through 4;

 

   

businesses incidental to items 1 through 5;

 

   

development and operation of real estate holdings, subject to certain restrictions pursuant to Presidential Decree of the KEPCO Act; and

 

   

other businesses entrusted by the Government.

The KEPCO Act currently requires that our profits be applied in the following order of priority:

 

   

first, to make up any accumulated deficit;

 

   

second, to set aside as a legal reserve of 20.0% or more of profits until the accumulated reserve reaches one-half of our capital;

 

   

third, to pay dividends to stockholders;

 

   

fourth, to set aside a reserve for expansion of our business;

 

   

fifth, to set aside a voluntary reserve for the equalization of dividends; and

 

   

sixth, to carry forward surplus profit.

Based on our consolidated financial results as of December 31, 2009, the legal reserve was (Won)1,604 billion, the reserve for business expansion was (Won)16,088 billion, and the reserve for investment of social overhead capital was (Won)5,277 billion.

We are under the supervision of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, which has principal responsibility with respect to director and management appointments and rate approval.

 

59


Table of Contents

Because the Government owns part of our capital stock, the Government’s Board of Audit and Inspection may audit our books.

The Electricity Business Act requires that licenses be obtained in relation to the generation, transmission and distribution and sale of electricity, with limited exceptions. We hold the license to generate, transmit, distribute and sell electricity. Several other companies have received a license solely for power generation. See “Business Overview—Power Purchase—Cost-based Pool System.” Each of our six generation subsidiaries holds an electricity generation license. We and 16 other suppliers of electricity under the Community Energy System authorized by the Korea Electricity Commission and approved by the Minister of Knowledge Economy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act have a license for the distribution of electricity. The Electricity Business Act also governs the formulation and approval of electricity rates in Korea. See “—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates” above.

Our operations are subject to various laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and safety. See “—Community Programs” above.

Proposed Sale by Us of Certain Power Plants and Equity Interests

The following table summarizes our current plans for sale of certain of our assets. The consummation of these plans, however, is subject to, among others, related Government policies and market conditions.

 

Equity holdings

 

Primary business

  Book value as
of December 31,
2009
  Ownership
percentage as
of December 31,

2009
    Ownership
percentage
to be sold
 
        (in billions of Won)  

KPS Co., Ltd.

  Overhauling and repairing power plants   343   80.0   20.0

LG Powercom(1)

  Leasing telecommunication lines and proving internet access   326   38.8   38.8

Korea Power Engineering Co., Ltd.

  Designing and engineering power plants   55   77.9   20.0

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

  Electricity metering   27   49.0   49.0

 

Note:

 

(1) Following the merger between LG Powercom and its sister companies, LG Dacom and LG Telecom, in January 2010, we currently own 7.46% of LG Telecom, the surviving entity. Pursuant to the Fifth Phase of the Public Institution Reform Plan, we currently plan to sell our remaining equity interest in LG Telecom subject to prevailing economic and market conditions.

KPS Co., Ltd.

In December 2007, we completed the initial public offering of KPS Co., Ltd., or KPS, formerly our wholly-owned subsidiary, by listing approximately 20.0% of its equity interest on the Korea stock exchange for an aggregate consideration of (Won)120 billion. Pursuant to the Third Phase of the Public Institution Reform Plan, we further plan to sell an additional 20.0% of KPS’s equity interest by the end of 2012.

LG Powercom

In January 2000, we established LG Powercom (formerly PowerComm Corporation) as a wholly-owned subsidiary to foster fair use and competition in the use of the power lines for communication purposes as well as to dispose of non-core businesses. Following a series of sales that began in July 2000, a public offering in November 2008 of equity interests in LG Powercom and a merger between LG Powercom and its sister

 

60


Table of Contents

companies, LG Dacom and LG Telecom, we currently own 7.46% of LG Telecom, the surviving entity. Pursuant to the Fifth Phase of the Public Institution Reform Plan, we currently plan to sell our remaining equity interest in LG Telecom subject to prevailing economic and market conditions.

Korea Power Engineering Co., Ltd.

Pursuant to the Third Phase of the Public Institution Reform Plan announced by the Government in August 2008, we conducted the initial public offering of Korea Power Engineering Co., Ltd., or KOPEC, in December 2009. We owned 97.9% of KOPEC’s shares prior to the initial public offering and currently own 77.9% following the initial public offering. Gross proceeds from the initial public offering were (Won)165.1 billion. In furtherance of the Third Phase of the Public Institution Reform Plan, we further plan to sell an additional 20.0% equity interest in KOPEC by the end of 2012, subject to prevailing market conditions.

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

In February 2003, we privatized Korea Electric Power Industrial Development, or KEPID, formerly our wholly-owned subsidiary, by selling 51.0% of its equity interest to Korea Freedom Federation. Pursuant to the Fifth Phase of the Public Institution Reform Plan announced by the Government in January 2009, we currently plan to sell the remaining 49.0% of KEPID’s equity interest based on, among others, considerations of economic and market conditions.

Item 4C. Organizational Structure

As of the date hereof, we have 31 subsidiaries and 21 affiliates (not including any special purpose entities). The following diagram provides an overview of our organizational structure, including our significant subsidiaries and our ownership of such subsidiaries and affiliates as of the date of this report.

Subsidiaries

Our wholly-owned six generation subsidiaries KHNP, KOSEP, KOMIPO, KOWEPO, KOSPO and EWP. Our non-generation subsidiaries include KOPEC, KNF, KDN, KPS and Garolim Tidal Power Plant Co., Ltd. For a full list of our subsidiaries, including foreign subsidiaries, and their respective jurisdiction of incorporation, please see Exhibit 8.1 attached to this report.

 

61


Table of Contents

Affiliated Companies

We define our principal affiliates as companies in which we hold at least 20.0% and not more than 50.0% of the share capital, whose accounts are not required to be consolidated in our financial statements. We record these affiliates as investments under the equity method of accounting. See Note 6 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. The table below sets forth for each of our principal affiliates the name and year of incorporation, our percentage shareholding and their principal activities as of December 31, 2009.

 

    Year of
Incorporation
  Ownership
(Percent)
 

Principal Activities

Korea Gas Corporation

  1983   24.5   Importing and wholesaling LNG

Korea District Heating Co. Ltd.

  1985   26.1   Generating and distributing electricity and heat

LG Powercom Corporation(2)

  2000   38.8   Leasing telecommunication lines and providing internet access

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

  1990   49.0   Electricity metering

YTN(1)

  1993   21.4   Broadcasting

Gansu Datang Yumen Windpower Co., Ltd.

  2005   40.0   Construction and operation of utility plant

SPC Power Corporation

  2006   40.0   Operation of utility plant

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

  2006   40.0   Construction and operation of utility plant

Gemeng International Energy Group Co., Ltd.

  2007   34.0   Construction and operation of utility plant

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Ltd.

  2007   30.0   Construction and operation of utility plant

Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd.(3)

  2001   15.0   Wind power generating

Hyundai Green Power Co. Ltd.

  2007   29.0   Generating electricity

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

  2005   27.0   Generating and distributing vapor and hot/cold water

PT.Cirebon Electric Power

  2007   27.5   Construction and operation of utility plant

Eco Biomass Energy Sdn. Bhd.

  2009   40.0   Combined heat and power generation and clean development mechanism business

Denison Mines Corporation

  2003   17.1   Uranium exploration and development

Rabigh Electricity Company

  2009   40.0   Construction and operation of utility plant

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.

  2005   14.6   Oil and gas exploration in Nigeria

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.

  2005   14.6   Oil and gas exploration in Nigeria

SET Holdings

  2008   2.5   Construction and operation of uranium enrichment plant

Areva NC Expansion

  2007   15.0   Imouraren uranium mine development in Nigeria

 

Notes:

 

(1) KEPCO Data Network Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of KEPCO, owns the 21.4% equity interest in YTN.
(2) In November 2008, LG Powercom completed an initial public offering of common shares. We did not participate in this offering, but as a result of the offering, our share ownership in LG Powercom was diluted to 38.8% from 43.1%. Following the merger between LG Powercom and its sister companies, LG Dacom and LG Telecom, in January 2010, we currently own 7.46% of LG Telecom, the surviving entity. Pursuant to the Fifth Phase of the Public Institution Reform Plan, we currently plan to sell our remaining equity interest in LG Telecom subject to prevailing economic and market conditions.
(3) Although we hold less than 20.0%, we deem Gangwon Wind Power as a principal affiliate as we can influence the major policies of this company through our voting power at the board of directors’ level.

 

62


Table of Contents

Item 4D. Property, Plant and Equipment

Our property consists mainly of power generation, transmission and distribution equipment and facilities in Korea. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Power Generation,” “—Transmission and Distribution” and “—Capital Investment Program.” In addition, we own our corporate headquarters building complex at 411 Youngdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-791, Korea. On June 24, 2005, the Government announced its policy to relocate the headquarters of government-invested enterprises, including us and certain of our subsidiaries, out of the Seoul metropolitan area to other provinces in Korea by the end of 2012. As of December 31, 2009, the net book value of our property was (Won)74,033 billion. No significant amount of our properties is leased. There are no material encumbrances on our properties, including power generation, transmission and distribution equipment and facilities.

ITEM 4.A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

We do not have any unresolved comments from regarding our periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

You should read the following discussion together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes which appear elsewhere in this report. We expect that the implementation of the Restructuring Plan will over time materially change the environment in which we operate, and, accordingly, our historic performance may not be indicative of our future results of operations and capital requirements and resources. See Item 4B. Business Overview—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea” and Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—The Government’s plan for restructuring the electricity industry in Korea may have a material adverse effect on us.”

Item 5A. Operating Results

Overview

In 2007, 2008 and 2009, we had consolidated operating revenues of (Won)29,137 billion, (Won)31,560 billion and (Won)33,994 billion, respectively, principally from the sale of electricity. As we are a predominant market participant in the Korean electricity industry, our business is heavily regulated by the Government with respect to the rates we charge to customers for the electricity we sell. In addition, our business requires a high level of capital expenditures and is subject to a number of variable factors, including demand for electricity in Korea and fluctuation in costs, such as fuel prices which are impacted by the movements in the exchange rates between the Won and other currencies.

In 2009, we recorded an operating income of (Won)1,715 billion compared to an operating loss of (Won)2,798 billion in 2008 and an operating income of (Won)2,822 billion in 2007. Under the Electricity Business Law and the Price Stabilization Act, electricity rates are generally established at levels that will permit us to recover our operating costs attributable to our basic electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations in addition to receiving a fair investment return on capital used in those operations. For a detailed description of fair investment return, see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates.” Accordingly, we have recorded an operating income for every operating year since our inception in 1981 until 2007. However in 2008, we recorded an operating loss for the first time in our operating history. This was largely due to a rapid increase in fuel prices, which was not offset by an increase in the electricity rates that we charge to our customers. The Government raised the tariff rates in November 2008, following an extensive deliberative process, including public debates, and provided us with a one-time subsidy in the amount of (Won)668 billion in December 2008. However, such tariff increase was insufficient to fully offset the adverse impact from the rise in the fuel costs in 2008. In 2009, in large part due to an additional tariff increase by an average of 3.9% in June 2009 and an overall decrease in fuel costs, we recorded an operating income of (Won)1,715 billion, although we

 

63


Table of Contents

recorded a net loss of (Won)48 billion, principally due to a net valuation loss on financial derivatives and a loss on foreign currency transaction resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as well as an increase in interest expenses resulting from an increase in debt related to fuel purchases and capital expenditures.

We estimate that fuel prices will continue to be volatile and accordingly have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and profitability in 2010 and beyond. In part to address these concerns, the Government has announced that as of July 1, 2011 it will overhaul the existing tariff system by more closely aligning the tariff levels to fuel cost movements. We anticipate that the implementation of the new tariff systems will reduce future uncertainties on our profitability arising from the volatility in fuel prices, leading to maintenance of a more stable financial structure. Furthermore, the implementation may lead to higher credit ratings and a reassessment of our share and shareholder value. Details of the new tariff system remain subject to further discussion and there is no assurance that the new tariff system will be adopted as presently anticipated or at all. Furthermore, even if it is implemented as currently anticipated, there is no assurance that new tariff system will fully cover our expenses on a timely basis or at all, or have unintended consequences that we are presently aware of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. In addition, the Government may not maintain or raise the tariff level to ensure our profitability until the implementation of the new tariff systems in July 2011. See Item 4B “Business Overview—Recent Developments—Proposed Implementation of a New Tariff System.” While we will continue to negotiate with the Government for further measures to increase our profitability, we cannot guarantee that the Government will agree to such requests at the level desired by us or at all. If the new tariff systems fail to fully cover our expenses or if our electricity tariff under the new tariff system fails to sufficiently offset the impact of rising fuel prices, fuel price increases may significantly hurt our business, results of operations and cash flows.

The results of our operations are largely affected by the following factors:

 

   

demand and supply of electricity;

 

   

electricity rates we charge to our customers;

 

   

fuel costs; and

 

   

the exchange rates of Won against other foreign currencies, in particular the U.S. dollar.

Demand and Supply of Electricity

Our sales are largely dependent on the level of demand for electricity in Korea and the rates we charge for the electricity we sell.

Demand for electricity in Korea grew at a compounded average rate of 4.8% per annum for the five years ended December 31, 2009. According to The Bank of Korea, the compounded growth rate for real gross domestic product, or GDP, was approximately 3.4% for the same period. The GDP growth rate was 2.2% in 2008 and decreased to 0.2% in 2009 as a result of the recent economic downturn, and increased to 7.8% in the first quarter of 2010 amid signs of economic recovery.

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the annual rate of growth in Korea’s gross domestic product, or GDP, and the annual rate of growth in electricity demand (measured by total annual electricity consumption).

 

     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009  

Growth in GDP (at 2005 constant prices)

   4.0   5.2   5.1   2.2   0.2

Growth in electricity consumption

   6.5   4.9   5.7   4.5   2.4

 

64


Table of Contents

Demand for electricity may be categorized either by the nature of its usage or by the type of customers as used for the purpose of charging electricity tariff. The following describes the demand for electricity by the type of its usage:

 

   

The industrial sector currently represents the largest segment of electricity consumption in Korea. While demand from the industrial sector (including the agricultural sector) has increased steadily as a result of economic expansion in Korea, it has gradually declined as a percentage of total demand from 61.1% in 1998 to 55.0% in 2009. Demand from the industrial sector increased by 2.1% to 216,887 gigawatt hours in 2009 from 2008.

 

   

Demand from the commercial sector has increased in recent years, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of total demand. The rapid expansion of the service sector of the Korean economy has resulted in increased office building construction, office automation and use of air conditioners. Growth in the commercial sector is also attributable to the construction industry and the expansion of the leisure and distribution industries. Demand from the commercial sector increased by 3.2% to 89,619 gigawatt hours in 2009 from 2008.

 

   

Demand from the residential sector increased by 1.7% to 78,548 gigawatt hours in 2009 from 2008. In 2009, we provided electricity to 12 million households, which represent substantially all of the households in Korea. Continuing increase in demand from the residential sector is primarily due to population growth and increased use of air conditioners and other electrical appliances.

For additional discussions on demand by the type of customers, see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Demand by the Type of Usage.”

In July 2004, the Government adopted the Community Energy System to enable regional districts to source electricity from independent power producers to supply electricity without having to undergo the cost-based pool system used by our generation subsidiaries and most independent power producers to distribute electricity nationwide. A supplier of electricity under the Community Energy System must be authorized by the Korea Electricity Commission and be approved by the Minister of Knowledge Economy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act. The purpose of this system is to decentralize electricity supply and thereby reduce transmission costs and improve the efficiency of energy use. These entities do not supply electricity on a national level but are licensed to supply electricity on a limited basis to their respective districts under the Community Energy System. As of April 30, 2010, 10 districts were using this system and six other districts were preparing to launch it. The generation capacity installed or under construction of the electricity suppliers in these 16 districts amounted to approximately 1% of the aggregate generation capacity of our generation subsidiaries as of April 30, 2010. Since the introduction of the Community Energy System in 2004, a total of 31 districts have obtained the license to obtain electricity supply through the Community Energy System, but 15 of such districts have reportedly abandoned plans to adopt the Community Energy System, largely due to the relatively high level of capital expenditure required, the rise in fuel costs and the lower-than-expected electricity output per cost. However, if the Community Energy System is widely adopted, it will erode our market position in the generation and distribution of electricity in Korea, which has been virtually monopolized by us until recently, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, revenues and profitability.

 

65


Table of Contents

The table below sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 and as of April 30, 2010, the number of districts with government permits to participate in the Community Energy Supply, the number of apartments in such districts and generating capacity to be installed.

 

For the years ended and as of

   Number of Districts
with Permit to
Participate
   Number of
Apartments
   Generating
Capacity
          (in thousands)    (Megawatts)

December 31, 2008

   31    320    1,474

December 31, 2009

   31    320    1,474

April 30, 2010(1)

   31    320    1,474

 

Note:

 

(1) Reflects 15 districts with a permit to participate in the Community Energy System, which have subsequently announced that they are abandoning plans to adopt such system. The number of apartments and generating capacity represented by such districts are approximately 183,000 units and 857 megawatts, respectively.

Electricity Rates

The Electricity Business Law and the Price Stabilization Act of 1975, as amended, prescribe the procedures for the approval and establishment of rates charged for the electricity we sell. We submit our proposals for revisions of rates or changes in the rate structure to the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy. The Ministry of Knowledge and Economy then reviews these recommendations and, upon consultation with the Electricity Rates Expert Committee of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, makes the final decision. Under the Electricity Business Law, the Korea Electricity Commission must review our proposals prior to the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy’s final decision.

Under the Electricity Business Law and the Price Stabilization Act, electricity rates are established at levels that will permit us to recover our operating costs attributable to our basic electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations in addition to receiving a fair investment return on capital used in those operations. For further discussion of fair investment return, see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates.”

In the latter half of the 1980s, our actual rate of return on equity generally exceeded the rate of return on equity assumed for the purposes of electricity tariff approvals, principally as a result of declining fuel costs and a higher than expected growth in demand. As a result, the tariff rates were reduced on average by 6.5% per annum during the period from 1987 to 1990. However, primarily because of changes in fuel prices and the growth in capital investment, and in order to encourage conservation of electricity and secure internal cash for capital expenditures, the tariff rates were increased on average by 3.0% per annum during the period from 1991 to 1995. During the period from 1996 to 2000, in order to compensate for the Won depreciation which caused our fuel expenditure to increase, the tariff rates were increased on average by 4.3% per annum, and during the period 1997 through 2000, our actual rate of return on invested capital was generally below the rate of return assumed for the purpose of rate approvals. During the period 2004 to 2009, the tariff rates were increased by an average of 2.0% per annum to compensate for high fuel costs and facility investment costs, and our actual rate of return on invested capital was generally below the rate of return assumed for the purpose of tariff rate approvals. On June 27, 2009, the tariff rate was increased by 3.9% on average. We currently expect this tariff rate increase will raise our actual rate of return on invested capital by approximately 1.7%.

The Ministry of Knowledge and Economy adjusts the electricity tariff schedule from time to time. For example, on January 15, 2007, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy increased each of the industrial tariff and street-lighting tariff by 4.2%, while making no changes to the tariff applicable to other sectors, which resulted in an increase by 2.1% in our overall average tariff. In addition, on January 1, 2008, as part of a plan to improve the electricity tariff structure, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy approved a raise of the average industrial tariff and average night power usage tariff by 1.0% and 18.0%, respectively, while reducing the

 

66


Table of Contents

average commercial tariff by 3.0%, which had no material effect on our overall average tariff. Furthermore, in light of the rapid rise in fuel prices following the general rise in commodity prices (including oil) worldwide from the second half of 2007 and the first half of 2009 which seriously undermined our profitability, effective June 27, 2009, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy approved a raise of the industrial, commercial, educational, street lighting and night power usage tariff by 6.5%, 2.3%, 6.9%, 6.9% and 8.0%, while making no changes to the residential and agricultural tariff, which is expected to result in an increase by 3.9% in our overall average tariff. There is no assurance, however, that such or future tariff increase will be sufficient to fully offset the adverse impact from the rise in fuel costs in the future.

On February 10, 2010, the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy announced that it plans to overhaul the current system for determining electricity tariff chargeable to customers by more closely aligning the tariff levels to the movements in fuel prices, with the aim of providing more timely pricing signals to the market regarding the expected changes in electricity tariff levels and encouraging more efficient use of electricity of customers. The new system, which is expected to reflect into the tariff structure components related to fuel cost movements and factors unrelated to fuel cost movements, is also expected to provide greater financial stability and ensure a minimum return on investment to electricity suppliers, such as us. The new tariff system is expected to take effect on July 1, 2011, and the details of the plan are subject to further discussion. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates” and Item 4B. “—Recent Developments—Proposed Implementation of a New Tariff System”.

Fuel Costs

Our results of operations are also significantly affected by the cost of producing electricity, which is subject to a variety of factors, including, in particular, the cost of fuel.

Cost of fuel in any given year is a function of the volume of fuels consumed and the unit fuel cost for the various types of fuel used for generation of electricity (i) by our generation subsidiaries or (ii) by independent power producers from whom we purchase electric power. A significant change in the unit fuel costs materially impacts the costs of electricity generated by our generation subsidiaries (which costs form part of our power generation, transmission and transmission costs expenses) as well as, to our knowledge, the costs of electricity generated by the independent power producers that sell their electricity to us (which costs form part of our purchased power expenses). We believe that unit fuel costs materially impact the total fuel costs for both generated power and purchased power, but are unable to provide a comparative analysis since the unit fuel cost information for purchased power is proprietary information of the independent power producers, who use a significantly different composition of the types of fuels for power generation.

Fuel costs accounted for 35.7%, 49.8% and 43.7% of our operating revenues and 39.5%, 45.8% and 46.0% of our operating expenses in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Substantially all of the fuel (except for anthracite coal) used by our generation subsidiaries is imported from outside of Korea at prices determined in part by prevailing market prices in currencies other than Won. In addition, our generation subsidiaries purchase a significant portion of their fuel requirements under contracts with limited quantity and duration. Pursuant to the terms of our long-term supply contracts, prices are adjusted in light of market conditions. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Fuel.”

Uranium accounted for 37.6%, 38.2%, and 36.3% of our fuel requirements in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Coal accounted for 40.9%, 44.1% and 47.6% of our fuel requirements in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Oil accounted for 4.3%, 2.2% and 3.1% of our fuel requirements in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. LNG accounted for 16.4%, 14.5% and 11.9% of our fuel requirements in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. In each case, the fuel requirements are measured by the amount of electricity generated by us and do not include electricity purchased from third parties. In order to ensure stable supplies of fuel materials, our generation subsidiaries enter into long-term and medium-term contracts with various suppliers and supplement such supplies with fuel materials purchased on spot markets.

 

67


Table of Contents

In the past few years, the price of bituminous coal underwent a wide fluctuation, with a substantial rise until the first half of 2008, after which it has gradually decreased. However, there can be no assurance that the price will remain stable or not increase rapidly. See Item 4B. “Business Overview — Fuel.” In 2009, approximately 70.0% of the bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries were purchased under long-term contracts and 30.0% purchased on the spot market. The average “free on board” Newcastle coal price index was US$71.7 per ton in 2009 and increased to US$98.5 per ton as of June 11, 2010. If the bituminous coal price rises again to the level of 2009 or higher, our generation subsidiaries may not be able to secure their respective bituminous coal supplies at prices commercially acceptable to them. In addition, any significant interruption or delay in the supply of fuel, bituminous coal in particular, from any of their suppliers could cause our generation subsidiaries to purchase fuel on the spot market at prices higher than contracted, resulting in an increase in fuel cost. Furthermore, there have been recent increases in crude oil prices that may lead to an increase in the price of commodity oil that we use, thereby resulting in higher fuel cost.

Because the Government heavily regulates the rates we charge for the electricity we sell (see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Electricity Rates”), our ability to pass on such cost increases to our customers is limited. The spike of fuel prices in 2008 and 2009 has led to our recording net loss for the first time in our operating history in 2009 and we estimate that it will continue to have a similar adverse effect in 2010. If the fuel prices remain at the current level or continue to increase and the Government, out of concern for inflation or for other reasons, maintains the current level of electricity tariff or does not increase it to a level to sufficiently offset the impact of rising fuel prices, the price increases will significantly narrow our profit margins or even cause us to suffer net losses and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would seriously suffer.

Nuclear power has a stable low-cost structure and forms a significant portion of the base load of electricity supplied in Korea. Due to significantly lower fuel costs as compared with those of conventional power plants, our nuclear power plants generally operate at full capacity with only routine shutdowns for check-up and overhauls lasting 30 to 40 days. In case of shortage in electricity generation resulting from stoppages of the nuclear power plants, we seek make up for such shortage with power generated by our coal-fired power plants.

Movements of the Won against the U.S. Dollar and Other Foreign Currencies

Korean Won has fluctuated significantly against major currencies in recent years. For fluctuations in exchange rates, see Item 3A. “Selected Financial Data — Currency Translations and Exchange Rates.” In particular, as liquidity and credit concerns and volatility in the global financial markets increased significantly in 2008, the value of Won relative to U.S. dollar has depreciated at an accelerated rate in the second half of 2008, further stabilizing by the second half of 2009. The Noon Buying Rate per one U.S. dollar depreciated from (Won)1,318.3 on January 2, 2009 to (Won)1,570.1 on March 2, 2009 and subsequently appreciated to (Won)1,104.0 on April 26, 2010. The Noon Buying Rate per one U.S. dollar was (Won)1,245.9 on June 11, 2010. The depreciation of Won against U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies in the past had resulted in a material increase in the cost of servicing our foreign currency debt and the cost of fuel materials and equipment purchased from overseas. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 25.3% before swap transaction of our long-term debt (including the current portion and discount on debentures and premium on debentures) was denominated in foreign currencies, principally in U.S. dollar, Yen and Euro. The prices for substantially all of the fuel materials and a significant portion of the equipment we purchase are stated in currencies other than Won, generally in U.S. dollars. Since substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won, we must generally obtain foreign currencies through foreign-currency denominated financings or from foreign currency exchange markets to make such purchases or service such debt. As a result, any significant depreciation of Won against U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies will have a material adverse effect on our profitability and results of operations. See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—The movement of Won against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may have a material adverse effect on us.”

Recent Accounting Changes

In 2008, according to the revision of Clause 2, Article 1 of the Act on External Audit for Stock Companies, we renamed the “balance sheet” to “statement of financial position” with respect to corresponding financial

 

68


Table of Contents

statements issued for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2009. In addition, “balance sheet date” changed to “end of the reporting period.”

Critical Accounting Policies

The following discussion and analysis is based on our consolidated financial statements. The fundamental objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information that allows a reader to comprehend our business activities. To aid in that understanding, our management has identified “critical accounting policies.”

We make a number of estimates and judgments in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These estimates may differ from actual results and have a significant impact on our recorded assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an estimate to be a critical accounting estimate if it requires a high level of subjectivity or judgment, and a significant change in the estimate would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Further discussion of these critical accounting estimates and policies is included in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Regulation

Under U.S. GAAP accounting guidance for accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation, we are required to recognize regulatory liabilities or regulatory assets on the consolidated financial statements by a corresponding charge or credit to operations to match revenues and expenses under the regulations for the establishment of electric rates. If, as a result of deregulation, we no longer meet the criteria for application of this guidance, the elimination of the regulatory assets and liabilities is charged or credited to current operations. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established based on the current regulation and rate-making process. Accordingly, these assets and liabilities may be significantly changed due to the potential future deregulation or changes in the rate-making process. If future recovery of costs ceases to be probable, all or part of the regulatory assets and liabilities would have to be written off against current period earnings. As of December 31, 2009, the consolidated statements of financial position included regulatory liabilities of (Won)406 billion. Our management evaluates the anticipated recovery of regulatory assets, liabilities, and revenue subject to refund and provides for allowances and/or reserves as appropriate. As of December 31, 2009, we did not have any allowances or reserves related to regulatory assets.

Derivative Instruments

We record rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments as assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value. The gains and losses that result from the change in the fair value of derivative instruments are reported in current earnings. However, for derivative instruments designated as hedging, the exposure of variable cash flows, the effective portions of the gains or losses on the hedging instruments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and credited or charged to operations at the time the hedged transactions affect earnings, and the ineffective portions of the gains or losses are credited or charged immediately to operations.

Decommissioning Costs

We record the fair value of estimated decommissioning costs as a liability in the period in which we incur a legal obligation associated with retirement of long-lived assets that result from acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the assets. We also record a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Accretion expense consists of period-to-period changes in the liability for decommissioning costs resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows. Depreciation and accretion expenses are included in cost of electric power in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

69


Table of Contents

The decommissioning cost estimates are based on engineering studies and the expected decommissioning dates of the nuclear power plants. Actual decommissioning costs are expected to vary from these estimates because of changes in assumed dates of decommissioning, regulatory requirements, technology, costs of labor, materials and equipment. Based on the above, we believe that the accounting estimate related to decommissioning costs is a critical accounting policy.

See Note 22 and 38 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further related information.

Deferred Tax Assets

In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, our management considers whether it is probable that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent on whether we are able to generate future taxable income in specific tax jurisdictions during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Our management has scheduled the expected future reversals of the temporary differences and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. Based on these factors, our management believes that it is probable that we will realize the benefits of these temporary differences as of December 31, 2009. However, the amount of deferred tax assets may be different if we do not realize estimated future taxable income during the carry forward periods as originally expected.

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities at each separate taxpaying entity. Under Korean GAAP, a deferred tax asset is recognized only when its realization is probable under and an appropriate write-down of a previously recognized deferred tax asset is deducted directly from the deferred tax asset. Under U.S. GAAP, a deferred tax asset is recognized for temporary difference that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for carry forwards and a valuation allowance is recognized, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not than some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to establishing tax valuation allowances is a “critical accounting estimate” because: (i) it requires management to make assessments about the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities; and (ii) the difference between these assessments and the actual performance could have a material impact on the realization of tax benefits as reported in our results of operations. Management’s assumptions require significant judgment because actual performance has fluctuated in the past and may continue to do so.

Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment

In accordance with Korean GAAP, property, and plant and equipment are stated at cost, except in the case of revaluation made in accordance with the KEPCO Act and the Assets Revaluation Law of Korea. Depreciation is computed by the declining-balance method (straight-line method for buildings, structures, loaded heavy water and capitalized asset retirement cost of nuclear power plants and waste electric transformer, unit-of-production method for loaded nuclear fuel (PWR) and capitalized asset retirement cost of loaded nuclear fuel) using rates based on the estimated useful lives. Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2009, totaled (Won)74,033 billion (US$63,622 million) representing more than 79.4 % of total assets. Given the significance of property, plant and equipment and the associated depreciation expense to our financial statements, the determination of an asset’s economic useful life is considered to be a critical accounting estimate

 

70


Table of Contents

Economic useful life is the duration of time the asset is expected to be productively employed by us, which may be less than its physical life. Management’s assumptions on the following factors, among others, affect the determination of estimated economic useful life: wear and tear, obsolescence, technical standards, changes in market demand and technological changes. We apply the following useful lives for our property, plant and equipment:

 

     Estimated useful life

Buildings

   8 ~ 40

Structures

   8 ~ 30

Machinery

   5 ~ 16

Vehicles

   4 ~ 5

Loaded heavy water (included in nuclear fuel)

   30

Loaded nuclear fuel

   —  

Capitalized asset retirement cost of nuclear power plants

   30 ~ 40

Capitalized asset retirement cost of waste electric transformer

   8

Capitalized asset retirement costs of loaded nuclear fuel

   —  

Others

   4 ~ 9

Generally, useful life is estimated at the time the asset is acquired and is based on historical experience with similar assets and takes into account anticipated technological or other changes. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated or the assets experienced unexpected levels of wear and tear, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation expenses in future periods.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets generally consist of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. We review the long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The assessment of impairment is a critical accounting estimate, because significant management judgment is required to determine: (i) if an indicator of impairment has occurred; (ii) how assets should be grouped; (iii) the forecast of undiscounted expected future cash flow over the asset’s estimated useful life to determine if an impairment exists; and (iv) if an impairment exists, the fair value of the asset or asset group. If management’s assumptions about these assets change as a result of events or circumstances, and management believes the assets may have declined in value, we may record impairment charges, resulting in lower profits. Our management uses its best estimate in making these evaluations and considers various factors, including the future prices of energy, fuel costs and other operating costs. However, actual market prices and operating costs could vary from those used in the impairment evaluations, and the impact of such variations could be material.

Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements

We adopted SKAS No. 21—“Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements,” SKAS No. 23—“Earning per Share” and SKAS No. 25—“Consolidation Financial Statements”, effective from January 1, 2007. Pursuant to adoption of SKAS No. 25, income before minority interest is reclassified as net income. Besides, controlling interest in net income and minority interest in net income are separately presented in the consolidated statements of income.

Income Taxes

In 2007, we adopted amended SKAS No. 16—“Income Taxes” which are amended such that additional payment of income taxes and income tax refunds, formerly classified as other income (expenses), are reclassified as income taxes. Moreover, consolidated subsidiaries’ deferred income tax assets and liabilities, formerly recorded at net amount, are separately recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position.

 

71


Table of Contents

Consolidated Results of Operations

2009 Compared to 2008

In 2009, our consolidated revenues from the sale of electric power, the principal component of our operating revenues, increased by 7.8% to (Won)33,092 billion from (Won)30,709 billion in 2008, reflecting primarily a 2.4% increase in the volume of electricity sold from 385,070 gigawatt hours in 2008 to 394,475 gigawatt hours in 2009 and a 3.9% increase in our overall average electricity tariff rates effective June 27, 2009. The overall increase in the volume of electricity sold was primarily attributable to a 1.8% increase in the volume of electricity sold to the industrial sector, which represents the largest segment of electricity consumption in Korea, from 203,475 gigawatt hours in 2008 to 207,216 gigawatt hours in 2009, and, to a lesser extent, a 3.2% increase in the volume of electricity sold to the commercial sector from 86,827 gigawatt hours in 2008 to 89,619 gigawatt hours in 2009, and a 1.7% increase in the volume of electricity sold to the residential sector, including overnight power usage, from 77,269 gigawatt hours in 2008 to 78,548 gigawatt hours in 2009. The increases in the volume of electricity sold to the industrial sector and the commercial sector were primarily due to the general increase in demand for electricity in these sectors in Korea as a result of the economic recovery in the second half of 2009. The increase in the volume of electricity sold to the residential sector was primarily due to an increased use of heaters, air conditioners and electrical appliances at home. For a discussion of the increase in our electricity tariff rates, see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Electricity Rates.”

Our consolidated operating expenses decreased by 6.1% to (Won)32,279 billion in 2009 from (Won)34,358 billion in 2008, primarily due to a 5.5% decrease in fuel costs. Fuel costs decreased from (Won)15,722 billion in 2008 to (Won)14,858 billion in 2009. The fuel costs accounted for 58.0% and 57.5% of the power generation, transmission, and distribution expenses in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Such decrease in fuel costs was primarily due to a 35.1% decrease in fuel cost for LNG, which was partially offset by a 26.4% increase in fuel cost for coal. Fuel cost for LNG, which accounted for 33.0% of the total fuel cost in 2009, decreased mainly due to a 22.0% decrease in unit cost of LNG and a 17.0% decrease in LNG consumption mainly due to a relative increase in the coal-fired generation capacity in 2009 in line with the planned capacity expansion plans. Fuel cost for coal, which accounted for 52.0% of the total fuel cost in 2009, increased 26.4%, mainly due to a 16.4% and 8.6% increase in consumption and unit cost, respectively, for bituminous coal. For further information on the increase in fuel costs, see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Fuel.” Depreciation and amortization costs increased by 2.0% from (Won)5,315 billion in 2008 to (Won)5,423 billion in 2009 mainly due to an increase in newly constructed facilities. Maintenance costs increased by 1.9% from (Won)1,593 billion in 2008 to (Won)1,623 billion in 2009, primarily as a result of the increased generation capacity. Purchased power, which accounted for 11.4% of the total operating expenses in 2009, decreased by 17.3% to (Won)3,666 billion in 2009 from (Won)4,434 billion in 2008, primarily due to a 2.0% decrease in the volume of power purchased from independent power producers (who generates electricity primarily through LNG-fired power plants), from 27,106 gigawatt hours in 2008 to 26,575 gigawatt hours in 2009, to coal generation capacity.

Our consolidated selling and administrative expenses decreased by 11.2% to (Won)1,545 billion in 2009 from (Won)1,740 billion in 2008, primarily due to a decrease in labor cost, which decreased by 16.3% from (Won)651 billion in 2008 to (Won)545 billion in 2009, as well as a decrease in general costs resulting from our cost reduction effort. As a result of the foregoing, we recorded consolidated operating income of (Won)1,715 billion in 2009 compared to consolidated operating loss of (Won)2,798 billion in 2008. We recorded a consolidated operating profit margin of 5.0% in 2009 compared to a consolidated operating loss margin of 8.9% in 2008, largely due to the 5.5% decrease in fuel costs and the 7.8% increase in our revenue from the sale of electricity.

Our consolidated net non-operating loss increased by 33.1% to (Won)1,392 billion in 2009 from (Won)1,046 billion in 2008, principally due to a net valuation loss on financial derivatives and a loss on foreign currency transaction resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as well as an increase in interest expenses resulting from an increase in debt related to capital expenditures and fuel purchases.

 

72


Table of Contents

As a result of the foregoing, we recorded consolidated income before income taxes of (Won)322 billion in 2009 compared to consolidated loss before income taxes of (Won)3,844 billion in 2008. We recorded consolidated income tax expenses of (Won)370 billion in 2009 compared to consolidated income tax benefit of (Won)930 billion in 2008.

As a cumulative result of the above factors, we recorded consolidated net loss of (Won)48 billion in 2009 compared to consolidated net loss of (Won)2,914 billion in 2008, and we recorded consolidated net loss margin of 0.1% in 2009 compared to consolidated net loss margin of 9.2% in 2008.

2008 Compared to 2007

In 2008, our consolidated revenues from the sale of electric power, the principal component of our operating revenues, increased by 7.7% to (Won)30,709 billion from (Won)28,501 billion in 2007, reflecting primarily a 4.5% increase in the volume of electricity sold from 368,605 gigawatt hours in 2007 to 385,070 gigawatt hours in 2008, a 4.5% average tariff increase by the Government effective in November 2008 and the government subsidy in the amount of (Won)668 billion received in December 2008. The overall increase in the volume of electricity sold was primarily attributable to a 4.4% increase in the volume of electricity sold to the industrial sector, which represents the largest segment of electricity consumption in Korea, from 194,936 gigawatt hours in 2007 to 203,475 gigawatt hours in 2008, and, to a lesser extent, a 5.6% increase in the volume of electricity sold to the commercial sector from 82,208 gigawatt hours in 2007 to 86,827 gigawatt hours in 2008, and a 2.8% increase in the volume of electricity sold to the residential sector from 75,148 gigawatt hours in 2007 to 77,269 gigawatt hours in 2008. The increases in the volume of electricity sold to the industrial sector and the commercial sector were primarily due to the increased level of economic activities in Korea, as evidenced by the 2.5% growth in GDP from 2007 to 2008. The increase in the volume of electricity sold to the residential sector was primarily due to an increased use of heaters, air conditions and electrical appliances at home.

Our consolidated operating expenses increased by 30.6% to (Won)34,358 billion in 2008 from (Won)26,316 billion in 2007, primarily due to a 24.0% increase in power generation, transmission, and distribution expenses, which accounted for 78.9% of the total operating expenses in 2008, to (Won)27,102 billion in 2008 from (Won)21,860 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in fuel costs and, to a lesser extent, an increase in depreciation and amortization costs, which was partially offset by a decrease in maintenance costs. Fuel costs increased by 51.3% from (Won)10,391 billion in 2007 to (Won)15,722 billion in 2008. The fuel costs accounted for 47.5% and 58.0% of the power generation, transmission, and distribution expenses in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase in fuel costs was primarily due to the increase in the unit fuel costs as well as the devaluation of Won, particularly against the U.S. dollar, which had a particularly adverse impact on the cost of bituminous coal, whose average unit purchased price per ton increased by 76.8% from (Won)55,519 in 2007 to (Won)98,248 billion in 2008, in line with the general increase in fuel prices worldwide and, to a lesser extent, the increased volume of fuel used due to increased power generation. For further information on the increase in fuel costs, see Item 4B. “Business Overview—Fuel”. Depreciation and amortization costs increased by 5.6% from (Won)5,031 billion in 2007 to (Won) 5,315 billion in 2008 mainly due to an increase in newly constructed facilities. Maintenance costs decreased by 26.1% from (Won)2,154 billion in 2007 to (Won)1,593 billion in 2008, primarily a result of efforts to improve cost efficiency in maintenance services. Purchased power, which accounted for 12.9% of the total operating expenses in 2008, increased by 71.6% to (Won)4,434 billion in 2008 from (Won)2,584 billion in 2007, primarily due to an 19.7% increase in the volume of power purchased from 22,636 gigawatt hours in 2007 to 27,106 gigawatt hours in 2008, which resulted mainly from an increase in the aggregate generation capacity of independent power purchasers from 8,000 megawatts as of December 31, 2007 to 8,961 megawatts as of December 31, 2008, and a 42.9% increase in the unit cost of power purchased, which resulted from the general increase in fuel costs.

Our consolidated selling and administrative expenses increased by 8.0% to (Won)1,740 billion in 2008 from (Won)1,610 billion in 2007, primarily due to an increase in labor cost and an increase in sales commissions. Labor cost increased by 12.4% from (Won)580 billion in 2007 to (Won)651 billion in 2008 due to scheduled wage increases and an increase in incentive payments. Sales commissions increased by 6.0% from (Won)363 billion in 2007 to (Won)384 billion in 2008, largely due to an increase in the fees charged for metering services.

 

73


Table of Contents

As a result of the foregoing, we recorded consolidated operating loss of (Won)2,798 billion in 2008 compared to consolidated operating income of (Won)2,822 billion in 2007. We recorded a consolidated operating loss margin of 8.9% in 2008 compared to a consolidated operating profit margin of 9.7% in 2007, largely due to the 51.3% increase in fuel costs which outpaced the 7.7% increase in our revenue from the sale of electricity.

Our consolidated net non-operating loss increased significantly to (Won)1,046 billion in 2008 from (Won)428 billion in 2007, primarily due to the effect of recording net loss on foreign currency transactions and translation in the amount of (Won)1,845 billion in 2008 compared to net loss on foreign currency transactions and translation in the amount of (Won)145 billion in 2007, which mainly resulted from Won depreciation against U.S. dollar in 2008. This was partially offset by a significant increase in net valuation gain on financial derivatives to (Won)1,342 billion in 2008 from (Won)24 billion in 2007, which resulted primarily from our entering into a significant number of swap contracts to hedge risks from foreign currency movements and interest rate movements related to our foreign currency-denominated debt.

As a result of the foregoing, we recorded consolidated loss before income taxes of (Won)3,844 billion in 2008 compared to consolidated income before income taxes of (Won)2,393 billion in 2007. Accordingly, we recorded consolidated income tax benefit of (Won)930 billion in 2008 compared to consolidated income tax expenses of (Won)926 billion in 2007.

As a cumulative result of the above factors, we recorded consolidated net loss of (Won)2,914 billion in 2008 compared to consolidated net income of (Won)1,467 billion in 2007, and we recorded consolidated net loss margin of 9.2% in 2008 compared to consolidated net income margin of 5.0% in 2007.

Inflation

The effects of inflation in Korea on our financial condition and results of operations are reflected primarily in construction costs as well as in labor expenses. Inflation in Korea has not had a significant impact on our results of operations in recent years. It is possible that inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Segment Results

We operate the following business segments: transmission and distribution, power generation and all other. The transmission and distribution segment, which is operated by KEPCO, the parent company, consists of operations related to the transmission, distribution and sale to end-users of electricity purchased from our generation subsidiaries as well as from independent power producers. The power generation segment, which is operated by KEPCO’s six generation subsidiaries, consists of operations related to the generation of electricity sold to KEPCO through the Korea Power Exchange. The transmission and distribution segment and the power generation segment together represent our electricity business. The remainder of our operation is categorized as “all other”. The all other segment consists primarily of operations related to the engineering and maintenance of generation plants, information services, sales of nuclear fuel, communication line leasing, overseas businesses and others. In 2008 and 2009, the unaffiliated revenues of the power generation segment (representing the six generation subsidiaries) and all our other revenues in the aggregate amounted to only 0.6% and 1.8% of our consolidated revenues, respectively, and the results of operations for our business segments substantially mirror our consolidated results of operations.

Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

We expect that our capital requirements, capital resources and liquidity position may change in the course of implementing the Restructuring Plan. See Item 4. “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea” and Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—The Government’s plan for restructuring the electricity industry in Korea may have a material adverse effect on us.”

 

74


Table of Contents

Capital Requirements

We have traditionally met our working capital and other capital requirements primarily from net cash provided by operating activities, sales of debt securities, borrowings from financial institutions and construction grants. Net cash provided by operating activities was (Won)6,984 billion in 2007, (Won)1,961 billion in 2008 and (Won) 5,738 billion in 2009. Total long-term debt as of December 31, 2009 (including the current portion and discount on debentures and excluding premium on debentures) was (Won)33,713 billion, of which (Won)25,181 billion was denominated in Won and an equivalent of (Won)8,532 billion was denominated in foreign currencies, primarily U.S. dollars. Construction grants received were (Won)1,055 billion in 2007, (Won)1,142 billion in 2008 and (Won)1,197 billion in 2009.

The implementation of the Restructuring Plan and changes in the economic environment may result in a material change in our capital investment program. However, our working capital and other capital requirements (including those of our generation subsidiaries) may continue to increase. The capital investment program contemplates the construction of a large number of generation units and a significant expansion of our transmission and distribution systems. The construction of new generation units requires significant investments over extended periods before commencement of operations. In addition, the overseas investment that we have been pursuing may require substantial investment.

We anticipate that capital expenditures will be the most significant use of our funds for the next several years. Our total capital expenditures were (Won)8.5 trillion in 2007, (Won)8.9 trillion in 2008 and (Won)11.2 trillion in 2009 and under current plans, are estimated to be approximately (Won)12.6 trillion in 2010 and approximately (Won)16.2 trillion in 2011.

In addition to funding requirements relating to our capital investment program, payments of principal and interest on indebtedness will require considerable resources. The scheduled maturities of our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2009 for each year from 2009 to 2013 and thereafter are set forth in the table below:

 

Year ended

December  31(1)

   Local currency
borrowings
   Foreign
currency
borrowings
   Domestic
Debentures
   Foreign
debentures
   Exchangeable
bonds
   Total
     (in millions of Won)

2010

   1,809,612    193,548    2,650,000    1,127,048    —      5,780,208

2011

   1,410,721    68,488    3,420,000    1,237,391    50,374    6,186,974

2012

   386,735    68,488    4,050,010    351,320    —      4,856,553

2013

   62,794    68,488    3,680,000    2,452,822    —      6,264,104

2014

   62,193    39,544    3,520,000    759,585    —      4,381,322

Thereafter

   102,358    86,519    4,020,000    2,020,528    —      6,229,405
                             

Total

   3,834,413    525,075    21,340,010    7,948,694    50,374    33,698,566
                             

 

Notes:

 

(1) As of December 31, 2009, we had borrowings under conditional agreements of (Won)15 billion, of which (Won)7 billion was denominated in Won and (Won)8 billion in foreign currencies, with maturity dates between 2021 and 2024. Such loans are not included in the above table. Under the terms of the conditional loans, we are not obligated to repay the principal and interest on such loans if the underlying projects fail.

We have incurred interest charges (including capitalized interest) of (Won)977 billion in 2007, (Won)1,311 billion in 2008 and (Won)1,878 billion in 2009. We anticipate that interest charges will increase in future years because of, among other factors, anticipated increases in our long-term debt. See “—Capital Resources” below. The weighted average rate of interest on our debt was 4.85% in 2007, 5.47% in 2008 and 5.52% in 2009.

In June 2005, the Government announced its policy to relocate the headquarters of government-invested enterprises, including us and certain of our subsidiaries including six generation subsidiaries, out of the Seoul metropolitan area to other provinces in Korea by the end of 2012. Pursuant to this policy, our headquarters are

 

75


Table of Contents

scheduled to be relocated to Naju in Jeolla Province, which is approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul, by the end of 2012. In addition, the headquarters of certain of our subsidiaries are scheduled to be relocated to various other cities in Korea. On December 14, 2007, the Government approved our headquarter relocation plan, including the scale and the target year of the relocation. According to this plan, prepared in accordance with the special law and the related guidelines, the currently estimated total relocation cost is (Won)417.5 billion, including (Won)397.3 billion as costs of building the new headquarters building as well as (Won)20.2 billion of moving costs for our headquarters and employees. Under a special act enacted for this purpose, we are required to sell the property in our current headquarters within one year after the relocation.

We paid dividends on our common stock of (Won)467 billion in 2008. We did not pay any dividends in 2009, and we currently have no plans to pay dividends in 2010 as we recorded net losses in 2008 and 2009.

Capital Resources

In order to meet our future working capital and other capital requirements, we intend to continue to rely primarily upon net cash provided by operating activities, sales of debt securities, borrowings from financial institutions, and construction grants. As of December 31, 2009, our long-term debt, excluding the current portion thereof, as a percentage of shareholders’ equity was 67.3%. We incurred (Won)5,198 billion of long-term debt in 2007, (Won)9,890 billion in 2008 and (Won)11,825 billion in 2009. As of December 31, 2009, the current portion of long-term debt was (Won)5,779 billion as compared to (Won)4,445 billion as of December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2009, we had (Won)684 billion of short-term borrowings as compared to (Won)1,358 billion as of December 31, 2008. See Note 17 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, in anticipation of potential liquidity shortage, we maintain several credit facilities with domestic financial institutions amounting to (Won)1,725 billion and US$130 million, the full amount of which was available as of December 31, 2009. In addition, we and KHNP also maintain global medium-term note programs in the aggregate amount of US$5 billion, of which approximately US$3.3 billion remains currently available for future drawdown.

Subject to the implementation of our capital expenditure plan and the sale of our interests in our generation subsidiaries and other subsidiaries, our long-term debt may increase or decrease in future years. Until recently, a substantial portion of our long-term debt was raised through foreign currency borrowings. However, in order to reduce the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations, we have reduced the proportion of our debt which is denominated in foreign currencies and plan to adjust the proportion of foreign currency debt in order to optimize our foreign currency exposure in light of, among others, the fluctuations in the value of Won, the cost of funding by each currency and the maturity of fund available in each market. Our foreign currency-denominated long-term debt increased to (Won)8,532 billion as of December 31, 2009 from (Won)8,195 billion as of December 31, 2008.

Our ability to incur long-term debt in the future is subject to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including, the implementation of the Restructuring Plan and the amount of capital that other Korean entities may seek to raise in capital markets. Economic, political and other conditions in Korea may also affect investor demand for our securities and those of other Korean entities. In addition, our ability to incur debt will also be affected by the Government’s policies relating to foreign currency borrowings, the liquidity of the Korean capital markets and our operating results and financial condition. In case of adverse developments in Korea, however, the price at which such financing may be available may not be acceptable to us.

We may raise capital from time to time through the issuance of equity securities. However, there are certain restrictions on our ability to issue equity, including limitations on shareholdings by foreigners. In addition, without changes in the existing KEPCO Act which requires that the Government, directly or pursuant to the Korea Finance Corporation Act, through Korea Finance Corporation, own at least 51% of our capital stock, it may be difficult or impossible for us to undertake any equity financing other than sales of treasury stock without the participation of the Government. In case of adverse economic developments in Korea, however, the share price at which such financing may be available may not be acceptable to us. See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Korea and the Global Economy.”

 

76


Table of Contents

Our total stockholders’ equity increased from (Won)41,275 billion as of December 31, 2008 to (Won)41,404 billion as of December 31, 2009.

Liquidity

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. However, as of December 31, 2009, 25.3% of our long-term debt (including the current portion and discount on debentures and excluding premium on debentures) was denominated in currencies other than Won. We have incurred such foreign currency debt in the past principally due to the limited availability and the high cost of Won-denominated financing in the Republic. Although we intend to continue to raise certain amounts of capital through long-term foreign currency debt, we have recently been reducing, and plan to continue to reduce, the portion of our debt which is denominated in foreign currencies.

We enter into currency swaps and other hedging arrangements with respect to our debt denominated in foreign currencies only to a limited extent due primarily to the limited size of the Korean market for such derivative arrangements. Such instruments include combined currency and interest rate swap agreements, interest rate swaps and foreign exchange agreements. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments in order to hedge market risk resulting from fluctuations in fuel costs. Our policy is to hold or issue derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes only. Our derivative financial instruments are entered into with major financial institutions, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. See Note 25 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Due to the considerable amount of our long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies, changes in foreign currency exchange rates significantly affect our liquidity because of the effect of such changes on the amount of funds required for us to make interest and principal payments on foreign currency-denominated debt. In order to hedge against foreign currency fluctuation risks, we generally enter into foreign currency swap agreements. 7.0% of our long-term debt, after accounting for swap transactions, was denominated in foreign currency as of December 31, 2009.

In addition to the impact of foreign exchange rates on us arising from foreign currency-denominated borrowings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may also affect our liquidity as we obtain substantially all of our fuel materials, other than anthracite coal, directly or indirectly from sources outside Korea, and the prices for such fuel materials are based on prices stated in, and in many cases are paid for in, currencies other than Won.

Our liquidity is also substantially affected by our construction expenditures and fuel purchases. Construction in progress increased from (Won)10,178 billion as of December 31, 2008 to (Won)14,909 billion as of December 31, 2009. Fuel costs represented 51.2 % and 44.9% of revenues from sale of electric power in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

We had a working capital surplus (working capital being defined as current assets minus current liabilities) of (Won)281 billion as of December 31, 2009, compared to a working capital deficit of (Won)197 billion as of December 31, 2008, mainly due to an increase in the current trade receivables as well as a decrease in the current trade payables. Due to the capital-intensive nature of our business, we have traditionally operated with a working capital deficit, and we may have substantial working capital deficit in the future. In order to meet capital requirements related to working capital deficit, we intend to continue to rely primarily upon net cash provided by operating activities, sales of debt securities, borrowings from financial institutions, and construction grants. See “—Capital Resources”.

We paid dividends on our common stock of (Won)467 billion in 2008. We did not pay any dividends in 2009, and we currently have no plans to pay dividends in 2010 as we recorded net losses in 2008 and 2009.

 

77


Table of Contents

Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP

The following table sets forth the effects of the significant adjustments to net income and stockholders’ equity which would be required if U.S. GAAP were to be applied to our financial statements instead of Korean GAAP.

Adjustments to Net Income:

 

    2007     2008     2009     2009  
    (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

NET INCOME (LOSS) UNDER KOREAN GAAP

  (Won) 1,467,168      (Won) (2,914,039   (Won) (47,732   $ (41,018

ADJUSTMENTS:

       

OPERATING INCOME

       

Asset revaluation

    330,115        341,605        286,749        246,422   

Special depreciation

    (5,328     (2,776     —          —     

Regulated operation

    (2,135     157,423        167,557        143,993   

Capitalized foreign currency translation

    151,088        134,714        123,738        106,336   

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

    (1,461     (7,631     (8,464     (7,274

Liabilities for decommissioning costs and capitalized asset retirement costs

    81,335        (844,988     54,192        46,571   

Reserve for self-insurance

    5,331        5,995        6,148        5,283   

Revenue recognition

    52,057        73,784        187,372        161,021   

Intangible assets

    (44,013     (4,965     15,135        13,006   

Classification differences in the consolidated statements of income(*1)

    (157,762     (25,807     (3,113     (2,675

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)

       

Asset revaluation—equity investments

    13,349        12,339        12,257        10,533   

Capitalized foreign currency translation

    2,381        (863     (6,284     (5,400

Convertible bonds

    (97,580     (520,731     659,405        566,670   

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries

    63,209        —          —          —     

Equity income of affiliates(2)

    (132,914     (110,871     (52,516     (45,130

Scope of equity method (Note 38(s))

    —          —          17,788        15,286   

Credit valuation adjustment

    —          (15,698     13,719        11,790   

Classification differences in the consolidated statements of income(*1)

    157,762        25,807        3,113        2,675   

INCOME TAX EXPENSES

       

Deferred income taxes

    (120,192     (198,222     (336,739     (289,382

Change in enacted tax rates

    —          6,366        —          —     

FIN48 Liabilities

    (2,876     (178     6,449        5,542   

Tax effect of gain on disposal of subsidiaries

    (16,264     —          —          —     

Tax effect of equity income of affiliates(2)

    24,944        17,492        2,624        2,254   

EQUITY INCOME OF AFFILIATES, NET OF TAX(2)

    107,970        93,379        49,892        42,875   
                               

NET INCOME (LOSS) UNDER U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 1,876,184      (Won) (3,777,865)      (Won) 1,151,290      $ 989,378   
                               

CONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 1,835,473      (Won) (3,819,165   (Won) 1,102,306      $ 947,283   

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 40,711      (Won) 41,300      (Won) 48,984      $ (42,095

 

Notes:

 

(*1)

Certain donations and gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment are recorded in other income or expenses under Korean GAAP while recorded in operating expenses under U.S. GAAP since those are regarded as operating expenses. This reclassification does not affect the net income under U.S. GAAP.

 

78


Table of Contents
(2) Under Korea GAAP, equity income of affiliates is presented as other income, while it is shown after income tax expense under U.S. GAAP.

Adjustments to Stockholders’ Equity:

 

     Korean Won     Translation into
U.S. Dollars
 
     2008     2009     2009  
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY UNDER KOREAN GAAP

   (Won) 41,274,814      (Won) 41,403,807      $ 35,580,980   

ADJUSTMENTS:

      

Current Asset

      

Account Receivables Revenue recognition

     1,069,171        1,256,543        1,079,829   

UTILITY PLANT

      

Asset revaluation

     (6,425,196     (6,138,447     (5,275,166

Capitalized asset retirement costs

     (866,658     (825,000     (708,976

Construction in progress

     300,000        —          —     

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     (1,046,947     (929,493     (798,774

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     107,918        99,454        85,467   

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

      

Future radioactive wastes repository sites usage rights

     (300,000     —          —     

Research and development cost

     (48,978     (33,843     (29,083

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

      

Asset revaluation

     (36,446     (24,189     (20,787

Available-for-sale securities

     6,266        10,873        9,344   

Scope of equity method

     —          20,575        17,681   

FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES

      

Credit valuation adjustments

     (85,759     (20,387     (17,520

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     1,358,236        1,007,101        865,467   

LIABILITIES

      

Liabilities for decommissioning costs

     1,397,480        1,410,014        1,211,716   

Regulated operation

     (573,917     (406,360     (349,212

Reserve for self-insurance

     115,268        121,416        104,341   

Convertible bonds

     (687,261     (27,856     (23,938

FIN48 Liabilities

     (16,231     (8,200     (7,047

Credit valuation adjustments

     1,356        588        480   
                        

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY UNDER U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 35,543,116      (Won) 36,916,566      $ 31,724,802   
                        

CONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER U.S.GAAP

   (Won) 35,230,171      (Won) 36,539,993      $ 31,401,188   

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER U.S.GAAP

   (Won) 312,945      (Won) 376,573      $ 323,614   

Note 38 to our consolidated financial statements provides a description of the principal differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us.

The material differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP as applied to our consolidated statements of income relate to the following.

Revenue Recognition

We read meters and bill customers on a monthly basis. We do not accrue revenue for power sold to customers between the meter-reading date and end of the reporting period but record the revenue in the subsequent period. Under Korean GAAP, such practice is consistent with the Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise Associated Government Agency, which have been approved by the Korean Ministry of Strategy and

 

79


Table of Contents

Finance (formerly the Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy) and considered by the utility industry in Korea as Korean GAAP. However under U.S. GAAP, we recognize unbilled revenue related to the sale of power between the meter-reading dates, at the end of each reporting period.

Asset Revaluation and Depreciation

Under Korean GAAP, property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, except for those assets that are stated at their appraised values in accordance with the KEPCO Act and the Assets Revaluation Law of Korea. If an asset revaluation occurs, the revaluation becomes the new established basis for the property, plant and equipment.

Under U.S. GAAP, property, plant and equipment must be stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. The revaluation of property, plant and equipment and the resulting depreciation of revalued amounts are not considered in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. When revalued assets are sold, revaluation surplus related to those assets under Korean GAAP would be reflected in income as additional gain on the sale of property, plant and equipment under U.S. GAAP.

Special Depreciation

Under Korean GAAP, a special depreciation has been allowed prior to 1994, which represents an accelerated depreciation of certain facilities and equipment acquired for energy saving and anti-pollution purposes. However, such special depreciation is not in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The U.S. GAAP reconciliation reflects the adjustment of special depreciation to our normal depreciation method, based on the economic useful life of the asset. In 2008, the related facilities and equipment became fully depreciated under U.S. GAAP and as such there is no longer a GAAP difference to be reconciled.

Accounting for Regulation

Under U.S. GAAP accounting guidance for accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation, a regulated utility is required to defer the recognition of costs (a regulatory asset) or recognize obligations (a regulatory liability) if it is probable that, through the rate-making process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future utility rates, while under Korean GAAP no such guidance exists.

The Government approves the rates that we charge to our customers. Our utility rates are designed to recover our reasonable costs plus a fair investment return. However, on April 2, 2001, six power generation subsidiaries were established in accordance with the Restructuring Plan. Since the power generation subsidiaries’ rates are determined by a competitive system in the market, they no longer meet the criteria for application of the guidance. Accordingly, since 2001, only our power transmission and distribution divisions have been subject to the criteria for the application of the guidance.

We recognize a regulatory liability or regulatory asset in the consolidated financial statements by a charge or credit to operations to match revenues and expenses under the regulations for the establishment of utility rates. These assets or liabilities relate to the adjustments for capitalized foreign currency translation, reserve for self-insurance and deferred income taxes.

The following table shows the components of regulated assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and 2009.

 

     2008     2009     2009  
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

Capitalized foreign currency translation

   (Won) 609,723      (Won) 559,357      $ 480,692   

Reserve for self-insurance

     (115,268     (121,416     (104,341

Deferred income taxes

     (1,068,372     (844,301     (725,563
                        

Total

   (Won) (573,917   (Won) (406,360   $ (349,212
                        

 

80


Table of Contents

The regulated assets resulting from capitalized foreign currency translation are anticipated to be recovered over the weighted-averaged useful life of property, plant, and equipment.

Regulatory assets and liabilities are established based on the current regulations and rate-making process. Accordingly, these assets and liabilities may be significantly changed due to the potential future deregulation or changes in the rate-making process.

Reversal of Eliminated Profit on Transactions with Subsidiaries and Affiliated Companies

Under Korean GAAP, our share of the profit on transactions between KEPCO and its affiliated companies is eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Under U.S. GAAP for regulated enterprises, where the sales prices are reasonable and it is probable that, through the rate making process, future revenues approximately equal to the sales price will result from our use of the utility plant no elimination of profit is necessary for reporting under purposes.

Foreign Currency Translation

Under Korean GAAP, we capitalize certain foreign exchange transaction and translation gains and losses on borrowings associated with certain qualified assets during the construction period.

Under U.S. GAAP, all foreign exchange transaction gains and losses, referred to as either transaction or translation gains and losses under Korean GAAP, should be included in the results of operations for the current period. Accordingly, the amounts of foreign exchange transaction and translation gains and losses included in property, plants and equipment under Korean GAAP were reversed and recognized in current period earnings under U.S. GAAP.

Under Korean GAAP, convertible bonds denominated in foreign currency are regarded as non-monetary liabilities since they have equity-like characteristics. Accordingly, we do not recognize the associated foreign currency translation gain or loss.

Under U.S. GAAP, convertible bonds denominated in foreign currency are translated at exchange rates as of the end of the reporting period, and the resulting foreign currency transaction gain or loss is recognized in the period’s earnings.

Intangible Assets

Under Korean GAAP, all costs incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the development phase are recognized as an asset only if all of the following criteria for recognition are satisfied; (1) it is probable that future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow into the entity; and (2) the cost of the asset can be reliably measured. If the costs incurred fail to satisfy all of these criteria, they are recorded as periodic expense as incurred.

Under U.S. GAAP, all costs incurred during the research and development stages are expensed as incurred, except for internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage should be capitalized.

Until 2008, under Korean GAAP, we recognized our payment of (Won)300,000 million to the City of Gyeongju, which was part of the negotiation to establish a radioactive waste facility, as an intangible asset. We recognized such amount as construction-in-progress for utility plants under U.S.GAAP. In 2009, our responsibility for the disposal of our radio-asset waste transferred to the Korea Radio-active Waste Management Corporation (KRMC) and, along with the responsibility, the related assets including the (Won)300,000 million were transferred. As a result, under both GAAPs we recorded (Won)300,000 million as other receivables, and there no longer exists a GAAP difference for this amount.

 

81


Table of Contents

Deferred Income Taxes

Under Korean GAAP, the effect of changes in tax law related to items recorded directly in shareholders’ equity is reflected directly in the shareholders’ equity, while under U.S. GAAP, the effect is reflected in continuing operations in the period of new tax law enactment.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In July 2006, under U.S. GAAP new accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes, which sets out a consistent framework to use to determine the appropriate level of tax reserve for uncertain tax positions was issued. This guidance uses a two-step approach wherein a tax benefit is recognized if a position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. The amount of the benefit is then measured to be the highest tax benefit which has greater than 50.0% likelihood of being realized. The difference between the benefit recognized for a position in accordance with this guidance and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit, while under Korean GAAP no such guidance exists.

The beginning balance of unrecognized tax benefits reconciles to the balance as of December 31, 2009 in the following table:

 

     Korean Won     Translation into
U.S. Dollars
 
     2008     2009     2009  
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

Total unrecognized tax benefits at January 1

   (Won) 5,690      (Won) 12,695      $ 10,910   

Amount of increase for current year’s tax position

     11,394        71        61   

Gross amount of increases for prior years’ tax position

     458        53        46   

Gross amount of decreases for prior years’ tax position

     (4,847     (6,832     (5,871
                        

Total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31

   (Won) 12,695      (Won) 5,987      $ 5,146   
                        

Any changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to temporary differences would result in a reclassification to deferred tax liability, and any changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to permanent differences would result in an adjustment to income tax expense and therefore, our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the unrecognized tax benefits included above which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate is (Won) 6,438 million and (Won)1,312 million, respectively.

Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to income tax matters in income tax expense. After the adoption of the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes, we have total gross accrual for interest expense and penalties of (Won)3,537 million and (Won)2,213 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Our major tax jurisdiction is the Republic of Korea, and during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, tax audits by National Tax Service for six entities, including our corporate entity, were carried out. The unrecognized tax benefits of the entities as of December 31, 2009 reflect the results of tax audits.

Liabilities for Decommissioning Costs

Under Korean GAAP, since 2004, we have adopted SKAS No. 17 which requires us to recognize our liability for decommissioning costs at estimated fair value. We should estimate the fair value using a discounted cash flow, for our asset retirement obligations for dismantling and disposal of the nuclear power plants, spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste; along with recording a corresponding utility asset in the same amount. Expense is recorded for the period to period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows, as the balance is accreted to the ultimate amount payable.

 

82


Table of Contents

Under Korean GAAP, the discount rate of 4.36% was set upon adoption in 2004 for all liabilities prior to that date and such rate is used for those liabilities for all future periods. Liabilities incurred for facilities built subsequent to the adoption of this guidance are discounted at the then applicable discount rate under Korean GAAP. Upward and downward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows are discounted at the initial rate used for that facility.

Under U.S. GAAP, we adopted the guidance related to asset retirement in 2003, which requires us to recognize an estimated liability for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-live assets. The fair value of the liabilities for decommissioning costs is determined using a present value approach and expense is recorded in each period for the accretion due to the passage of time to the amount ultimately payable. A corresponding amount is recorded as part of the book value of the related long-lived assets and depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.

Under U.S. GAAP, the discount rate for existing decommissioning liabilities prior to 2003 was set at adoption, at 6.49%. Liabilities incurred for facilities built subsequent to the adoption of this guidance, should be discounted at the then applicable discount rate under U.S. GAAP also. In addition, any changes that result in upward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows shall be treated as a new liability and discounted at the then current discount rate. Any downward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows will result in a reduction of the liability for decommissioning costs and is reduced from the recorded discounted liability at the rate that was used at the time the obligation was originally recorded.

As a result, substantially all of the difference between the Korean GAAP liability and the U.S. GAAP liability is due to the different guidance adoption dates and the resulting different adoption date discount rates which impacts the liabilities assessed prior to the respective adoption dates, as discussed above. Also, subsequent to 2004, we use the same discount rates under both GAAPs for liabilities related to new facilities, so no further GAAP differences will be created unless there are upward revisions in the amount payable.

In 2008, effective as of January 1, 2009, the Radioactive Waste Management Act (“RWMA”) was enacted by the Government, in an effort to centralize the disposal of spent fuel and low and intermediate radioactive waste and related management processes. The RWMA designated the Korea Radioactive Waste Management Corporation (“KRMC”) as the entity in charge of performing the disposal of spent fuel and low and intermediate radioactive waste. As a result, our related asset retirement obligation liabilities transferred to KRMC on the date the RWMA was enacted.

As a result of the RWMA, the GAAP differences related to the asset retirement obligation liabilities for disposal of spent fuel and low and intermediate radioactive waste (for such liabilities related to periods prior to respective guidance’s adoptions) were eliminated, as we no longer discount such liabilities at a different discount rate. For liabilities related to disposal of spent fuel recognized prior to the RWMA, we reclassified (Won)3,576,369 million of liabilities to other long-term payables. This amount was the asset retirement obligation liability accrued under Korean GAAP, which was deemed as the liability that transferred to KRMC under the RWMA. Due to the substantial transfer amount of the liability (payables) to KRMC, the RWMA established a fifteen year payment plan, with an initial five year grace period, for the transfer of liabilities incurred prior to the RWMA.

 

83


Table of Contents

Amounts reconciled from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP for capitalized asset retirement costs, net of accumulated depreciation and liabilities for decommission costs are as follows:

 

     Korean Won    Translation into
U.S. Dollars
     2008    2009    2009
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)

Decrease in capitalized asset retirement costs, net of accumulated depreciation

   (Won) (866,658)    (Won) (825,000)    $ (708,976)

Decrease in liabilities for decommissioning costs

     1,397,480      1,410,014      1,211,717
                    

Increase in shareholders’ equity

   (Won) 530,822    (Won) 585,014    $ 502,740
                    

Details of our asset retirement costs as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 under U.S. GAAP are as follows: ‘

 

     Korean Won     Translation into
U.S. Dollars
 
     2008     2009     2009  
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

Capitalized asset retirement costs

   (Won) 1,134,699      (Won) 1,198,381      $ 1,029,847   

Less : accumulated depreciation

     (395,025     (493,862     (424,408
                        
   (Won) 739,674      (Won) 704,519      $ 605,439   
                        

Changes in liabilities for decommissioning costs for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 under U.S. GAAP are as follows:

 

     Korean Won     Translation into
U.S. Dollars
 
     2008     2009     2009  
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

Balance at beginning of year

   (Won) 5,911,298      (Won) 4,073,284      $ 3,500,437   

Liabilities incurred

     470,376        255,360        219,447   

Accretion expense for the year

     320,250        210,853        181,200   

Payments

     (8,791     (254,287     (218,525

Transfer to long-term other account payable(* 1)

     (3,576,369     —          —     

Others(* 2 )

     956,520        —          —     
                        

Balance at end of year

   (Won) 4,073,284      (Won) 4,285,210      $ 3,682,559   
                        

 

Notes:

 

(*1) For spent fuel discharged prior to December 31, 2008, we accrued liability of (Won) 3,576,369 million. Under the newly enacted RWMA, we are required to pay KRMC over 15 years, after a five-year grace period. As a result, the liability of (Won) 3,576,369 million was reclassified to long-term other accounts payable.
(*2) With the transfer of the obligation to perform the disposal of spent fuel and low and intermediate radioactive waste, the liability under U.S.GAAP increased by (Won)956,520 million to record the actual liability transferred to KRMC, which was equivalent to the liability amount under Korean GAAP. There no longer exists a GAAP difference in 2009.

Convertible Bonds

Under Korean GAAP, the value of conversion rights is recognized as capital surplus. In addition, the convertible bonds are not subject to foreign currency translation as convertible bonds are regarded as non-monetary foreign currency liabilities.

 

84


Table of Contents

Under U.S. GAAP, unless a conversion right is considered as an embedded derivative instrument requiring bifurcation, no portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the convertible debt securities should be attributed to the conversion feature. We have determined that the conversion feature embedded in our convertible debt should not be bifurcated. In addition, the convertible bonds are subject to foreign currency translation as these convertible bonds are regarded as monetary foreign currency liabilities under U.S GAAP.

Principles of Consolidation

Under Korean GAAP, noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries are presented as a component of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Under U.S. GAAP, before the new consolidation guidance, noncontrolling interests were presented outside of the shareholders’ equity section in the consolidated statements of financial position. Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the new consolidation accounting guidance under U.S. GAAP, which includes requirements that the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified and presented in the consolidated statements of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. The provisions of this guidance were prospective upon adoption, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are required to be retrospectively applied. As such, we have retroactively amended our presentation of our noncontrolling interests in our subsidiaries in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Reserve for Self-insurance

Under Korean GAAP, in accordance with Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise-Associate Government Agency, we provide a self-insurance reserve for loss from accident and liability to third parties that may arise in connection with our non-insured facilities. The self-insurance reserve is recorded until the amount meets a certain percentage of non-insured buildings and machinery.

U.S. GAAP considers loss from accidents and liability to third parties to be a contingency that is only provided for when a liability has been incurred. Contingent losses for self-insurance are generally recognized as a liability (undiscounted) when probable and reasonably estimable.

Gain or loss on partial disposal of subsidiaries

Under Korean GAAP, when the parent company disposes of a portion of its investment in a subsidiary but still retains a controlling interest, any gain or loss on disposal should be recognized in capital surplus.

Under U.S. GAAP, historically we elected the accounting guidance to recognize such gain or loss in other income, as part of earnings. Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the new consolidation accounting guidance under U.S. GAAP, which states that when changes in parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary occurs, related gain or loss on disposal should be recognized in capital surplus. As retroactive application of such guidance is prohibited, we have prospectively applied this guidance. Consequently, we recognized gain from the disposal of a subsidiary in 2007 as other income and, as such, accounted it for as an adjustment from net income under Korean GAAP to that under U.S. GAAP. In 2009, we also recognized gain from a disposal of a subsidiary which we recognized in capital surplus, as such no reconciliation adjustment between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP was necessary.

Gain on Valuation of Non-marketable Securities

Under Korean GAAP, non-marketable securities should be classified as available-for-sale and carried at cost or fair value if applicable, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as other comprehensive income until realized.

 

85


Table of Contents

Under U.S. GAAP, investments in non-marketable equity securities without significant influence that do not have a readily determinable fair value are stated at cost using the cost method. As a result of the reconciliation of difference, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 increased by (Won)6,266 million and (Won)10,873 million, respectively, compared to that under Korean GAAP.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted the accounting guidance for fair value measurements.

The accounting guidance provides for the following:

 

  (i) Defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, and establishes a framework for measuring fair value;

 

  (ii) Establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the observable inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability at the measurement date;

 

  (iii) Requires consideration of nonperformance risk when valuing liabilities; and

 

  (iv) Expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value.

We classify fair value balances based on the fair value hierarchy defined by the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The classification of valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements is based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

 

Level 1     Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
Level 2     Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable; and
Level 3     Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies we use for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Investment securities

We classify available-for-sale equity securities with marketability within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy if quoted prices are available in an active market. We generally classify our securities within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy if quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets are not available. We determine the fair values of our securities using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow models. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value and yield curve as well as other relevant economic measures.

Derivatives

Derivatives consist of cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps are valued using internal models that use readily observable market inputs, such as foreign currency exchange rates and swap rates. We classify derivatives within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

86


Table of Contents

Under Korean GAAP, fair value of derivatives is determined assuming the same nonperformance risk for the entity and the counterparty. However, U.S. GAAP requires consideration of both the entity’s nonperformance risk and counterparty nonperformance risk in determining the fair value of a derivative instrument. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purpose, net loss increased by (Won)15,698 million and decreased by (Won)13,719 million, and other comprehensive income decreased by (Won)68,706 million and increased by (Won)50,856 million, compared to those under Korean GAAP for year ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)
     2008    2009
     Level 1    Level 2    Total    Level 1    Level 2    Total

Assets:

                 

Investment securities

   (Won) 8,725    (Won) 13,960    (Won) 22,685    (Won) 123,123    (Won) 9,980    (Won) 133,103

Financial derivatives

     —        1,240,790      1,240,790      —        880,096      880,096
                                         

Total Assets

   (Won) 8,725    (Won) 1,254,750    (Won) 1,263,475    (Won) 123,123    (Won) 890,076    (Won) 1,013,199
                                         

Liabilities:

                 

Financial derivatives

   (Won) —      (Won) 19,997    (Won) 19,997    (Won) —      (Won) 36,996    (Won) 36,996
                                         

Total Liabilities

   (Won) —      (Won) 19,997    (Won) 19,997    (Won) —      (Won) 36,996    (Won) 36,996
                                         

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions have been used to estimate the fair value of each class of significant financial instruments in which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

   

Cash and cash equivalents, short term financial instruments, trade receivables, short-term borrowings, and trade payables: The carrying amount approximates fair value because of its nature or relatively short maturity.

 

   

Investments: The fair value of investments with marketability is estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments. For other investments for which there are no quoted market prices, it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of investments in unlisted companies.

 

   

Long-term debt: The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues, or on the current rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities.

 

87


Table of Contents

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our consolidated financial instruments as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

    2008     2009  
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair value     Carrying
Amount
    Fair value  
    (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

Cash and cash equivalents

  (Won) 1,452,886      (Won) 1,452,886      (Won) 1,489,390      (Won) 1,489,390   

Short-term financial instruments

    316,442        316,442        356,115        356,115   

Trade receivables and account receivables-other

    3,532,552        3,532,552        4,531,443        4,531,443   

Investments:

       

Practicable to estimate fair value

    22,685        22,685        133,103        133,103   

Not practicable

    201,746        N/A        155,734        N/A   

Short-term borrowings

    (1,357,710     (1,357,710     (684,480     (684,480

Trade payables and accounts payable-other

    (3,099,089     (3,099,089     (2,763,509     (2,763,509

Long-term other account payable

    (3,576,369     (3,576,369     (3,576,369     (3,576,369

Long-term debt, including current portion

    (27,763,594     (27,907,314     (33,634,756     (33,221,281

Supplementary U.S. GAAP Disclosures

Our supplementary information for the statement of cash flows is as follows:

 

     2007    2008    2009
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)

Interest paid, net of capitalized portion

   (Won) 903,916    (Won) 928,119    (Won) 1,378,799    $ 1,184,892

Income taxes paid

     1,385,254      699,070      428,371      368,127

Scope of equity method

Under Korean GAAP, a company should account for its investment under the equity method of accounting, if it has significant influence. A company is presumed to have significant influence if it has the ability to nominate a board member, regardless of overall ownership percentage or other conditions that would be considered under U.S. GAAP.

Under U.S GAAP, to presume if a company has significant influence or not, the following are some of the conditions it would consider: ability to nominate a board member, such board member’s voting power and limitation (if any), overall ownership percentage, influence compared to other investors, relationship between the investor and investee, etc. Due to such difference in guidance and practice, certain investments which are accounted for under the equity method under Korean GAAP are accounted for as an available-for-sale investment under the cost basis with unrealized gains and losses reported as other comprehensive income until realized at each reporting date under U.S. GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, net income increased by (Won)17,788 million and accumulated other comprehensive income increased by (Won)2,787, compared to that under Korean GAAP for year ended December 31, 2009.

Significant Changes in U.S. GAAP

Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 105 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (ASC 105). In June 2009, the FASB amended ASC 105 for the ASC, which identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP. On the effective date of the changes to ASC 105, which applied to financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, the ASC superseded all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. Under the ASC, all of its content carries the same level of authority and the GAAP hierarchy includes only two levels of GAAP: authoritative and non-authoritative. While the adoption of the ASC did not have an impact on the accounting, the ASC had an impact on authoritative and non-authoritative accounting literature.

 

88


Table of Contents

In December 2007, the FASB issued the revised ASC 805, “Business Combinations”, which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This revised guidance is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this revised guidance did not have a material impact on our results from operations or financial condition.

In December 2007, the FASB amended ASC 810, “Consolidation”, for noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements. This amendment requires the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified and presented in the consolidated statements of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of earnings; and changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The provisions of this amendment were prospective upon adoption, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements. We have applied the provisions prospectively beginning January 1, 2009 while retrospectively applying amendments related to the presentation and disclosure requirements have been applied retrospectively to our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

In March 2008, the FASB amended and expanded the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities required under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”. The amendments to ASC 815 requires increased qualitative, quantitative, and credit-risk disclosures. Required qualitative disclosures include: (1) How and why an entity is using a derivative instrument or hedging activity (e.g., for risk management or other purposes), (2) How the entity is accounting for its derivative instrument and hedged items under ASC 815 (and related guidance), and (3) How the instrument affects the entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flow. We adopted these disclosure requirements as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of this amendment to ASC 815 only affected our disclosures of derivative instruments and hedging activities, and did not have a material impact on our results from operations or financial position.

In May 2008, the FASB updated ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options”, for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement). This guidance clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement), not addressed by the accounting guidance for convertible debt and debt issued with stock purchase warrants. In addition, this guidance specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 on a retrospective basis with no early adoption option. Our adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our results from operations or financial condition.

In June 2008, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging: Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock”. Under this guidance, an instrument (or embedded feature) would not be considered indexed to an entity’s own stock if its settlement amount is affected by variables other than those used to determine the fair value of a “plain vanilla” option or forward contract on equity shares, or if the instrument contains a feature (such as a leverage factor) that increases exposure to those variables. An equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) would not be considered indexed to the entity’s own stock if the strike price is denominated in a currency other than the issuer’s functional currency. Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted this guidance. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our results from operations or financial condition.

In September and August 2009, respectively, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2009-12, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure”, and ASU 2009-05, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value”. ASU 2009-12 provides guidance for the fair value measurement of investments in certain entities that calculate

 

89


Table of Contents

the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) determined as of the reporting entity’s measurement date. Certain attributes of the investment (such as restrictions on redemption) and transaction prices from principal-to-principal or brokered transactions will not be considered in measuring the fair value of the investment. The amendments in this standard are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009. The adoption of ASU 2009-12 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

ASU 2009-05 provides guidance on measuring the fair value of liabilities under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”. This standard clarifies that in the absence of a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability at the measurement date, companies may apply approaches that use the quoted price of an investment in the identical liability or similar liabilities traded as assets or other valuation techniques consistent with the fair-value measurement principles in ASC 820. The standard permits fair value measurements of liabilities that are based on the price that a company would pay to transfer the liability to a new obligor. It also permits a company to measure the fair value of liabilities using an estimate of the price it would receive to enter into the liability at that date. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after August 27, 2009 and applies to all fair-value measurements of liabilities required by GAAP. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB revised ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”. This guidance establishes standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the end of the reporting period but before the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically, the Statement sets forth (1) the period after the end of the reporting period during which management of a reporting entity will evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (2) the circumstances under which an entity will recognize events or transactions occurring after the end of the reporting period in its financial statements and (3) the disclosures that an entity will make about events or transactions that occurred after the end of the reporting period. The Statement is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Our adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our results from operations or financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. The ASU requires disclosing the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers. The disclosures are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. In addition, disclosures of the gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements activity in Level 3 fair value measurements will be required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09 “Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements”, which amends ASC 855 to address certain implementation issues related to an entity’s requirement to perform and disclose subsequent-events procedures. The ASU adds a definition of the term “SEC filer” to the ASC Master Glossary and requires (1) SEC filers and (2) conduit debt obligors for conduit debt securities that are traded in a public market to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued. All other entities are required to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are available to be issued. The guidance is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-02 “Accounting and Reporting for Decreases in Ownership of Subsidiary—a Scope Clarification”, in response to practice issues entities had encountered in applying the decrease-in-ownership provisions in ASC 810-10. The ASU clarifies that the decrease-in-ownership provisions of ASC 810-10 and related guidance apply to (1) a “subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity (2) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business or nonprofit

 

90


Table of Contents

activity for a noncontrolling interest in an entity (including an equity method investee or joint venture). In addition, the ASU clarifies that the decrease-in-ownership guidance does not apply to the sales of in-substance real estate or conveyances of oil and gas mineral rights, even if these transactions involve businesses. Finally, the ASU expands the disclosures required upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary. An entity will be required to follow the amended guidance beginning in the period that it first adopts ASC 810-10. For those entities that have already adopted ASC 810-10, the amendments are effective at the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period ending on or after December 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on our consolidated financial statements.

Other

Our operations are materially affected by the policies and actions of the Government. See Item  4B. “Business Overview—Regulation”.

Item 5C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

Research and Development

We maintain a research and development program focused on developing highly advanced electric power technology necessary to become a global leader in the electric power industry. In order to achieve this goal, we have adopted the “Electric Technology Development Plan toward 2010” which is expected to be modified in the near future to reflect the “2020 Mid- and Long-Term Strategic Management Plan” that we announced in 2008. This strategic plan is being implemented across all areas of our in-house research and development programs. In addition, we and our six generation subsidiaries have created a “Technology Roadmap” to develop technologies in the area of thermal and nuclear generation. In addition, consistent with our goal of becoming a leading global utilities company, we have developed and adopted the “Green Technology Development Strategy and Roadmap”. This strategic roadmap consists of low carbon power generating technology, high efficiency power transmission and distribution technology and the demand-creating green technology.

In the field of hydroelectric and thermal power, our research and development efforts are primarily focused on developing technologies required for the efficient operation of thermal power plants, such as our “Development of Advanced Thermal Power Plant” project using the “Ultra-Super Critical Technology.” We also emphasize enhancing plant maintenance, which has proven to be of great importance in maintaining a competitive edge in this field, through accurate damage analysis, environmentally-friendly inspections and various other protective and optimization measures.

In the field of nuclear power, our research and development efforts are primarily focused on developing technology for enhancing the safety and economy of nuclear plants, such as our “Basic Design for Advanced Power Reactor” project. Our research and development objective for this field is to obtain technologies necessary to perform reactor/plant safety analysis, radiation control and radioactive waste reduction, and seismic monitoring and analysis

In the field of electric power systems, we have focused our research and development efforts on developing required technology and providing technical support for the stable and reliable operation of electrical power systems, such as the “Development of Smart Transmission System Technology.” We have developed the technology for an efficient distribution system, preventive maintenance for substations, system automation, power utilization and power line communication.

As part of our strategy for future growth, we have placed a high priority in the development of environmentally friendly technology. As part of this effort, we have developed a gasification test bed and evaluation of gasification processes for a 300 megawatt integrated gasification combined-cycle plant in Korea, a five-kilowatt solid oxide fuel cell system, a 100 kilowatt superconductor flywheel energy storage technology and a “smart-grid” electricity distribution system. In addition, we are currently expending resources to develop other

 

91


Table of Contents

core environmentally friendly projects such as development of export-type nuclear reactors, infrastructure for electricity-powered vehicles, integrated gasification combined cycle power plants and a mechanism for capturing and storing carbon.

In addition, we have been cooperating closely with many foreign electric utilities and research institutes on a diverse range of projects.

We invested approximately (Won)233 billion in 2008 and (Won)226 billion in 2009 on research and development. We had approximately 484 employees engaged in research and development activities as of December 31, 2009.

As a result of our research, 3,729 applications were submitted in Korea and abroad, out of which 1,602 applications have been registered to date. In addition, we are currently constructing management infrastructure to facilitate development of high value-added intellectual properties. We also seek to market the technologies we have developed by identifying key items that have market potential in light of intellectual property, overseas market conditions and cost-efficiency issues. We are continuously upgrading our research and development programs, restructuring our research and development organization and reallocating and reassigning research personnel.

Item 5D. Trend Information

Trends, uncertainties and events which could have a material impact on our sales, operating revenues and liquidity and capital resources are discussed above in Item 5A. “Operating Results” and Item  5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Item 5E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2009.

Item 5F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following summarizes certain of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flow in future periods.

 

    Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations(1)

  Total   Less than 1
year
  1–3 years   4–5 years   After 5
years
    (in billions of Won)

Long-term debt(2)

  (Won) 33,699   (Won) 5,780   (Won) 11,044   (Won) 10,646   (Won) 6,229

Interest payments on long-term debt(3)

    8,396     1,665     2,584     1,427     2,720

Short-term borrowings

    684     684     —       —       —  

Plant construction(4)

    43,850     6,484     18,425     18,941     —  

Accrual for retirement and severance benefits(5)

    1,457     80     177     247     953
                             

Total

  (Won) 88,086   (Won) 14,693   (Won) 32,230   (Won) 31,261   (Won) 9,902
                             

 

Notes:

 

(1) We entered into capital lease agreements with Korea Development Leasing Corporation and others for certain computer systems. We believe the remaining annual payments under capital and operating lease agreements as of December 31, 2009 were immaterial.
(2) Includes the current portion and excludes amortization of note discount and issue costs.
(3)

A portion of our long-term debt carried a variable rate of interest. We used the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2009 for the variable rate of interest in calculating the interest payments on long-term debt for the periods indicated.

 

92


Table of Contents
(4) Based on budgeted amounts, as of December 31, 2009, of capital expenditure for the construction of generation facilities through 2014. The budgeted amounts may differ from the actual amounts of expenditure.
(5) Represents, as of December 31, 2009, the amount of the severance and retirement benefits which we will be required under applicable Korean laws to pay to all of our employees when they reach their normal retirement age.

For a description of our commercial commitments and contingent liabilities, see Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We entered into a power purchasing agreement with GS EPS Co., Ltd. and other independent power producers, under which we are required to annually purchase a minimum amount of power from these companies. Power we purchased from these companies amounted to (Won)1,487 billion, (Won)2,228 billion and (Won)1,508 billion for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

We have entered into contracts with domestic and foreign suppliers (including Korea Gas Corporation, a related party) to purchase bituminous coal, anthracite coal and LNG. These contracts generally have terms of three months to one year and provide for periodic price adjustments to then-market prices. Under most of the coal purchase contracts, we are required to purchase an annual quantity of coal. See Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further details of these contracts. We have also entered into long-term transportation contracts with Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. and others.

We import all uranium ore concentrates from sources outside Korea (including the United States, United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, France, Russia, South Africa, Canada and Australia) through medium- to long-term contracts and pay for such concentrates with currencies other than Won, primarily U.S. dollars. Contract prices for processing of uranium are generally based on market prices. See Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further details of these contracts.

Under the Long-term Transmission and Substation Plan approved by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, which took effect on March 13, 2009, we are liable for the construction of all of our power transmission facilities and the maintenance and repair expenses for such facilities.

In July 2005, nine government-invested utilities companies, including us, entered into a Renewable Portfolio Agreement (“RPA”) with the Government in order to expand the generation and distribution of renewable energy. This agreement contemplates two phases of capacity build-up for the generation and distribution of renewable energy. During Phase I, which lasted from 2006 to 2008, we made capital expenditures of (Won)520.1 billion to construct renewable energy generation capacity of 184 megawatts, of which 63 megawatts capacity has been completed to-date. During Phase II, lasting from 2009 to 2011, we and our generation subsidiaries are scheduled to make capital expenditures of (Won)1,692.3 billion to construct renewable energy generation capacity of 534 megawatts.

The breakdown of capital expenditures for Phase I and Phase II under the RPA by type of expenditure is as follows:

 

     Phase I (2006 – 2008)    Phase II (2009 – 2011)  
     (in billions of Won)  

Facilities investment

   (Won) 380.0    (Won) 1,560.6 (1) 

Research and development

     127.6      82.5 (2) 

Promotion and other

     12.5      49.2 (3) 
               

Total

   (Won) 520.1    (Won) 1,692.3 ( 4 ) 
               

 

Notes:

 

(1) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won)146.0 billion.
(2) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won)29.9 billion.
(3) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won)5.2 billion.
(4) Includes capital expenditures made in 2009 of (Won)181.1 billion.

 

93


Table of Contents

Payment guarantee and short-term credit facilities from financial institutions as of December 31, 2009 were as follows:

Payment guarantee

 

Description

 

Financial Institutions

  Credit Lines
        (In millions of Won or
thousands of US$,
JPY,INP,OMR,SAR,
CHF, and EUR)

Payment of import letter of credits

  Korea Exchange Bank and others   US$ 1,000,481
    JPY 61,169

Inclusive credits

  Kookmin Bank and others   (Won) 120,100
  Hana Bank and others   US$ 40,000

Borrowings

  Korea Exchange Bank and others   (Won) 486,582
    US$ 335,838

Guarantees for bid

  Korea Exchange Bank   INR 290,000
  Export-Import Bank of Korea   OMR 6,000
  Export-Import Bank of Korea   SAR 100,000
  Korea Exchange Bank and others   US$ 700

Performance guarantees

  Export-Import Bank of Korea and others   US$ 120,600
    CHF 24,818

Payment of foreign currency

  Shinhan Bank and others   (Won) 13,283
  Shinhan Bank and others   US$ 11,512
  Korea Exchange Bank   EUR 72,000

Other guarantees

  Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co., Ltd.   (Won) 450

Overdraft and Others

 

Description

  

Financial Institutions

   Credit Lines
          (In millions of Won or
thousands of US$, JPY)

Overdraft

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 878,000

Commercial paper

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 775,000
      US$ 130,000

Trade financing

   National Agricultural Cooperative   
   Federation and others    (Won) 71,500

Repayment guarantees for foreign currency debentures

   Korea Develop Bank    US$ 690,737
   Kookmin Bank    JPY 3,000,000

 

(1) Surviving entity of the former Korea Development Bank.

We are provided with guarantees from Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co., Ltd. and others for performance of contract, warranty fees and bids for construction work in relation to overseas constructions.

We provided a promissory note of (Won)1.8 billion to Hyundai Heavy Industry, Co., Ltd. as a guarantee for performance of contract. We also provided one promissory note to Woori Bank and three promissory notes to Korea Resource Corporation. In the event we fail to perform, we may be required to fund the promissory note which will be repayable.

We have entered into contracts with Doosan Industrial Co., Ltd. and others in the aggregate amount of (Won)9,051 billion and JPY18 million as of December 31, 2009 for construction of power plant facilities and facility maintenance.

 

94


Table of Contents

We have provided the following guarantees for our subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009:

 

Type

  

Guaranteed company

   Amounts (thousands)

Subsidiary

   KEPCO Ilijan Co.(1)    US$ 72,000

Subsidiary

   KEPCO Shanxi International Ltd.(2)    US$ 180,000
      RMB 800,000

Subsidiary

   KEPCO Lebanon SARL.(3)    US$ 17,113

Subsidiary

   KEPCO SPC Power Corporation(4)    US$ 100,000

Subsidiary

   KEPCO Netherlands B.V.(5)    SAR 100,000

Affiliated

   KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd. & KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.( 6)    US$ 59,468

Subsidiary

   KOMIPO Global Pte Ltd.( 7)    IDR 17,356,000

 

Notes:

 

(1) KEPCO Ilijan Corporation, which is a subsidiary of KEPCO International Philippines Inc., is engaged in the power generation business in the Philippines and borrowed US$242 million in 2000 as project financing from Japan Bank of International Cooperation and others. In connection with the borrowing, KEPCO Ilijan Corporation’s investment securities held by KEPCO International Philippines Inc. were pledged as collateral. We have provided the National Power Corporation and others with the guarantee not to exceed US$72 million on performance of the power generation business of KEPCO Ilijan Corporation.
(2) KEPCO Shanxi International Ltd. (the wholly owned subsidiary) formed the consortium with Deutsche Bank and Shanxi International Electric Power Ltd. to invest in the Chinese electric power generation business. The consortium established Gemeng International Energy Group Co., Ltd. (34.0% of ownership) to support this business. We have provided HSBC and Export-Import Bank of Korea (the “EXIM Bank”) with the payment guarantee for KEPCO Shanxi International Ltd.’s loan of US$180 million. We agreed with Deutsche Bank to refund the investment of RMB800,000 thousand and pay the additional interest of Libor + 2% for the period from initial investment date to the unqualified date in accordance with terms of the agreement, if Gemeng International Energy Group Co., Ltd. fails to be listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange within 6 years from the establishment date.
(3) We have provided performance guarantees related to the operation of the Lebanon power generation plant amounting to US$ 17.2 million to the Lebanon Electricity Agency.
(4) We invested in a power plant construction business in Cebu, Philippines and established KEPCO SPC Power Corporation to support this business. We have provided the debt payment guarantee amounting US$100,000 thousand to EXIM Bank for KEPCO SPC Power Corporation.
(5) We invested in power plant construction business in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia through KEPCO Netherlands B.V. (the wholly-owned subsidiary), and established Rabigh Electricity Company (having a 40% ownership) to operate this business. Rabigh Electricity Company has provided the Saudi Electricity Company with the performance guarantee for PPA contract through Saudi British Bank and counter guarantees through EXIM Bank. In relation to the guarantee, we have provided the payment guarantee amounting SAR 100 million to EXIM Bank for the above counter guarantees.
(6) In August 2005, a consortium consisting of us, Korea National Oil Corporation, a state-controlled enterprise, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering won a bid from the federal government of Nigeria for exploration and production of oil in two off-shore blocks. This consortium holds 60.0% of the equity interest in the special purpose vehicle established to carry out the project regarding these two blocks and we hold 15.0 % of the interest in the consortium. In March 2006, the consortium entered into production sharing contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in connection with this project. Under these contracts, if the consortium is successful in finding oil, it will be entitled to operate the related facilities for 20 years. Regarding the exploration and development project, we provide the Nigeria government with performance guarantee of US$ 24,818 and US$ 34,650 respectively.
   However, on January 9, 2009, the consortium was informed of a unilateral decision by the government of Nigeria to void allocation of the oil blocks granted to the consortium and refund the prepaid signature bonus. The leader of the consortium, Korea National Oil Corporation, has filed a suit in the Nigerian court and won the case on August 21, 2009. Nigeria’s government has appealed a federal court’s decision and as of December 31, 2009, such appeal is in process.

 

95


Table of Contents
(7) PT Cirebon Electric Power, our affiliate is engaged in the power generation business in Indonesia. PT Cirebon Electric Power has commenced a construction of a 660MW thermal power plant for its power generation business. In relation to the power generation business, we have provided Indonesia Mizuho Bank with secondary performance guarantee of IDR 17.4 billion, through Korea Exchange Bank’s guarantee.

Other than as described in this report and also in Note 32 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements, we did not have any other material credit lines and guarantee commitments provided to any third parties as of December 31, 2009.

We are subject to a number of legal proceedings. For a description of our legal proceedings, see Item 8A. “Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings”.

We also have contingent liabilities under the termination agreement with the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization. See Note 33(d) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

 

96


Table of Contents

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT, AND EMPLOYEES

Item 6A. Directors and Senior Management

Board of Directors

Under the KEPCO Act, the Public Agencies Management Act and our Articles of Incorporation, our board of directors, which is required to consist of not more than 15 directors, including the president, is vested with the authority over our management.

Pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation and the Public Agencies Management Act, we have two types of directors: standing directors (sangim-isa in Korean) and non-standing directors (bisangim-isa in Korean). The standing directors refer to our directors who serve their positions in full-time capacity. Many of our standing directors concurrently hold executive positions with us or our subsidiaries. The non-standing directors refer to our directors who do not serve their positions in full-time capacity. The non-standing directors currently do not hold any executive positions with us or our subsidiaries.

Under our Articles of Incorporation, there may not be more than seven standing directors, including our president, and more than eight non-standing directors. The number of standing directors, including our president, may not exceed the number of non-standing directors. A senior non-standing director appointed by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance becomes our chairman of the board following the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee.

Our president is appointed by the President of the Republic upon the motion of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy following the nomination by our director nomination committee, the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee pursuant to the Public Agencies Management Act, and an approval at the general meeting of our shareholders. Our controller & auditor general is appointed by the President of the Republic upon the motion of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance following the nomination by our director nomination committee, the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee pursuant to the Public Agencies Management Act and an approval at the general meeting of our shareholders. Standing directors (other than our president and controller & auditor general) are appointed by our president with the approval at the general meeting of our shareholders.

The non-standing directors must be appointed by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance following the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee from a pool of candidates recommended by the director nomination committee and having ample knowledge and experience in business management. Government officials that are not part of the teaching staff in national and public schools are ineligible to become our non-standing directors. Our president serves as our chief executive officer and represents us and administers our day-to-day business in all matters and bears the responsibility for the management’s performance. The term of our president is three years, while that of our directors is two years. According to the Public Agencies Management Act, our president’s term cannot be terminated unless done so by the President of the Republic pursuant to the Public Agencies Management Act or upon an event as specified in our Articles of Incorporation.

Attendance by a majority of the board members constitutes a voting quorum for our board meetings, and resolutions can be passed by a majority of the board members. In the event the president acts in violation of law or the Articles of Incorporation, is negligent his duties, or otherwise is deemed to be significantly impeded in performing his official duties as chief executive officer, the board of directors may by resolution request the Minister of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy to dismiss or recommend the dismissal of the president.

Non-standing directors may request any information necessary to fulfill their duties from the chief executive officer, and except in special circumstances, the chief executive officer must comply with such request.

 

97


Table of Contents

The names, titles, and outside occupations, if any, of the directors as of June 22, 2010 and the respective years in which they took office are set forth below.

 

Name

   Age   

Title

  

Outside Occupation

   Position Held Since

Kim, Ssang-Su

   (65)    President and Chief Executive Officer and Standing Director    None    August 27, 2008

Kang, Seung-Churl

   (50)    Standing Director and Controller & Auditor General    None    December 8, 2008

Kim, Woo-Kyum

   (56)    Standing Director and Executive Vice President (concurrently Executive Vice President of the Marketing & Service Division)    None    May 17, 2010

Byun, Jun-Yeon

   (55)   

Standing Director and Executive Vice President of the UAE Nuclear Business Group (concurrently Executive Vice President of the

Overseas Business Division)

   None    February 12, 2009

Jung, Chan-Ki

   (57)    Standing Director and Executive Vice President of the Planning & Coordination Division    None    February 12, 2009

Lee, Do-Shik

   (58)    Standing Director and Executive Vice President of the Administration Division    None    February 12, 2009

Chang, Young-Jin

   (57)    Standing Director and Executive Vice President of the Power Technology Division    None    February 12, 2009

Rieh, Chong-Hun

   (75)    Non-Standing Director and Chairman of the Board of Director    President, Power-Built Consulting    May 18, 2009

Bae, Jae-Wook

   (65)    Non-Standing Director    Attorney at law, Bae Jae Wook Law Office    June 30, 2008

Kim, Seon-Jin

   (56)    Non-Standing Director and Member of the Audit Committee    Professor, Department of Material Science and Engineering, Hanyang University    June 30, 2008

Kim, Jung-Gook

   (63)    Non-Standing Director and Member of the Audit Committee    Chief Executive Officer, Bogo Economic Research Institute    October 31, 2008

Kim, Kyung-Min

   (56)    Non-Standing Director    Professor, Department of Political Science and Diplomacy, Hanyang University    March 31, 2009

 

98


Table of Contents

Name

   Age   

Title

  

Outside Occupation

   Position Held Since

Chang, Seok-Hyo

   (63)    Non-Standing Director    Former Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Seoul    May 18, 2009

Chung, Dong-Rack

   (64)    Non-Standing Director    Advisor, The National Unification Advisory Council.    October 19, 2009

Lee, Gi-Pyo

   (52)    Non-Standing Director    Chief, Boyun Social Welfare Center of Busan    October 19, 2009

Kim, Ssang-Su has been our President, Chief Executive Officer and Standing Director since August 27, 2008. Prior to his current position, he served as Vice Chairman of, and subsequently as Senior Adviser to, LG Electronics, a leading electronics manufacturer based in Korea. Mr. Kim received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Hanyang University.

Kang, Seung-Churl has been our Standing Director and Controller & Auditor General since December 8, 2008. Prior to his current position, he served as Representative Director of Seoul Future Economy Forum in Korea. Mr. Kim received a B.S. in resources engineering from Seoul National University and an M.S. in civil engineering from University of California, Berkeley.

Kim, Woo-Kyum has been our Standing Director since May 17, 2010. Mr. Kim also currently serves as our Executive Vice President (concurrently Executive Vice President of the Marketing & Service Division) and previously served as our Executive Vice President of the Power Grid Construction Division. Mr. Kim received an M.S. in electrical engineering from Hanyang University.

Byun, Jun-Yeon has been our Standing Director since February 12, 2009. Mr. Kim also currently serves as our Executive Vice President of the UAE Nuclear Business Group (concurrently Executive Vice President of the Overseas Business Division) and previously served as our Vice President of Overseas Nuclear Project Department. Mr. Byun received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Korea University.

Jung, Chan-Ki has been our Standing Director since February 12, 2009. Mr. Jung also currently serves as our Executive Vice President of the Planning & Coordination Division and previously served as our Vice President of Personnel & General Affairs Department. Mr. Jung received an M.B.A. from Sogang University.

Lee, Do-Shik has been our Standing Director since February 12, 2009. Mr. Lee also currently serves as our Executive Vice President of the Administration Division and previously served as our Vice President of Central Education Institute. Mr. Lee received a B.A. in public administration from Konkuk University.

Chang, Young-Jin has been our Standing Director since February 12, 2009. Mr. Chang also currently serves as our Executive Vice President of the Power Technology Division and previously served as our Vice President of Technology Policy & Planning Department. Mr. Chang received an M.S. in nuclear engineering from Institut National Des Sciences et Techniques Nucleaires (France).

Rieh, Chong-Hun has been our Non-Standing Director since May 18, 2009. Mr. Rieh currently serves as the President of Power-Built Consulting. Mr. Rieh received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Seoul National University.

Bae, Jae-Wook has been our Non-Standing Director since June 30, 2008. Mr. Bae is an attorney at law at the Bae Jae Wook Law Office. Mr. Bae received a B.A. in law from Seoul National University and a M.A. in comparative law from the University of Michigan.

 

99


Table of Contents

Kim, Seon-Jin has been our Non-Standing Director since June 30, 2008 and member of our Audit Committee since December 8, 2008. Mr. Kim is currently a professor of material Science and engineering in Hanyang University. Mr. Kim received a B.S. in material science and engineering from Hanyang University and a Ph. D in metallurgy from Iowa State University.

Kim, Jung-Gook has been our Non-Standing Director since October 31, 2008 and member of our Audit Committee since December 8, 2008. Mr. Kim currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Bogo Economic Research Institute. Mr. Kim received his B.A. in business administration from Seoul National University.

Kim, Kyung-Min has been our Non-Standing Director since March 31, 2009. Mr. Kim is currently a professor of political science and diplomacy in Hanyang University. Mr. Kim received a B.A. in politics from Hanyang University and a Ph. D in political science from the University of Missouri.

Chang, Seok-Hyo has been our Non-Standing Director since May 18, 2009. Mr. Chang previously served as the Deputy Mayor in the Metropolitan City of Seoul. Mr. Chang received a B.S. in agricultural science and a M.S. in environmental planning from Seoul National University.

Chung, Dong-Rack has been our Non-Standing Director since October 19, 2009. Mr. Chung is currently an advisor of the National Unification Advisory Council. Mr. Chung received a B.A. in law from Korea University.

Lee, Gi-Pyo has been our Non-Standing Director since October 19, 2009. Mr. Lee is currently a chief of Bohyun Social Welfare Center of Busan.

There are no family relationships among the members of our board of directors or the members of our senior management.

The business address of our directors is 411 Youngdong-daero, Samseong-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, Korea

Audit Committee

Under the Public Agencies Management Act, which took effect as of April 1, 2007, we are designated as a “market-oriented public enterprise” and, as such, are required to establish an audit committee in lieu of the preexisting board of auditors upon expiration of the term of the last remaining member of the board of auditors. In September 2007, we amended our Articles of Incorporation to establish, in lieu of the pre-existing board of auditors, an audit committee meeting the requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and the amended Articles of Incorporation, we are required to maintain an audit committee consisting of three members, of which not less than two members are required to be the non-standing directors. The roles and responsibilities of our audit committee members are to perform the functions of an audit committee meeting the requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our audit committee was established on December 8, 2008.

At an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders held on December 8, 2008, we appointed three members of our board of directors, namely Kang, Seong-Chul, a standing director, Kim, Seon-Jin and Kim, Jung-Gook, each a non-standing director, to our audit committee. On May 17, 2010, at an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders, Kim, Seon-Jin was reappointed as a non-standing director and a member of the audit committee for an additional term of one year. All such members of the audit committee are independent within the meaning of the Korea Stock Exchange listing standards, the regulations promulgated under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and the New York Stock Exchange listing standards.

 

100


Table of Contents

Item 6B. Compensation of Directors and Supervisors

In 2009, the aggregate amount of remuneration paid and accrued to our directors and executive officers (including the statutory auditors) in the aggregate, was (Won)950 million. The aggregate amount we paid or accrued in 2009 to provide retirement and severance benefits for our directors and executive officers, including our statutory auditors, was (Won)88 million.

Item 6C. Board Practices

Under the Public Agencies Management Act and our Articles of Incorporation, which became effective on April 1, 2007, the term of office for our directors and executive officers that are appointed after April 1, 2007 is three years for the president and two years for other executive officers and auditors. The officers, the directors and the auditors may be reappointed for an additional term of one year. In order to be reappointed, the president must be evaluated on the basis of his management performance; a standing director, on the basis of the performance of the duties for which he was elected to perform, or if the standing director has executed an incentive bonus contract, on the basis of his performance under the contract; and a non-standing director, on the basis of his performance of the duties for which he was elected to perform.

Our board currently does not maintain a compensation committee. See Item 16G. “Corporate Governance”. However, we currently maintain an audit committee meeting the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to perform the roles and responsibilities of the compensation committee. Prior to the establishment of the audit committee on December 8, 2008 pursuant to the Public Agencies Management Act, we maintained a board of auditors, which performed the roles and responsibilities required of an audit committee under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including the supervision of the financial and accounting audit by the independent registered public accountants.

The president’s management contract provides for benefits upon termination of his employment. The amount for termination benefits payable equals the average value of compensation for one month times the number of years the president is employed by us, provided that the president is only eligible for termination benefits after more than one year of continuous service.

The termination benefits for standing directors are determined in accordance with our internal regulations for executive compensation. Standing directors are only eligible for benefits upon termination of employment or death following one year of continuous service.

See also Item 16G “Corporate Governance” for a further description of our board practices.

Item 6D. Employees

As of December 31, 2009, we had 37,827 regular employees, including the employees of our generation subsidiaries, almost all of whom are employed within the Republic. Approximately 8.3% of our regular employees (including employees of our generation subsidiaries) are located at our head office in Seoul.

The following table sets forth the number of and other information relating to our employees, not including directors or senior management, as of December 31, 2009.

 

     KEPCO     KHNP     KOSEP     KOMIPO     KOWEPO     KOSPO     EWP     Total  

Regular Employees

                

Administrative

   4,573      638      289      214      217      231      211      6,373   

Engineers

   9,387      5,872      1,530      1,760      1,458      1,509      1,725      23,241   

Others

   6,210      1,093      185      234      183      188      120      8,213   
                                                

Total

   20,170      7,603      2,004      2,208      1,858      1,928      2,056      37,827   
                                                

Head Office Employees

   1,196      727      254      247      234      235      250      3,143   

% of total

   5.9   9.6   12.7   11.2   12.6   12.2   12.2   8.3

Members of Labor Union

   15,211      4,714      1,346      1,510      1,192      1,266      1,386      26,652   

% of total

   75.0   62.4   67.2   68.4   64.2   65.7   67.4   70.5

 

101


Table of Contents

We and each of our generation subsidiaries have separate labor unions. Approximately 70.3% of our employees in the aggregate are members of these labor unions, each of which negotiates a collective bargaining agreement for its members each year. Under applicable Korean law, an employee-employer cooperation committee, which is composed of eight representatives of management and eight representatives of labor, is required to be, and has been, established at KEPCO and at each of our generation subsidiaries. The committee meets periodically to discuss various labor issues.

Since our formation in 1981, our businesses had not been interrupted by any work stoppages or strikes except in early 2002, when employees belonging to our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries went on strike for six weeks to protest the Government’s decision to privatize such non-nuclear generation subsidiaries according to the Restructuring Plan, which privatization plan has since been suspended indefinitely. See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—The Government’s plan for restructuring the electricity industry in Korea may have a material adverse effect on us.”

We believe our relations with our employees are generally good.

Item 6E. Share Ownership

None of our directors and members of our administrative, supervisory or management bodies owns more than 0.1% of our common stock.

 

102


Table of Contents

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Item 7A. Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information relating to certain owners of our capital stock as of December 31, 2009, the date we last closed our shareholders’ registry:

 

Title of Class

 

Identity of Person or Group

  Shares Owned   Percentage of Class(1)

Common stock

  Government   135,520,753   21.12
  Korea Finance Corporation(2)   192,159,940   29.95
  Sub Total   327,680,693   51.07
  Resolution & Finance Corporation   32,210,933   5.02
  National Pension Corporation   18,122,402   2.82
  KEPCO (held in the form of treasury stock)   18,929,995   2.95
  Employee Stock Ownership Association   —     —  
  Directors and executive officers as a group   —     —  
  Public (non-Koreans)   159,448,312   24.85
 

Common shares

  94,070,288   14.66
 

American depositary shares

  65,378,024   10.19
         
  Sub Total   556,392,335   86.72
         
  Public (Koreans)   85,175,377   13.28
         
  Total   641,567,712   100.00
         

 

Note:

 

(1) Percentages are based on issued shares of common stock (including treasury stock).
(2) Following the split of Korea Development Bank into Korea Finance Corporation and KDB Financial Group pursuant to government policy as of October 28, 2009, the entire 192,159,940 common shares, or 29.95% of our common stock, held by Korea Development Bank as of such date, were transferred to Korea Finance Corporation, a Government-controlled entity. The total number of common shares held directly or indirectly by the Government, which amounted to 327,680,693 shares, or 51.07% of our outstanding common shares as of October 28, 2009, did not change as a result of the split of Korea Development Bank.

All of our shareholders have equal voting rights. See Item 10B. “Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation—Description of Capital Stock—Voting Rights.”

Item 7B. Related Party Transactions

We are engaged in a variety of transactions with our affiliates. Our affiliates with whom we have related party transactions primarily consist of Korea Finance Corporation, one of our major shareholders, other Government-controlled entities such as Korea Gas Corporation, our consolidated subsidiaries and our equity investees. See Note 30 of the Notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for a description of transaction and balances with our related parties.

In the past three years, our related party transactions principally consisted of purchase of LNG from Korea Gas Corporation, sales of electricity to Korea District Heating Co., Ltd. and long-term borrowings from Korea Development Bank. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, we and our generation subsidiaries purchased LNG from Korea Gas Corporation in the aggregate amount of (Won)5,351 billion, (Won)7,882 billion and (Won)6,023 billion, respectively. In 2007, 2008, and 2009, we sold electricity to Korea District Heating in the aggregate amount of (Won)170 billion, (Won)270 billion and (Won)212 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, we had long-term borrowings from Korean Development Bank in the aggregate amount of (Won)3,352 billion and (Won)1,938 billion, respectively. Korea Development Bank also provided a repayment guarantee for some of our foreign currency debentures and debt related to the power generation business of KEPCO Ilijan Corporation, whose outstanding amount as of December 31, 2009 was US$652 million.

 

103


Table of Contents

We also engage in extensive transactions with our consolidated generation subsidiaries, including the purchase of electricity from them through Korea Power Exchange, sales of electricity to them, payment and receipt of commissions for services and receivables and payables transactions. These are eliminated in the consolidation process. We also provide guarantees for certain of our affiliates. See Item 5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments.” We also have certain relationships with the Korea Power Exchange. See Item 4B. “Business Overview—Power Purchase—Cost-based Pool System.”

For a further description of our transactions with our affiliates, see Note 31 of the Notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this report. For a further description of our transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries, see Note 32 of the Notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Item 7C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not Applicable

 

104


Table of Contents

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 8A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in compliance with requirements under Item 18. “Financial Statements.”

Legal Proceedings

As of December 31, 2009, we, including our generation subsidiaries, were engaged in 404 lawsuits as the defendant and 85 lawsuits as the plaintiff. As of the same date, the total amount of damages claimed against us was (Won)187 billion, for which we have made a reserve of (Won)30 billion as of December 31, 2009, and the total amount claimed by us was (Won)56 billion as of December 31, 2009. While the outcome of these lawsuits cannot presently be determined, our management believes that the final results from these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position or results of operation.

On September 20, 2006, we were defendants in a lawsuit brought by Korea Land Corporation in the Seoul Central Court for reimbursement of (Won)150 billion in wrongful profits. Including this lawsuit, since 2006 we have been defendants in 31 lawsuits brought by various entities such as Korea Land Corporation, Korea National Housing Corporation and other local governments, for a total of (Won)310 billion. The principal dispute in such lawsuits related to the issue of who should bear the construction costs of building above-ground electricity distribution facilities for large-scale residential and other urban projects. As of the date of this report, substantially all of the above-mentioned lawsuits have been ruled in our favor.

Our generation subsidiaries, currently and from time to time, are involved in lawsuits incidental to the conduct of their business. A significant number of such lawsuits are based on the claim that the construction and operation of the electricity generation units owned by our generation subsidiaries have impaired neighboring fish farms. Our generation subsidiaries normally pay compensation to the members of fishery associations near our power plant complex for expected losses and damages arising from the construction and operation of their power plants in advance. Despite such compensation paid by us, a claim may still be filed against our generation subsidiaries challenging the compensation paid by us. We do not believe such claims or proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, have had or will have a material adverse effect on us and our generation subsidiaries. However, we cannot assure you that this will be the case in the future, given the possibility that we may become subject to more litigation and lawsuits arising from changes in the environmental laws and regulations applicable to us and our generation subsidiaries and people’s growing demand for more compensation.

Dividend Policy

For our dividend policy, see Item 10B. “Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation—Description of Capital Stock—Dividend Rights.” For a description of the tax consequences of dividends paid to our shareholders, see Item 10E. “Taxation—Korean Taxes—Shares or ADSs—Dividends on the Shares of Common Stock or ADSs” and Item 10E. “Taxation—U.S. Federal Income and Estate Tax Consideration for U.S. Persons—Tax Consequences with respect to Common Stock and ADSs—Distributions on Common Stock or ADSs.”

Item 8B. Significant Changes

Not Applicable

 

105


Table of Contents

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

Item 9A. Offer and Listing Details

Notes

We have issued the following registered notes and debentures, which are traded principally in the over-the counter market:

 

   

7-3/4% Debentures due April 1, 2013 (the “7-3/4% Debentures”),

 

   

7.40% Amortizing Debentures, due April 1, 2016 (the “7.40% Debentures”),

 

   

8.28% Zero-To-Full Debentures, due April 1, 2096 (the “8.28% Debentures”),

 

   

6% Debentures due December 1, 2026, (the “6% Debentures”),

 

   

7% Debentures due February 1, 2027 (the “7% Debentures”), and

 

   

6-3/4% Debentures due August 1, 2027 (the “6-3/4% Debentures,” and together with the 7-3/4% Debentures, the 6-3/8% Notes, the 7.40% Debentures, the 7.95% Debentures, the 6% Debentures, the 7% Debentures and the 6-3/4% Debentures, the “Registered Debt Securities”).

Sales prices for the Registered Debt Securities are not regularly reported on any United States securities exchange or other United States securities quotation service. The 8-1/4% Notes are registered on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, but we do not believe that such stock exchange is the principal market for the 8-1/4% Notes.

Share Capital

The principal trading market for our common stock is the Korea Exchange. Our common stock is also listed on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADSs. The ADSs have been issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank as depositary and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KEP.” One ADS represents one-half of one share of our common stock. As of December 31, 2009, the date we last closed our shareholders’ registry, 130,756,048 ADSs representing 10.2% shares of our common stock were outstanding.

Common Stock

Shares of our common stock are listed on the KRX KOSPI Market of the Korea Exchange. The table below shows the high and low trading prices on the KRX KOSPI Market of the Korea Exchange for our common stock since January 1, 2005.

 

     Price

Period

       High            Low    
     (In Won)

2005

     

First Quarter

   28,550    25,500

Second Quarter

   33,550    26,250

Third Quarter

   38,050    30,300

Fourth Quarter

   38,850    33,400

2006

     

First Quarter

   42,800    37,200

Second Quarter

   45,600    35,150

Third Quarter

   37,850    34,000

Fourth Quarter

   42,400    35,600

2007

     

First Quarter

   44,800    37,500

Second Quarter

   42,300    37,500

Third Quarter

   47,700    40,150

Fourth Quarter

   43,300    37,250

 

106


Table of Contents
     Price

Period

       High            Low    
     (In Won)

2008

     

First Quarter

   39,500    28,200

Second Quarter

   34,150    30,200

Third Quarter

   42,300    37,500

Fourth Quarter

   32,950    21,000

2009

     

First Quarter

   32,500    23,000

Second Quarter

   30,600    25,700

Third Quarter

   35,800    28,000

Fourth Quarter

   35,700    31,550

2010

     

First Quarter:

     

January

   41,600    33,800

February

   40,400    37,100

March

   38,650    36,500

Second Quarter (through June 15):

     

April

   36,600    33,550

May

   33,400    30,700

June (through June 15)

   34,250    33,050

ADSs

The table below shows the high and low trading prices on the New York Stock Exchange for the outstanding ADSs since January 1, 2005. Each ADS represents one-half of one share of our common stock.

 

     Price

Period

       High            Low    
     (In US$)

2005

     

First Quarter

   14.88    12.44

Second Quarter

   16.88    13.46

Third Quarter

   18.46    15.14

Fourth Quarter

   19.87    15.88

2006

     

First Quarter

   22.90    19.76

Second Quarter

   24.81    17.95

Third Quarter

   20.19    17.81

Fourth Quarter

   22.95    19.40

2007

     

First Quarter

   23.64    19.82

Second Quarter

   22.77    20.38

Third Quarter

   25.71    20.75

Fourth Quarter

   23.87    19.75

2008

     

First Quarter

   20.66    13.99

Second Quarter

   16.83    14.40

Third Quarter

   16.32    12.08

Fourth Quarter

   12.50    7.23

2009

     

First Quarter

   12.38    6.90

Second Quarter

   12.37    9.34

Third Quarter

   15.24    10.99

Fourth Quarter

   15.25    13.52

 

107


Table of Contents
     Price

Period

       High            Low    
     (In US$)

2010

     

First Quarter

     

January

   17.89    14.86

February

   17.45    15.96

March

   17.16    15.90

Second Quarter (through June 15)

     

April

   16.55    14.93

May

   15.11    12.70

June (through June 15)

   14.11    13.26

Item 9B. Plan of Distribution

Not Applicable

Item 9C. Markets

The Korea Exchange

The Korea Exchange began its operations in 1956, originally under the name of the Korea Stock Exchange. On January 27, 2005, pursuant to the Korea Exchange Act, the Korea Exchange was officially created through the consolidation of the Korea Stock Exchange, the Korea Futures Exchange, the KOSDAQ Stock Market, Inc., or KOSDAQ, and the KOSDAQ Committee within the Korea Securities Dealers Association, which was in charge of the management of the KOSDAQ. The KRX KOSPI Market of the Korea Exchange, formerly the Korea Stock Exchange, has a single trading floor located in Seoul. The Korea Exchange is a limited liability company, the shares of which are held by (i) securities companies and futures companies that were the members of the Korea Stock Exchange or the Korea Futures Exchange and (ii) the stockholders of the KOSDAQ.

As of April 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of equity securities listed on the KOSPI of the Korea Exchange was approximately (Won)931,743 billion. The average daily trading volume of equity securities for 2009 was approximately 486 million shares with an average transaction value of (Won)5,796 billion.

The Korea Exchange has the power in some circumstances to suspend trading of shares of a given company or to de-list a security. The Korea Exchange also restricts share price movements. All listed companies are required to file accounting reports annually, semi-annually and quarterly and to release immediately all information that may affect trading in a security.

The Government has in the past exerted, and continues to exert, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector business community which can have the intention or effect of depressing or boosting the market. In the past, the Government has informally both encouraged and restricted the declaration and payment of dividends, induced mergers to reduce what it considers excess capacity in a particular industry and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities.

The Korea Exchange publishes the Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or KOSPI, every thirty seconds, which is an index of all equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market of the Korea Exchange. On January 1, 1983, the method of computing KOSPI was changed from the Dow Jones method to the aggregate value method. In the new method, the market capitalizations of all listed companies are aggregated, subject to certain adjustments, and this aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the aggregate market capitalization of all listed companies as of the base date, January 4, 1980.

 

108


Table of Contents

Movements in KOSPI in the past five years are set out in the following table:

 

     Opening    High    Low    Closing

2005

   896.0    1,379.4    870.8    1,379.4

2006

   1,383.3    1,464.7    1,203.9    1,434.5

2007

   1,435.3    2,064.4    1,192.8    1,897.1

2008

   1,853.5    1,888.9    938.8    1,124.5

2009

   1,157.4    1,718.9    1,018.8    1,682.8

2010 (through June 15)

   1,696.1    1,752.2    1,552.8    1,690.0

 

Source: The Korea Exchange

Shares are quoted “ex-dividend” on the first trading day of the relevant company’s accounting period; since the calendar year is the accounting period for the majority of listed companies, this may account for the drop in KOSPI between its closing level at the end of one calendar year and its opening level at the beginning of the following calendar year.

With certain exceptions, principally to take account of a share being quoted “ex-dividend” and “ex-rights,” upward and downward movements in share prices of any category of shares on any day are limited under the rules of the Korea Exchange to 15% of the previous day’s closing price of the shares, rounded down as set out below:

 

Previous Day’s Closing Price (Won)

   Rounded Down to (Won)

less than 5,000

   (Won) 5

5,000 to less than 10,000

     10

10,000 to less than 50,000

     50

50,000 to less than 100,000

     100

100,000 to less than 500,000

     500

500,000 or more

     1,000

As a consequence, if a particular closing price is the same as the price set by the fluctuation limit, the closing price may not reflect the price at which persons would have been prepared, or would be prepared to continue, if so permitted, to buy and sell shares. Orders are executed on an auction system with priority rules to deal with competing bids and offers.

Due to deregulation of restrictions on brokerage commission rates, the brokerage commission rate on equity securities transactions may be determined by the parties, subject to commission schedules being filed with the Korea Exchange by the securities companies. In addition, a securities transaction tax will generally be imposed on the transfer of shares or certain securities representing rights to subscribe for shares. A special agricultural and fishery tax of 0.15% of the sales prices will also be imposed on transfer of these shares and securities on the Korea Exchange. See Item 10E. “Taxation—Korean Taxes.”

 

109


Table of Contents

The number of companies listed on the KRX KOSPI Market of the Korea Exchange in the past five years, the corresponding total market capitalization at the end of the periods indicated and the average daily trading volume for those periods are set forth in the following table:

 

Year

  Number of
Listed
Companies
  Total Market Capitalization on
the last day for each period
  Average Daily Trading
Volume, Value
    (Millions of
Won)
  (Thousands of
U.S. dollars)(1)
          (Millions of
Won)

2005

  702   655,074,595   647,562,865   2005   702   655,074,595

2006

  731   704,587,508   757,946,975   2006   731   704,587,508

2007

  746   951,900,447   1,014,612,517   007   746   951,900,447

2008

  765   576,927,703   458,789,426   008   765   576,927,703

2009

  770   887,935,183   760,478,917   009   770   887,935,183

2010 (as of April 30)

  770   931,743,291   835,269,647   010   770   931,743,291

 

Source: The Korea Exchange

Note:

 

(1) Converted at the Concentration Base Rate of The Bank of Korea or the market average exchange rate as announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. in Seoul, as the case may be, at the end of the periods indicated.

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. The law imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, requires specified information to be made available by listed companies to investors and establishes rules regarding margin trading, proxy solicitation, takeover bids, acquisition of treasury shares and reporting requirements for shareholders holding substantial interests. Beginning on February 4, 2009, the Korean securities markets became subject to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act.

Protection of Customer’s Interest in Case of Insolvency of Financial Investment Companies with a Brokerage License

Under Korean law, the relationship between a customer and a financial investment company with a brokerage license in connection with a securities sell or buy order is deemed to be consignment, and the securities acquired by a consignment agent (i.e., the financial investment company with a brokerage license) through such sell or buy order are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the consignment agent’s creditors are concerned. Therefore, in the event of bankruptcy or reorganization procedures involving a financial investment company with a brokerage license, the customer of such financial investment company is entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold by such financial investment company.

When a customer places a sell order with a financial investment company with a brokerage license which is not a member of the Korea Exchange and this financial investment company places a sell order with another financial investment company with a brokerage license which is a member of the Korea Exchange, the customer is still entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold received by the non-member company from the member company regardless of the bankruptcy or reorganization of the non-member company.

Likewise, when a customer places a buy order with a non-member company and the non-member company places a buy order with a member company, the customer has the legal right to the securities received by the non-member company from the member company, because the purchased securities are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the non-member company’s creditors are concerned.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Korea Exchange is obliged to indemnify any loss or damage incurred by a counterparty as a result of a breach by its members. If a financial investment company with a brokerage license which is a member of the Korea Exchange breaches its obligation in connection with a buy order, the Korea Exchange is obliged to pay the purchase price on behalf of the breaching member.

 

110


Table of Contents

As the cash deposited with a financial investment company with a brokerage license is regarded as belonging to such financial investment company, which is liable to return the same at the request of its customer, the customer cannot take back deposited cash from the financial investment company with a brokerage license if a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure is instituted against such financial investment company and, therefore, can suffer from loss or damage as a result. However, the Depositor Protection Act provides that Korean Deposit Insurance Corporation will, upon the request of the investors, pay investors up to (Won)50 million per depositor per financial institution in case of the such financial investment company’s bankruptcy, liquidation, cancellation of securities business license or other insolvency events (collectively, the “Insolvency Events”). Pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, subject to certain exceptions, financial investment companies with a brokerage license are required to deposit the cash received from their customers to the extent the amount is not covered by the Depositor Protection Act with the Korea Securities Finance Corporation, a special entity established pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. Set-off or attachment of cash deposits by financial investment companies with a brokerage license is prohibited. The premiums related to this insurance under the Depositor Protection Act are paid by financial investment companies with a brokerage license.

Item 9D. Selling Shareholders

Not Applicable

Item 9E. Dilution

Not Applicable

Item 9F. Expenses of the Issue

Not Applicable

 

111


Table of Contents

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Item 10A. Share Capital

Not Applicable

Item 10B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation

Set forth below is information relating to our capital stock, including brief summaries of material provisions of our Articles of Incorporation, the KEPCO Act, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Korean Commercial Code, and certain related laws of Korea, all currently in effect. The following summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to our Articles of Incorporation and the applicable provisions of the KEPCO Act, Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Korean Commercial Code and certain related laws of Korea. In order to comply with the Public Agencies Management Act, we amended our Articles of Incorporation and our internal regulations in March 2009.

Objects and Purposes

We are a statutory juridical corporation established under the KEPCO Act for the purpose of ensuring “stabilization of the supply and demand of electric power, and further contributing toward the sound development of the national economy through expediting development of electric power resources and carrying out proper and effective operation of the electricity business.” The KEPCO Act and our Articles of Incorporation contemplate that we will engage in the following activities:

 

   

development of electric power resources;

 

   

generation, transmission, transformation and distribution of electricity and other related business activities;

 

   

related investment, research and technology development mentioned under the first two bullet points;

 

   

overseas business related to the aforementioned bullet points;

 

   

investments or contributions related to the afore-mentioned bullet points;

 

   

businesses incidental to the afore-mentioned bullet points; and

 

   

other businesses entrusted by the Government.

Our registered name is “Hankook Chollryuk Kongsa” in Korean and “Korea Electric Power Corporation” in English. Our registration number in the commercial registry office is 114671-0001456.

Directors

Under the KEPCO Act and our Articles of Incorporation, our board of directors consists of our president, standing directors and non-standing directors. A majority of the board members constitutes a voting quorum, and resolutions will be passed by a majority of the board members. Directors who have an interest in certain agenda proposed to the board may not vote on such issues.

The standards of remuneration for our officers, including directors, shall be determined by a resolution of the board of directors, provided that the maximum amount of remuneration to be paid to our officers shall be determined by shareholder resolution and provided that the remuneration standards for the president and standing directors shall be determined by board resolution in accordance with the guideline thereon established by the Minister of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy through review and resolution of our management committee. Directors who have an interest may not participate in the meeting of the board of directors for determining the remuneration for officers.

 

112


Table of Contents

Neither the KEPCO Act or our Articles of Incorporation have provisions relating to (i) borrowing powers exercisable by the directors and how such borrowing powers can be varied; (ii) retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement; or (iii) the number of shares required for a director’s qualification.

Share Capital

Currently, our authorized share capital is 1,200,000,000 shares, which consists of shares of common stock and shares of non-voting preferred stock, par value (Won) 5,000 per share. Under our Articles of Incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 150,000,000 non-voting preferred shares. As of June 22, 2010, 641,567,712 common shares were issued and no non-voting preferred shares have been issued. As of June 22, 2010, we held 18,929,995 shares of our common stock as treasury stock. All of the issued and outstanding common shares are fully-paid and non-assessable and are in registered form. Share certificates are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 shares.

Description of Capital Stock

Dividend Rights

Under the KEPCO Act, we are authorized to pay preferential dividends on our shares held by public shareholders as opposed to those held by the Government. Dividends to public shareholders are distributed in proportion to the number of shares of the relevant class of capital stock owned by each public shareholder following approval by the shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders. Korea Finance Corporation may receive dividends in proportion to the numbers of our shares held by them. Under the Korean Commercial Code and our Articles of Incorporation, we will pay full annual dividends on newly issued shares.

Under our Articles of Incorporation, holders of non-voting preferred shares (of which there are currently none) are entitled to receive an amount not less than 8% of their par value as determined by a resolution of the board of directors at the time of their issuance. However, if the dividends on our common shares exceed the dividends on our non-voting preferred shares, the holders of non-voting preferred shares will be entitled to participate in the distribution of such excess amount with the holders of the common shares at an equal rate.

We declare our dividend annually at the annual general meeting of shareholders which is held within three months after the end of the fiscal year. The annual dividend is paid to the shareholders on record as of the end of the fiscal year preceding the annual shareholders’ meeting. Annual dividends may be distributed either in cash or in our shares. However, a dividend of shares must be distributed at par value, and dividends in shares may not exceed one-half of the annual dividend.

Under the Korean Commercial Code and our Articles of Incorporation, we do not have an obligation to pay any annual dividend unclaimed for five years from the payment date.

The KEPCO Act provides that we shall not pay an annual dividend unless we have made up any accumulated deficit and set aside as a legal reserve an amount equal to 20.0% or more of our net profit until our accumulated reserve reaches one-half of our stated capital.

Distribution of Free Shares

In addition to dividends in the form of shares to be paid out of retained or current earnings, the Korean Commercial Code permits us to distribute to our shareholders an amount transferred from our capital surplus or legal reserve to stated capital in the form of free shares.

Voting Rights

Holders of our common shares are entitled to one vote for each common share, except that voting rights with respect to any common shares held by us or by a corporate shareholder, more than one-tenth of whose

 

113


Table of Contents

outstanding capital stock is directly or indirectly owned by us, may not be exercised. Any person (with certain exceptions) who holds more than 3% of our issued and outstanding shares cannot exercise voting rights with respect to the shares in excess of this 3% limit. See “—Limitation on Shareholdings.” Pursuant to the Korean Commercial Code and the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, cumulative voting is permissible in relation to the appointment of directors. Under the Korean Commercial Code and the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, a cumulative vote can be requested by the shareholders of a corporation representing more than 1% of the total voting shares of such corporation if the relevant shareholders’ meeting is intended to elect more than two seats of the board of directors and the request for cumulative voting is made to the management of the corporation in writing at least six weeks in advance of the shareholders’ meeting. Under this new voting method, each shareholder will have multiple voting rights corresponding to the number of directors to be appointed in such voting and may exercise all such voting rights to elect one director. Shareholders are entitled to vote cumulatively unless the Articles of Incorporation expressly prohibit cumulative voting. Our current Articles of Incorporation do not prohibit cumulative voting. Except as otherwise provided by law or our Articles of Incorporation, a resolution can be adopted at a general meeting of shareholders by affirmative majority vote of the voting shares of the shareholders present or represented at a meeting, which must also represent at least one-fourth of the voting shares then issued and outstanding. The holders of our non-voting preferred shares (other than enfranchised preferred shares (as described below)) are not entitled to vote on any resolution or to receive notice of any general meeting of shareholders unless the agenda of the meeting includes consideration of a resolution on which such holders are entitled to vote. If we are unable to pay any dividend to holders of non-voting preferred shares as provided in our Articles of Incorporation, the holders of non-voting preferred shares will become enfranchised and will be entitled to exercise voting rights until such dividends are paid. The holders of these “enfranchised preferred shares” have the same rights as holders of our common shares to request, receive notice of, attend and vote at a general meeting of shareholders. Pursuant to the KEPCO Act and our Articles of Incorporation, the appointment of standing directors, the president and standing statutory auditor are subject to shareholder approval.

Under the Korean Commercial Code and the Securities and Exchange Act, for the purpose of electing our statutory auditor, a shareholder (together with certain related persons) holding more than 3% of the total shares having voting rights may not exercise voting rights with respect to shares in excess of such 3% limit.

The Korean Commercial Code provides that the approval by holders of at least two-thirds of those shares having voting rights present or represented at a meeting, where such shares also represent at least one-third of the total issued and outstanding shares having voting rights, is required in order to, among other things:

 

   

amend our Articles of Incorporation;

 

   

remove a director or statutory auditor;

 

   

effect any dissolution, merger or consolidation of us;

 

   

transfer the whole or any significant part of our business;

 

   

effect the acquisition by us of all of the business of any other company; or

 

   

issue any new shares at a price lower than their par value.

Under our Articles of Incorporation, an approval by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy is required in order to amend the Articles of Incorporation. Any change to our authorized share capital requires an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation.

In addition, in the case of amendments to our Articles of Incorporation or any merger or consolidation of us or in certain other cases which affect the rights or interests of the non-voting preferred shares a resolution must be adopted by a meeting of the holders of non-voting preferred shares approving such event. This resolution may be adopted if approval is obtained from holders of at least two-thirds of those non-voting preferred shares present or represented at such meeting and such non-voting preferred shares also represent at least one-third of our total issued and outstanding non-voting preferred shares.

 

114


Table of Contents

A shareholder may exercise his voting rights by proxy. The proxy shall present the power of attorney prior to the start of the general meeting of shareholders. Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and our Articles of Incorporation, no one other than us may solicit a proxy from shareholders.

Subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, holders of our American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) are entitled to instruct the Depositary, whose agent is the record holder of the underlying common shares, how to exercise voting rights relating to those underlying common shares.

Preemptive Rights and Issuance of Additional Shares

Authorized but unissued shares may be issued at such times and, unless otherwise provided in the Korean Commercial Code, upon such terms as our board of directors may determine. The new shares must be offered on uniform terms to all our shareholders who have preemptive rights and who are listed on the shareholders’ register as of the record date. Subject to the limitations described under “Limitation on Shareholdings” below and with certain other exceptions, all our shareholders are entitled to subscribe for any newly issued shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings. Under the Korean Commercial Code, we may vary, without shareholder approval, the terms of such preemptive rights for different classes of shares. Public notice of the preemptive rights to new shares and their transferability must be given not less than two weeks (excluding the period during which the shareholders’ register is closed) prior to the record date. Our board of directors may determine how to distribute shares for which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of shares occur.

Our Articles of Incorporation provide that new shares that are (1) publicly offered pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, (2) issued to members of our employee stock ownership association, (3) represented by depositary receipts, (4) issued through offering to public investors or (5) issued to investors in kind under the State Property Act may be issued pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors to persons other than existing shareholders, who in such circumstances will not have preemptive rights.

We may issue convertible bonds or bonds with warrants each up to an aggregate principal amount of (Won) 2,000 billion and (Won) 1,000 billion, respectively, to persons other than existing shareholders. However, the aggregate principal amount of convertible bonds and bonds with warrants so issued to persons other than existing shareholders may not exceed (Won)2,000 billion.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and our Articles of Incorporation, members of our employee stock ownership association, whether or not they are our shareholders, have a preemptive right, subject to certain exceptions, to subscribe for up to 20.0% of any shares publicly offered pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. This right is exercisable only to the extent that the total number of shares so acquired and held by members of our employee stock ownership association does not exceed 20.0% of the total number of shares then outstanding.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of our liquidation, the assets remaining after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to the number of shares held. Holders of our non-voting preferred shares have no preference in liquidation.

Rights of Dissenting Shareholders

In certain limited circumstances (including, without limitation, the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business or the merger, or consolidation upon a split-off of us with another company), dissenting holders of shares have the right to require us to purchase their shares. To exercise such right, shareholders must submit a written notice of their intention to dissent to us prior to the general meeting of shareholders or the class meeting of holders of non-voting preferred shares, as the case may be. Within 20 days after the date on which the relevant resolution is passed at such meeting, such dissenting shareholders must request us in writing to purchase

 

115


Table of Contents

their shares. We are obligated to purchase the shares of dissenting shareholders within one month after the expiration of such 20-day period. If we cannot agree on a price through negotiation, the purchase price will be the average of (1) the weighted average of the daily share price on the Korea Exchange for a two-month period before the date of adoption of the relevant board resolution, (2) the weighted average of the daily share price on the Korea Exchange for the one month period before such date and (3) the weighted average of the daily share price on the Korea Exchange for the one week period before such date. However, if we or dissenting shareholders who requested us to purchase their shares oppose such purchase price, the determination of a purchase price may be filed with a court. Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenter’s rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying Common Stock and become our direct shareholders.

Transfer of Shares

Under the Korean Commercial Code, the transfer of shares is effected by delivery of share certificates, but in order to assert shareholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on our register of shareholders. For this purpose, shareholders are required to file one’s name, address and seal with our transfer agent. Under our Articles of Incorporation, non-resident shareholders must appoint an agent authorized to receive notices on their behalf in Korea and file a mailing address in Korea. These requirements do not apply to the holders of ADSs. Under current Korean regulations, the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), financial investment companies with a dealing, brokerage or collective investment license and internationally recognized foreign custodians are authorized to act as agents and provide related services for foreign shareholders. Our transfer agent is the Kookmin Bank, located at 9-1, Namdaemun-ro, 2-ga, Chung-ku, Seoul, Korea. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of our shares by non-residents or non-Koreans. See Item 9. “The Offer and Listing.”

Acquisition of Our Own Shares

We generally may not acquire our own shares except in certain limited circumstances, including, without limitation, a reduction in capital. Under the Korean Commercial Code, except in case of a reduction in capital, any of our shares acquired by us must be sold or otherwise transferred to a third party within a reasonable time. In general, our 50.0% or more owned-subsidiaries are not permitted to acquire our shares.

In addition, we may acquire our shares through purchase on the Korea Exchange or through a tender-offer. We may also acquire interests in our own shares through trust agreements with financial investment companies with a trust license. The aggregate purchase price for our shares may not exceed the total amount available of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year, less the amount of dividends and mandatory reserves required to be set aside for that fiscal year, subject to certain procedural requirements.

General Meeting of Shareholders

The ordinary general meeting of our shareholders is held within three months after the end of each fiscal year, and subject to board resolution or court approval, an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders may be held as necessary or at the request of shareholders holding an aggregate of 1.5% or more of our outstanding common shares for at least six months. Under the Korean Commercial Code, an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders may be convened at the request of our statutory auditor or audit committee, subject to a board resolution or court approval. Holders of non-voting preferred shares may only request a general meeting of shareholders once the non-voting preferred shares have become enfranchised as described under “—Description of Capital Stock—Voting Rights” above. Written notices setting forth the date, place and agenda of the meeting must be given to shareholders at least two weeks prior to the date of the general meeting of shareholders. However, pursuant to the Korean Commercial Code and our Articles of Incorporation, with respect to holders of less than 1% of the total number of our issued and outstanding shares which are entitled to vote, notice may be given by placing at least two public notices at least two weeks in advance of the meeting in at least two daily newspapers published in Seoul or by placing a public notice in electrical disclosure system of the Financial Supervisory Service or the Korea Exchange, at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Currently, for giving

 

116


Table of Contents

such notice, we use two daily newspapers published in Seoul as well as an electronic disclosure system available for access at a website maintained by the FSS (known as the Data Analysis, Retrieval and Transfer System, or DART). Shareholders not on the shareholders’ register as of the record date are not entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of shareholders or attend or vote at such meeting. Holders of the enfranchised preferred shares on the shareholders’ register as of the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, the general meetings. Otherwise, holders of non-voting preferred shares are not entitled to receive notice of general meetings of shareholders or vote at such meetings but may attend such meetings.

The general meeting of shareholders is held in Seoul.

Register of Shareholders and Record Dates

Our transfer agent, Kookmin Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office in Seoul, Korea. It registers transfers of our shares on the register of shareholders upon presentation of the share certificates.

The record date for annual dividends is December 31. For the purpose of determining the holders of shares entitled to annual dividends, the register of shareholders may be closed from January 1 to January 31 of each year. Further, the Korean Commercial Code and our Articles of Incorporation permit us at least two weeks’ public notice to set a record date and/or close the register of shareholders for not more than three months for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to certain rights pertaining to our shares. The trading of our shares and the delivery of certificates in respect of them may continue while the register of shareholders is closed.

Annual Report

At least one week prior to the annual general meeting of shareholders, our annual report and audited non-consolidated financial statements must be made available for inspection at our principal office and at all branch offices. Copies of annual reports, the audited non-consolidated financial statements and any resolutions adopted at the general meeting of shareholders will be available to our shareholders.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, we must file with the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange an annual report within 90 days after the end of our fiscal year, a half-year report within 45 days after the end of the first six months of our fiscal year and quarterly reports within 45 days after the end of the first three months and nine months of our fiscal year. Copies of these reports are available for public inspection at the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange.

Limitation on Shareholdings

No person other than the Government, our employee stock ownership association and persons who obtain an approval from the Financial Services Commission may hold for its account more than 3% of our total issued and outstanding shares. In calculating shareholdings for this purpose, shares held by your spouse and your certain relatives or by your certain affiliates (such spouses, relatives and affiliates are together referred to as “Affiliated Holders”) are deemed to be held by you. If you hold our shares in violation of this 3% limit, you are not entitled to exercise the voting rights or preemptive rights of our shares in excess of such 3% limit and the Financial Services Commission may order you to take necessary corrective action. In addition, the KEPCO Act currently requires that the Government, directly or through Korea Finance Corporation, own not less than 51% of our capital. For other restrictions on shareholdings, see Item 9. “The Offer and Listing.”

Change of Control

The KEPCO Act requires that the Government, directly or pursuant to the Korea Finance Corporation Act, through Korea Policy Banking Corporation, own not less than 50.0% of our capital.

 

117


Table of Contents

Disclosure of Share Ownership

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of shares with voting rights, whether in the form of shares or ADSs, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for shares and equity-related debt securities including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (collectively referred to as “Equity Securities”), together with the Equity Securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person, accounts for 5% or more of the total outstanding Equity Securities is required to report the status and purpose (in terms of whether the purpose of shareholding is to affect control over management of the issuer) of the holdings to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange within five business days after reaching the 5% ownership interest threshold. In addition, any change (i) in the ownership interest subsequent to the report which equals or exceeds 1% of the total outstanding Equity Securities; or (ii) in the shareholding purpose is required to be reported to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and Korea Exchange within five business days from the date of the change. However, reporting deadline of such reporting requirement is extended to institutional investors who hold shares for purposes other than management control by the tenth day of the month immediately following the month of share acquisition or change in their shareholding. Those who reported the purpose of shareholding is to affect control over management of the issuer are prohibited from exercising their voting rights and acquiring additional shares for five days subsequent to the report under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act.

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and may result in a loss of voting rights with respect to the ownership of unreported Equity Securities exceeding 5%. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission of Korea may issue an order to dispose of such non-reported Equity Securities.

Item 10C. Material Contracts

Not applicable.

Item 10D. Exchange Controls

General

The Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and the Presidential Decree and regulations under that Act and Decree, or collectively the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, regulate investment in Korean securities by non-residents and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Non-residents may invest in Korean securities pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws. The Financial Services Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, regulations that regulate investment by foreigners in Korean securities and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies.

Subject to certain limitations, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance has the authority to take the following actions under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws: (i) if the Government deems it necessary on account of war, armed conflict, natural disaster or grave, sudden and significant changes in domestic or foreign economic circumstances or similar events or circumstances, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may temporarily suspend performance under any or all foreign exchange transactions, in whole or in part, to which the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws apply (including suspension of payment and receipt of foreign exchange) or impose an obligation to deposit, safe-keep or sell any instruments of payment to the Bank of Korea or certain other governmental agencies or financial institutions; and (ii) if the Government concludes that the international balance of payments and international financial markets are experiencing or are likely to experience significant disruption or that the movement of capital between Korea and other countries are likely to adversely affect the Korean Won, exchange rates or other macroeconomic policies, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may take action to require any person who intends to effect or effects a capital transaction to deposit all or a portion of the instruments of payment acquired in such transactions with the Bank of Korea or certain other governmental agencies or financial institutions.

 

118


Table of Contents

Government Review of Issuances of Debt Securities and ADSs and Report for Payments

In order for us to issue debt securities of any series outside of the Republic, we are required to file a report with our designated foreign exchange bank or the Ministry of Strategy and Finance on the issuance of such debt securities, depending on the issuance amount. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance may at its discretion direct us to take measures as necessary to avoid undue exchange rate fluctuations before it accepts such report. Furthermore, in order for us to make payments of principal of or interest on the debt securities of any series and other amounts as provided in an indenture and such debt securities, we are required to present relevant documents to the designated foreign exchange bank at the time of each actual payment. The purpose of such presentation is to ensure that the actual remittance is consistent with the terms of the transaction reported to our designated foreign exchange bank or the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.

In order for us to offer for purchase shares of our common stock held in treasury in the form of ADSs or issue shares of our common stock represented by the ADSs, we are required to file a prior report of such offer or issuance with our designated foreign exchange bank or the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, depending on the offering amount. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance may at its discretion direct us to take measures as necessary to avoid undue exchange rate fluctuations before it accepts such report. No further Governmental approval is necessary for the initial offering and issuance of the ADSs.

In order for a depositary to acquire any existing shares of our common stock from holders of these shares of common stock (other than from us) for the purpose of issuance of depositary receipts representing these shares of common stock, the depositary would be required to obtain our consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with our consent for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary at the time of such proposed deposit. We may not grant this consent for the deposit of shares of our common stock in the future, if our consent is required. Therefore, a holder of ADSs who surrenders ADSs and withdraws shares of our common stock may not be permitted subsequently to deposit such shares and obtain ADSs.

In addition, we are also required to notify the Ministry of Strategy and Finance upon receipt of full proceeds from the offering of ADSs. No additional Governmental approval is necessary for the offering and issuance of ADSs.

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, if any person whose direct beneficial ownership of (1) shares having voting rights (whether in the form of shares or ADSs), (2) certificates representing the right to subscribe for shares and (3) Equity Securities, together with the Equity Securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with such person, accounts for 5% or more of the aggregate of the total outstanding shares having voting rights and those other Equity Securities which are owned by such person, then such person is required to report the status and purpose (namely, whether the purposes of the share ownership is to exercise control over the management of the issuer) of his holdings to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange within five business days after reaching the 5% ownership interest. Moreover, any change in the purpose of holding such ownership interest or change in the ownership interest subsequent to such report which equals or exceeds 1% of the total outstanding shares having voting rights and those other Equity Securities which are owned by such person is required to be reported to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange within five business days from the date of such change.

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and may result in loss of voting rights with respect to the ownership of Equity Securities exceeding 5%. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission may issue an order to dispose of such non-reported Equity Securities.

 

119


Table of Contents

In addition to the reporting requirements described above, each of our “major shareholders,” or any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of our voting stock accounts for 10.0% or more of our total issued and outstanding voting stock, must report the status of such person’s shareholding to the Korea Securities Futures Commission and the Korea Exchange within five days after such person becomes a major shareholder. Further, any change in the ownership interest subsequent to the report must be reported to the Korea Securities Futures Commission and the Korea Exchange within five days in which the change occurred. A person in violation of these reporting requirements may become subject to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment.

Restrictions Applicable to ADSs

No Governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares of our common stock underlying ADSs and the delivery inside Korea of the withdrawn shares. However, a foreigner who intends to acquire shares must obtain an Investment Registration Card from the Financial Supervisory Service as described below. The acquisition of shares by a foreigner must be reported by the foreigner or his standing proxy in Korea immediately to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service.

Special Reporting Requirement for Companies Whose Securities Are Listed on Foreign Exchanges

Under the regulations of the Financial Services Commission amended on December 24, 2009, (i) if a company listed on the Korea Exchange Stock Market or a company listed on the Korea Exchange KOSDAQ Market has submitted a public disclosure of material matters to a foreign financial investment supervisory authority pursuant to the laws of the foreign jurisdiction, then it must submit a copy of the public disclosure and a Korean translation thereof to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange, and (ii) if a Korea Exchange Stock Market-listed company or the Korea Exchange KOSDAQ Market-listed company is approved for listing on a foreign stock market or determined to be de-listed from the foreign stock market or actually listed on, or de-listed from a foreign stock market, then it must submit a copy of any document, which it submitted to or received from the relevant foreign government, foreign financial investment supervisory authority or the foreign stock market, and a Korean translation thereof to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange.

Persons who have acquired shares of our common stock as a result of the withdrawal of shares of common stock underlying ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for new shares, participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares of our common stock without any further governmental approval.

Restrictions Applicable to Common Stock

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws and Financial Services Commission regulations promulgated thereunder (together, the “Investment Rules”), foreigners are permitted to invest, subject to certain exceptions and procedural requirements, in all shares of Korean companies unless prohibited by specific laws. Foreign investors may trade shares listed on the Korea Exchange only through the Korea Exchange except for certain limited circumstances. These circumstances include, among others, (1) odd-lot trading of shares, (2) acquisition of shares by a foreign company as a result of a merger, (3) acquisition or disposal of shares in connection with a tender offer, (4) acquisition of shares by exercise of warrant, conversion right under convertible bonds, exchange right under exchangeable bonds or withdrawal right under depositary receipts issued outside of Korea by a Korean company, such shares being “converted shares,” (5) acquisition of shares through exercise of rights under securities issued outside of Korea, (6) acquisition of shares as a result of inheritance, donation, bequest or exercise of shareholders’ rights (including preemptive rights or rights to participate in free distributions and receive dividends), (7) over-the-counter transactions between foreigners of a class of shares for which a ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners (as explained below) exists and has been reached or exceeded, (8) acquisition of shares by direct investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Law, (9) acquisition and disposal of shares on an overseas stock exchange market, if such shares are simultaneously listed on the KRX

 

120


Table of Contents

KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market of the Korea Exchange and such overseas stock exchange; and (10) arm’s length transactions between foreigners in the event all such foreigners belong to an investment group managed by the same person. For over-the-counter transactions of shares listed on the Korea Exchange outside the Korea Exchange between foreigners of a class of shares for which a ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners exists and has been reached or exceeded, a financial investment company with a brokerage license in Korea must act as an intermediary. Odd-lot trading of shares listed on the Korea Exchange outside the Korea Exchange must involve a financial investment company with a dealing license in Korea as the other party. Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in margin transactions with respect to shares subject to a ceiling on acquisition by foreigners.

The Investment Rules require a foreign investor who wishes to invest in shares on the Korea Exchange (including converted shares) to register his/her identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment. However, such registration requirement does not apply to foreign investors who acquire converted shares with the intention of selling them within three months from the date they were acquired. Upon registration, the Financial Supervisory Service will issue to the foreign investor an Investment Registration Card which must be presented each time the foreign investor opens a brokerage account with a financial investment company or financial institution in Korea. Foreigners eligible to obtain an Investment Registration Card include any foreign nationals who are individuals (with residence abroad for six months or more), foreign governments, foreign municipal authorities, foreign public institutions, international financial institutions or similar international organizations, corporations incorporated under foreign laws and any person in any additional category designated by the Decree of the Minister of Strategy and Finance. All Korean branches of a foreign corporation as a group are treated as a separate foreigner from the head office of the foreign corporation. However, a foreign branch of a Korean securities company, a foreign corporation or a depositary issuing depositary receipts may obtain one or more Investment Registration Cards in its name in certain circumstances as described in the relevant regulations.

Upon a foreign investor’s purchase of shares through the Korea Exchange, no separate report by the investor is required because the Investment Registration Card system is designed to control and oversee foreign investment through a computer system. However, a foreign investor’s acquisition or sale of shares outside the Korea Exchange (as discussed above) must be reported by the foreign investor or his standing proxy to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service at the time of each acquisition or sale. However, a foreign investor must ensure that any acquisition or sale by it of shares outside the Korea Exchange in the case of trades in connection with a tender offer, odd-lot trading of shares or trades of a class of shares for which the aggregate foreign ownership limit has been reached or exceeded, is reported to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service by the Korea Securities Depository, financial investment companies with a dealing or brokerage license or securities finance companies engaged to facilitate such transactions. In the event a foreign investor desires to acquire or sell shares outside the Korea Exchange and the circumstances in connection with such sale or acquisition do not fall within the exceptions made for certain limited circumstances described above, then the foreign investor must obtain the prior approval of the Governor. In addition, in the event a foreign investor acquires or sells shares outside the Korea Exchange, a prior report to the Bank of Korea may also be required in certain circumstances. A foreign investor may appoint one or more standing proxies from among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), financial investment companies with a dealing, brokerage or collective investment license and certain eligible foreign custodians which will exercise shareholders’ rights or perform any matters related to the foregoing activities if the foreign investor does not perform these activities himself. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with these standing proxy rules with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in cases deemed inevitable by reason of conflict between the laws of Korea and those of the home country of the foreign investor.

Certificates evidencing shares of Korean companies must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea, the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), financial investment companies with a dealing, brokerage or collective investment license and certain eligible

 

121


Table of Contents

foreign custodians are eligible to be a custodian of shares for a non-resident or foreign investor. A foreign investor must ensure that his custodian deposits his shares with the Korea Securities Depository. Generally, a foreign investor may not permit any person, other than his/her standing proxy, to exercise rights relating to his shares or perform any tasks related thereto on his behalf. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with this deposit requirement with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in circumstances where compliance is made impracticable, including cases where such compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of the foreign investor.

Under the Investment Rules, with certain exceptions, a foreign investor may acquire shares of a Korean company without being subject to any single or aggregate foreign investment ceiling. However, certain designated public corporations are subject to a 40.0% ceiling on acquisitions of shares by foreigners in the aggregate and a ceiling on acquisitions of shares by a single foreign investor provided in the Articles of Incorporation of such corporations. Of the Korean companies listed on the Korea Exchange, we are so designated. The Financial Services Commission may increase or decrease these percentages if it deems it necessary for the public interest, protection of investors or industrial policy. Generally, the ownership of converted shares constitutes foreign ownership for purposes of such aggregate foreign ownership limit. However, the acquisition of converted shares is one of the exceptions under which foreign investors may acquire shares of designated corporations in excess of the 40.0% ceiling.

In addition to the aggregate foreign investment ceiling set by the Financial Services Commission under authority of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, our Articles of Incorporation set a 3% ceiling on acquisition by a single investor (whether domestic or foreign) of the shares of our common stock. Any person (with certain exceptions) who holds more than 3% of our issued and outstanding shares cannot exercise voting rights with respect to our shares in excess of this 3% limit.

The ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners applicable to us may be exceeded in certain limited circumstances, including as a result of acquisition of:

 

   

shares by a depositary issuing depositary receipts representing such shares (whether newly issued shares or outstanding shares);

 

   

converted shares;

 

   

shares from the exercise of shareholders’ rights; or

 

   

shares by gift, inheritance or bequest.

A foreigner who has acquired shares in excess of any ceiling described above may not exercise his voting rights with respect to the shares exceeding such limit and the Financial Services Commission may take necessary corrective action against him.

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, a foreign investor who intends to acquire shares must designate a foreign exchange bank at which he must open a foreign currency account and a Won account exclusively for stock investments. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at a securities company. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.

Dividends on shares of our common stock are paid in Won. No governmental approval is required for foreign investors to receive dividends on, or the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares to be paid, received and retained in Korea. Dividends paid on, and the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares held by a non-resident of Korea must be deposited either in a Won account with the investor’s securities company or the investor’s Won account. Funds in the investor’s Won account may be transferred to his foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses, provided that any withdrawal of local living expenses in excess of a certain amount is

 

122


Table of Contents

reported to the tax authorities by the foreign exchange bank at which Won account is maintained. Funds in the investor’s Won account may also be used for future investment in shares or for payment of the subscription price of new shares obtained through the exercise of preemptive rights.

Financial investment companies with a securities dealing, brokerage or collective investment license are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea. Through these accounts, these securities companies and asset management companies may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors without the foreign investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

Item 10E. Taxation

Korean Taxes

The following summary describes the material Korean tax consequences of ownership of the Registered Debt Securities and ADSs. Persons considering the purchase of the Registered Debt Securities or ADSs should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the application of the Korean income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction. Reference is also made to a tax treaty between the Republic and the United States entitled “Convention Between the Government of The Republic of Korea and the Government of the United States of America for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and the Encouragement of International Trade and Investment,” signed on June 4, 1976 and entered into force on October 20, 1979.

The following summary of Korean tax considerations applies to you so long as you are not:

 

   

a resident of Korea;

 

   

a corporation organized under Korean law or having its head office, principal place of business, or place of effective management in Korea; or

 

   

engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base to which the relevant income is attributable or with which the relevant income is effectively connected.

Registered Debt Securities

Taxation of Interest

Pursuant to the Special Tax Treatment Control Law (“STTCL”), when we make payments of interest to you on the Registered Debt Securities, no amount will be withheld from such payments for, or on account of, any income taxes of any kind imposed, levied, withheld or assessed by Korea or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.

If the tax exemption under the STTCL referred to above were to cease to be in effect, the rate of income tax or corporation tax applicable to the interest on the Registered Debt Securities would be 14% of income for a non-resident without a permanent establishment in Korea. In addition, a tax surcharge called a local income surtax would be imposed at the rate of 10.0% of the income or corporation tax (which would increase the total tax rate to 15.4%), unless reduction is available under an applicable income tax treaty. If you are a qualified resident in a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for an exemption or a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax. See the discussion under “—Shares or ADSs—Tax Treaties” below for an additional explanation on treaty benefits.

In order to obtain the benefits of an exemption or a reduced withholding tax rate under a tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the interest payment date, such evidence of tax residence as may be required by the Korean tax authorities in order to establish your entitlement to the benefits of the applicable tax treaty.

 

123


Table of Contents

Taxation of Capital Gains

Korean tax laws currently exclude from Korean taxation gains made by a non-resident without permanent establishment in Korea from the sale of a Registered Debt Security to another non-resident (except where a non-resident sells Registered Debt Securities to another non-resident who has permanent establishments in Korea). In addition, capital gains realized from the transfer of Registered Debt Securities outside Korea by non-residents with or without permanent establishments in Korea are currently exempt from taxation by virtue of the STTCL, provided that the issuance of such Registered Debt Securities is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL. If you sell or otherwise dispose of a Registered Debt Security through other ways than those mentioned above, any gain realized on the transaction will be taxable at ordinary Korean withholding tax rates (which is the lesser of 22.0% (including local income surtax) of the net gain or 11.0% (including local income surtax) of the gross sale proceeds, subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost of such Registered Debt Securities and net of certain direct transaction costs attributable to the disposal of such Registered Debt Securities), unless an exemption is available under an applicable income tax treaty. See the discussion under “—Shares or ADSs—Tax Treaties” below for an additional explanation on treaty benefits.

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

If you die while you are the holder of Registered Debt Securities, the subsequent transfer of the Registered Debt Securities by way of succession will be subject to Korean inheritance tax. Similarly, if you transfer Registered Debt Securities as a gift, the donee will be subject to Korean gift tax and you may be required to pay the gift tax if the donee fails to do so.

At present, Korea has not entered into any tax treaty relating to inheritance or gift taxes.

Shares or ADSs

Dividends on the Shares of Common Stock or ADSs

We will deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends (whether in cash or in shares) paid to you at a rate of 22% (inclusive of local income surtax). If you are a qualified resident in a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax. See the discussion under “—Tax Treaties” below for an additional explanation on treaty benefits.

In order to obtain the benefits of a reduced withholding tax rate under a tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the dividend payment date, such evidence of tax residence as may be required by the Korean tax authorities in order to establish your entitlement to the benefits of the applicable tax treaty. Evidence of tax residence may be submitted to us through the ADS depositary. If we distribute to you free shares representing a transfer of certain capital reserves or asset revaluation reserves into paid-in capital, such distribution may be subject to Korean withholding tax.

Taxation of Capital Gains

As a general rule, capital gains earned by non-residents upon the transfer of the common shares or ADSs would be subject to Korean withholding tax at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) 11.0% of the gross proceeds realized or (ii) 22.0% of the net realized gain (subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition costs and certain direct transaction costs arising out of the transfer of such common shares or ADSs), unless such non-resident is exempt from Korean income taxation under an applicable Korean tax treaty into which Korea has entered with the non-resident’s country of tax residence. Please see the discussion under “—Tax Treaties” below for an additional explanation on treaty benefits. Even if you do not qualify for any exemption under a tax treaty, you will not be subject to the foregoing withholding tax on capital gains if you qualify for the relevant Korean domestic tax law exemptions discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

124


Table of Contents

You will not be subject to Korean income taxation on capital gains realized upon the transfer of our common stocks or ADSs through the Korea Exchange if you (i) have no permanent establishment in Korea and (ii) did not own or have not owned (together with any shares owned by any entity which you have a certain special relationship with and possibly including the shares represented by the ADSs) 25.0% or more of our total issued and outstanding shares at any time during the calendar year in which the sale occurs and during the five calendar years prior to the calendar year in which the sale occurs.

It should be noted that (i) capital gains earned by you (regardless of whether you have a permanent establishment in Korea) from the transfer of ADSs outside Korea will be exempted from Korean income taxation provided that ADSs are deemed to have been issued overseas, but (ii) if and when an owner of the underlying shares of stock transfers ADSs after conversion of the underlying shares into ADSs, the exemption described in (i) is not applicable.

If you are subject to tax on capital gains with respect to the sale of ADSs, or of shares of common stock which you acquired as a result of a withdrawal, the purchaser or, in the case of the sale of shares of common stock on the Korea Exchange or through an investment dealer or investment broker under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, an investment dealer or investment broker is required to withhold Korean tax from the sales price in an amount equal to 11.0% (including resident surtax) of the gross realization proceeds and to make payment of these amounts to the Korean tax authority, unless you establish your entitlement to an exemption under an applicable tax treaty or domestic tax law or produce satisfactory evidence of your acquisition cost and transaction costs for the shares of common stock or the ADSs.

However, if you transfer the ADSs following an exchange of the underlying shares of stock owned by you for ADSs, you are obligated to file a corporate income tax return and pay tax on gain realized from such transfer unless a purchaser or an investment dealer or investment broker, as the case may be, withholds and remits the tax on capital gains derived from transfer of ADSs, as discussed above. Further, if you transfer the shares of common stock outside of Korea (excluding a transfer on a foreign exchange) to non-residents or foreign companies without having permanent establishments in Korea, you are obligated to file an income tax return and pay income tax on capital gain realized from such transfer unless exempt under an applicable tax treaty or domestic law. If a purchaser or an investment dealer or investment broker, as the case may be, withholders and remits the tax on capital gains derived from transfer of shares of common stock or ADSs, your obligation to file an income tax return and pay income tax will be exempt.

To obtain the benefit of an exemption from tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you much submit to the purchaser or the investment dealer or the investment broker, or through the ADS depositary, as the case may be, prior to or at the time of payment, such evidence of your tax residence as the Korean tax authorities may require in support of your claim for treaty benefits. Please see the discussion under “—Tax Treaties” below for an additional explanation on claiming treaty benefits.

Tax Treaties

Korea has entered into a number of income tax treaties with other countries (including the United States), which would reduce or exempt Korean withholding tax on dividends on, and capital gains on transfer of, shares of our common stock or ADSs. For example, under the Korea-United States income tax treaty, reduced rates of Korean withholding tax of 16.5% or 11.0% (respectively, including local income surtax, depending on your shareholding ratio) on dividends and an exemption from Korean withholding tax on capital gains are available to residents of the United States that are beneficial owners of the relevant dividend income or capital gains. However, under Article 17 (Investment of Holding Companies) of the Korea-United States income tax treaty, such reduced rates and exemption do not apply if (i) you are a United States corporation, (ii) by reason of any special measures, the tax imposed on you by the United States with respect to such dividends or capital gains is substantially less than the tax generally imposed by the United States on corporate profits, and (iii) 25.0% or more of your capital is held of record or is otherwise determined, after consultation between competent authorities of the United States and Korea, to be owned directly or indirectly by one or more persons who are not

 

125


Table of Contents

individual residents of the United States. Also, under Article 16 (Capital Gains) of the Korea-United States income tax treaty, the exemption on capital gains does not apply if you are an individual, and (a) you maintain a fixed base in Korea for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year and your ADSs or shares of common stock giving rise to capital gains are effectively connected with such fixed base or (b) you are present in Korea for a period or periods of 183 days or more during the taxable year.

You should inquire for yourself whether you are entitled to the benefit of an income tax treaty with Korea. It is the responsibility of the party claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty in respect of dividend payments or capital gains to submit to us, the purchaser or the investment dealer or the investment broker, as applicable, a certificate as to his tax residence. In the absence of sufficient proof, we, the purchaser or the investment dealer or the investment broker, as applicable, must withhold tax at the normal rates. Further, in order for you to obtain the benefit of a tax exemption on certain Korean source income (e.g., interest, dividends and capital gains) under an applicable tax treaty, Korean tax law requires you (or your agent) to submit the application for tax exemption along with a certificate of your tax residency issued by a competent authority of your country of tax residence, subject to certain exceptions. Such application should be submitted to the relevant district tax office by the ninth day of the month following the date of the first payment of such income.

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

If you die while holding an ADS or donate an ADS, it is unclear whether, for Korean inheritance and gift tax purposes, you will be treated as the owner of the shares of common stock underlying the ADSs. If the tax authority interprets depositary receipts as the underlying share certificates, you may be treated as the owner of the shares of common stock and your heir or the donee (or in certain circumstances, you as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax presently at the rate of 10.0% to 50.0%; depending on the value of the ADSs or shares of common stock.

If you die while holding a share of common stock or donate a share of common stock, your heir or donee (or in certain circumstances, you as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax at the same rate as indicated above.

At present, Korea has not entered into any tax treaty relating to inheritance or gift taxes.

Securities Transaction Tax

If you transfer shares of common stock on the Stock Market of the Korea Exchange, you will be subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.15% and an agriculture and fishery special surtax at the rate of 0.15% of the sale price of the shares of common stock. If your transfer of the shares of common stock is not made on the Stock Market of the Korea Exchange, subject to certain exceptions you will be subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.5% and will not be subject to an agriculture and fishery special surtax.

With respect to transfer of ADSs, a tax ruling issued in 2004 by the Korean tax authority appears to hold that depositary receipts (which the ADS falls under) constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax.

However, in May 2007, the Seoul Administrative Court held that depositary receipts do not constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. Such decision made by the Seoul Administrative Court case was upheld by the Seoul High Court and the tax authorities appealed such decision in the Supreme Court. In 2008, the Supreme Court dismissed the tax authorities’ appeal against the High Court decision, making the High Court decision final for the case. However, since the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal without ruling on the substantive law, it is not clear whether such decision can serve as precedent for similar issues in the future. Even if depositary receipts, which the ADSs fall under, constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax under the Securities Transaction Tax Law, capital gains from a transfer of depositary receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ National Market or other qualified foreign exchanges will be exempt from the securities transaction tax.

 

126


Table of Contents

In principle, the securities transaction tax, if applicable, must be paid by the transferor of the shares or rights. When the transfer is effected through the Korea Securities Depository, the Korea Securities Depository is generally required to withhold and pay the tax to the tax authorities. When such transfer is made through an investment dealer or investment broker under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act only, such investment dealer or investment broker is required to withhold and pay the tax. Where the transfer is effected by a non-resident without a permanent establishment in Korea, other than through the Korea Securities Depository or an investment dealer or investment broker, the transferee is required to withhold the securities transaction tax for payment to the Korean tax authority.

U.S. Federal Income and Estate Tax Considerations for U.S. Persons

The following is a summary of certain U.S. Federal income and estate tax consequences for beneficial owners of the Registered Debt Securities, common stock and ADSs that are “U.S. Persons.” For purposes of this summary, you are a “U.S. Person” if you are any of the following for U.S. Federal income tax purposes:

 

   

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. Federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust if (1) it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

This summary is based on current law, which is subject to change (perhaps retroactively), is for general purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. This summary does not represent a detailed description of the federal income and estate tax consequences to you in light of your particular circumstances. The discussion set forth below is applicable to you if (i) you are a resident of the United States for purposes of the current income tax treaty between the United States and Korea (the “Treaty”), (ii) your Registered Debt Securities, common stock or ADSs are not, for purposes of the Treaty, effectively connected with a permanent establishment in Korea and (iii) you otherwise qualify for the full benefits of the Treaty. Except where noted, it deals only with Registered Debt Securities, common stock or ADSs held as capital assets, and it does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. Federal income and estate tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. Federal income tax laws (including if you are a dealer in securities or currencies, a financial institution, a regulated investment company, a real estate investment trust, an insurance company, a tax exempt organization, a person holding the Registered Debt Securities, common stock or ADSs as part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction, constructive sale or straddle, a person owning 10.0% or more of our voting stock, a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings, a person liable for the alternative minimum tax, an investor in a pass-through entity, or a U.S. Person whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar). We cannot assure you that a change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.

If a partnership holds the Registered Debt Securities, common stock or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our Registered Debt Securities, common stock, or ADSs, you should consult your tax advisor.

Because of the 100 year maturity of the One Hundred Year 7.95% Zero-to-Full Debentures, due April 1, 2096 (the “ZTF Debentures”), it is not certain whether the ZTF Debentures will be treated as debt for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. The discussion below assumes that the ZTF Debentures (as well as the other

 

127


Table of Contents

Registered Debt Securities) will be treated as debt, except that a summary of the consequences to you if the ZTF Debentures were not treated as debt is provided under “Tax Consequences with Respect to Registered Debt Securities Generally—Payments—ZTF Debentures Treated as Equity” below.

The discussion of the tax consequences of ownership of common stock and ADSs below, is based, in part, upon representations made by the Depositary to us and assumes that the Deposit Agreement, and all other related agreements, will be performed in accordance with their terms.

You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the particular U.S. Federal income and estate tax consequences to you of the ownership of the Registered Debt Securities, common stock and ADSs, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Tax Consequences with respect to Registered Debt Securities Generally

Payments

Except as provided below with regard to original issue discount on the ZTF Debentures, interest payments on a Registered Debt Security will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income at the time it is paid or accrued in accordance with your method of accounting for tax purposes. Principal payments on an amortizing Registered Debt Security generally will constitute a tax-free return of capital to you.

Although interest payments to you are currently exempt from Korean taxation, if the Korean law providing for the exemption is repealed, then, in addition to interest payments on the Registered Debt Securities and original issue discount (as defined below) on the ZTF Debentures, you will be required to include in income any additional amounts and any Korean tax withheld from interest payments notwithstanding that you in fact did not receive such withheld tax. You may be entitled to deduct or credit such Korean tax (up to the Treaty rate), subject to applicable limitations in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Your election to deduct or credit foreign taxes will apply to all of your foreign taxes for a particular taxable year. Interest income on a Registered Debt Security (including additional amounts and any Korean taxes withheld in respect thereof) and original issue discount on a ZTF Debenture generally will constitute foreign source income and generally will be considered passive category income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit. You may be denied a foreign tax credit for Korean taxes imposed with respect to the Registered Debt Securities where you do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which you are not protected from risk of loss. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

Original Issue Discount

The ZTF Debentures were issued with original issue discount, or OID, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between (i) the sum of all scheduled amounts payable on the ZTF Debentures (including the interest payable on such ZTF Debentures) and (ii) the “issue price” of the ZTF Debentures. The “issue price” of each ZTF Debenture is the first price at which a substantial amount of the ZTF Debentures was sold to the public (other than to an underwriter, broker, placement agent or wholesaler). If you hold ZTF Debentures, then you generally must include OID in gross income in advance of the receipt of cash attributable to that income, regardless of your method of accounting. However, you generally will not be required to include separately in income cash payments received on the ZTF Debentures, even if denominated as interest.

The amount of OID includible in income by the initial holder of a ZTF Debenture is the sum of the “daily portions” of OID with respect to the ZTF Debenture for each day during the taxable year or portion of the taxable year in which such holder held such ZTF Debenture, or accrued OID, (for a discussion relevant to subsequent purchasers, see “—Market Discount” and “—Bond Premium”, below). The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day in any “accrual period” a pro rata portion of the OID allocable to that accrual period. The “accrual period” for a ZTF Debenture may be of any length and may vary in length over the term of the ZTF

 

128


Table of Contents

Debenture, provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs on the first day or the final day of an accrual period. The amount of OID allocable to any accrual period other than the final accrual period is an amount equal to the product of the ZTF Debenture’s adjusted issue price at the beginning of such accrual period and its yield to maturity (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and properly adjusted for the length of the accrual period). OID allocable to a final accrual period is the difference between the amount payable at maturity and the adjusted issue price at the beginning of the final accrual period. The “adjusted issue price” of a ZTF Debenture at the beginning of any accrual period is equal to its issue price increased by the accrued OID for each prior accrual period (for subsequent purchasers, determined without regard to the amortization of any acquisition or bond premium, as described below) and reduced by any payments previously made on such ZTF Debenture. Under these rules, you will have to include in income increasingly greater amounts of OID in successive accrual periods. We are required to provide information returns stating the amount of OID accrued on ZTF Debentures held of record by persons other than corporations and other exempt holders.

As discussed above, although interest payments to you are currently exempt from Korean taxation, if the Korean law providing for the exemption is repealed, then Korean withholding tax may be imposed at times that differ from the times at which you are required to include interest or OID in income for U.S. Federal income tax purposes and this disparity may limit the amount of foreign tax credit available.

Market Discount

If you purchase a Registered Debt Security other than a ZTF Debenture for an amount that is less than its stated redemption price at maturity, or, in the case of a ZTF Debenture, its adjusted issue price, the amount of the difference will be treated as “market discount” for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, unless that difference is less than a specified de minimis amount. Under the market discount rules, you will be required to treat any payment, other than qualified stated interest (as defined in the Code), on, or any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of, a Registered Debt Security as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount that you have not previously included in income and are treated as having accrued on the Registered Debt Security at the time of its payment or disposition. In addition, you may be required to defer, until the maturity of the Registered Debt Security or its earlier disposition in a taxable transaction, the deduction of all or a portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness attributable to the Registered Debt Security.

Any market discount will be considered to accrue ratably during the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the Registered Debt Security, unless you elect to accrue on a constant interest method. Your election to accrue market discount on a constant interest method is to be made for the taxable year in which you acquired the Registered Debt Security, applies only to that Registered Debt Security and cannot be revoked. You may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues, on either a ratable or constant interest method, in which case the rule described above regarding deferral of interest deductions will not apply. Your election to include market discount in income currently, once made, applies to all market discount obligations acquired by you on or after the first taxable year to which your election applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election.

Bond Premium

If you purchase a ZTF Debenture for an amount that is greater than its adjusted issue price but equal to or less than the sum of all amounts payable on the ZTF Debenture after the purchase date, you will be considered to have purchased that ZTF Debenture at an “acquisition premium.” Under the acquisition premium rules, the amount of OID that you must include in gross income with respect to a ZTF Debenture for any taxable year will be reduced by the portion of the acquisition premium properly allocable to that year.

If you purchase a Registered Debt Security for an amount in excess of the sum of all amounts payable on the Registered Debt Security after the purchase date other than qualified stated interest, you will be considered to

 

129


Table of Contents

have purchased the Registered Debt Security at a “premium” and, if such Registered Debt Security is a ZTF Debenture, you will not be required to include any OID in income. You generally may elect to amortize the premium over the remaining term of the Registered Debt Security on a constant yield method as an offset to interest when includible in income under your regular accounting method. In the case of instruments that provide for alternative payment schedules, bond premium is calculated by assuming that (a) you will exercise or not exercise options in a manner that maximizes your yield, and (b) we will exercise or not exercise options in a manner that minimizes your yield (except that we will be assumed to exercise call options in a manner that maximizes your yield). If you do not elect to amortize bond premium, that premium will decrease the gain or increase the loss you would otherwise recognize on disposition of a Registered Debt Security. Your election to amortize premium on a constant yield method will also apply to all debt obligations held or subsequently acquired by you on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. You may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election.

Sale, Exchange and Retirement of Registered Debt Securities

When you sell, exchange or retire a Registered Debt Security, you will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount you receive (not including an amount equal to any accrued qualified stated interest, which will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent not previously included in income) and your adjusted tax basis in the Registered Debt Security. Your tax basis in a Registered Debt Security other than a ZTF Debenture will generally be your cost of obtaining the Registered Debt Security increased by any market discount included in income and reduced by payments of principal you receive and any bond premium that you elect to amortize. Your adjusted tax basis in a ZTF Debenture will, in general, be your cost therefore, increased by any market discount and OID previously included in income and reduced by any cash payments on the ZTF Debentures and any bond premium that you elect to amortize. Your gain or loss realized on selling, exchanging or retiring a Registered Debt Security will generally be treated as United States source income. Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean tax imposed on the disposition of Registered Debt Securities unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. Except as described above with respect to market discount, your gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale, exchange or retirement of a Registered Debt Security, you have held the Registered Debt Security for more than one year. If you are an individual and the Registered Debt Security being sold, exchanged or retired is a capital asset that you held for more than one year, you may be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any capital gain recognized. Your ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations.

ZTF Debentures Treated as Equity

If the ZTF Debentures were treated as equity for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, amounts deemed paid with respect to the ZTF Debentures would be deemed dividends for U.S. Federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. Federal income tax purposes).

You would include the amounts deemed paid by us on the ZTF Debentures (before reduction for Korean withholding tax, if any) as dividend income when actually or constructively paid by KEPCO. Section 305 of the Code, which would apply to the ZTF Debentures if they were treated as equity for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, requires current accrual of dividends under principles similar to the accrual of OID. Amounts treated as dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations.

Tax Consequences with respect to Common Stock and ADSs

In general, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, holders of ADSs will be treated as the owners of the underlying common stock that is represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of common stock by holders of ADSs will not be subject to U.S. Federal income tax. However, the U.S. Treasury has

 

130


Table of Contents

expressed concerns that intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADS and the issuer of the security underlying the ADS may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by the holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the analysis of creditability of Korean taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described below, could be affected by future actions that may be taken by such intermediaries.

Distributions on Common Stock or ADSs

The gross amount of distributions (other than certain distributions of common stock or rights to subscribe for common stock) to holders of common stock or ADSs (including amounts withheld in respect of Korean withholding taxes) will be treated as dividend income to such holders, to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. Federal income tax principles. Such income (including withheld taxes) will be includable in the gross income of a holder as ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by the holder, in the case of common stock, or by the Depositary, in the case of ADSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.

With respect to non-corporate U.S. Persons, certain dividends paid by a qualified foreign corporation and received by such holders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States, if such treaty contains an exchange of information provision and the United States Treasury Department had determined that the treaty is satisfactory for purposes of the legislation. The United States Treasury Department has determined that the Treaty, which contains an exchange of information provision, is (in the absence of additional guidance) satisfactory for these purposes. In addition, we believe we are eligible for the benefits of the United States-Korean income tax treaty. However, a foreign corporation is also treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid by that corporation on shares (or ADSs backed by such shares) that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Our shares will generally not be considered readily tradable for these purposes. United States Treasury Department guidance indicates that our ADSs, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. There can be no assurance that our ADSs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. Non-corporate U.S. Persons that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from a risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the foregoing rules to their particular circumstances.

The amount of any dividend paid in Won will equal the United States dollar value of the Won received calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by the holder, in the case of common stock, or by the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the Won are converted into U.S. dollars. If the Won received as a dividend are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a holder will have a basis in the Won equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Won will be treated as United States source ordinary income or loss. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of distribution.

The maximum rate of withholding tax on dividends paid to you pursuant to the Treaty is 16.5%. You will be required to properly demonstrate to us and the Korean tax authorities your entitlement to the reduced rate of

 

131


Table of Contents

withholding under the Treaty. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Korean withholding taxes (up to the Treaty rate) will be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against your U.S. Federal income tax liability. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid on the common stock or ADSs will be treated as foreign source income and will generally constitute passive category income. Further, in certain circumstances, if you have held common stock or ADSs for less than a specified minimum period during which you are not protected from risk of loss, or are obligated to make payments related to the dividends, you will not be allowed a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on dividends paid on common stock or ADSs. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances including the possible adverse impact on creditability to the extent you are entitled to a refund of any Korean tax withheld or a reduced rate of withholding.

To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined under U.S. Federal income tax principles, the distribution will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted basis of the common stock or ADSs (thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by the investor on a subsequent disposition of the common stock or ADSs), and the balance in excess of adjusted basis will be taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange of property. Consequently, such distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would not give rise to foreign source income and you generally would not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean withholding tax imposed on such distributions unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. tax due on other foreign source income in the appropriate category for foreign tax credit purposes. However, we do not expect to keep earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. Federal income tax principles. Therefore, you should expect that a distribution will generally be treated as a dividend (as discussed above).

Distributions of common stock or rights to subscribe for common stock that are received as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. Federal income tax. Consequently such distributions will not give rise to foreign source income and you generally will not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean withholding tax unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. tax due on other income derived from foreign sources. The basis of the new common stock or rights so received will be determined by allocating your basis in the old common stock between the old common stock and the new common stock or rights received, based on their relative fair market value on the date of distribution. However, the basis of the rights will be zero if (i) the fair market value of the rights is less than 15% of the fair market value of the old common stock at the time of distribution, unless the taxpayer elects to determine the basis of the old common stock and of the rights by allocating between the old common stock and the rights the adjusted basis of the old common stock or (ii) the rights are not exercised and thus expire.

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of ADSs or Common Stock

Upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADSs or common stock, you generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs or common stock. The capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of sale, exchange or other disposition, the ADSs or common stock have been held by you for more than one year. Under current law, long-term capital gains of individuals are, under certain circumstances, taxed at lower rates than items of ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss recognized by you will generally be treated as U.S. source gain or loss. Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean tax imposed on the disposition of ADSs or common stock unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources.

You should note that any Korean securities transaction tax will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, although you may be entitled to deduct such taxes, subject to applicable limitations under the Code.

 

132


Table of Contents

Estate and Gift Taxation

As discussed above in “—Korean Taxes—Registered Debt Securities—Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax” and “—Korean Taxes—Shares or ADSs—Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax,” Korea may impose an inheritance tax on your heir who receives ADSs and will impose an inheritance tax on an heir who receives common stock or Registered Debt Securities. The amount of any inheritance tax paid to Korea may be eligible for credit against the amount of U.S. Federal estate tax imposed on your estate. Prospective purchasers should consult their personal tax advisors to determine whether and to what extent they may be entitled to such credit. Korea also imposes a gift tax on the donation of any property located within Korea. The Korean gift tax generally will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for United States tax purposes.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In general, information reporting requirements will apply to principal, interest, OID and premium payments on Registered Debt Securities and dividend payments in respect to the common stock or ADSs or the proceeds received on the sale, exchange, or redemption of the Registered Debt Securities, common stock or ADSs paid within the United States (and in certain cases, outside of the United States) to holders other than certain exempt recipients, and a backup withholding may apply to such amounts if you fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number or to report interest and dividends required to be shown on your U.S. Federal income tax returns. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. Federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

Item 10F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not Applicable

Item 10G. Statements by Experts

Not Applicable

Item 10H. Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You may inspect and copy these materials, including this report and the exhibits thereto, at SEC’s Public Reference Room 100 Fifth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. As a foreign private issuer, we are also required to make filings with the Commission by electronic means. Any filings we make electronically will be available to the public over the Internet at the Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 10I. Subsidiary Information

Not Applicable

 

133


Table of Contents

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risk exposures are to fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and fuel prices. We are exposed to foreign exchange risk related to foreign currency denominated liabilities. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 25.3% of our long-term debt (including the current portion and discount on debentures and premium on debentures) was denominated in foreign currencies, principally in the U.S. dollar, Yen and Euro. However, substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. As a result, changes in exchange rates, particularly between the Won and the U.S. dollar, significantly affect us due to our significant amounts of foreign currency denominated debt and the effect of such changes on the amount of funds required by us to make interest and principal payments on such debt. In order to reduce the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations, we have recently been reducing and plan to continue to reduce the proportion of our debt which is denominated in foreign currencies and the proportion of its foreign currency debt which is denominated in U.S. dollars.

We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk related to our purchases of fuels since we obtain substantially all of our fuel materials (other than anthracite coal) directly or indirectly from sources outside Korea. Prices for such fuel materials are quoted based on prices stated in, and in many cases are paid for in, currencies other than Won. In 2009, fuel costs represented 44.9% of our revenue from the sale of electric power.

We are exposed to interest rate risk due to significant amounts of debt. Upward fluctuations in interest rates increase the cost of additional debt and the interest cost of outstanding floating rate borrowings. We are also exposed to fluctuations in prices of fuel materials. In 2009, for electricity generation, uranium accounted for 36.3% of our fuel requirements, coal accounted for 47.6%, oil accounted for 3.1% and LNG accounted for 11.9%. In 2008, measured on the same basis, uranium accounted for 38.2% of our fuel requirements, coal accounted for 44.1%, oil accounted for 2.2% and LNG accounted for 14.5%, measured in each case by the amount of electricity we generated.

For additional discussions of our market risks, see Item 3D. “Risk Factors” and Item 5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity.”

We have entered into various swap contracts to hedge exchange rate risks arising from foreign currency-denominated debts. Details of currency swap contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

    Contract
Year
  Settlement
Year
  Contract amounts in millions   Contract interest rate
per annum

Counterparty

      Pay   Receive   Pay (%)   Receive (%)

ABN AMRO

  2008   2011     KRW29,190   US$ 30   4.15   3M Libor
+ 1.3

ABN AMRO

  2008   2011   KRW 28,050   JPY 3,000   4.50   Libor + 1.3

ABN AMRO

  2008   2013   KRW 149,040   US$ 150   5.03   5.38

ANZ

  2008   2011   KRW 52,025   US$ 50   5.17   3M USD Libor
+ 1.80

ANZ

  2008   2011   KRW 18,700   JPY 2,000   4.50   Libor + 1.3

Barclays

  2008   2013   KRW 187,020   US$ 200   7.50   7.75

Barclays

  2006   2016   KRW 94,735   US$ 100   5.26   6.00

Barclays

  2008   2013   KRW 56,652   US$ 60   4.96   5.38

Barclays

  2006   2016   KRW 71,888   US$ 75   4.81   5.50

Barclays

  2004   2011   KRW 138,252   US$ 120   4.85   4.88

Barclays

  2004   2014   KRW 172,875   US$ 150   5.10   5.75

BNP Paribas

  2008   2011   KRW 52,375   US$ 50   5.92   3M USD Libor
+ 1.80

BNP Paribas

  2008   2011   KRW 48,650   US$ 50   4.15   3M Libor +
1.3

BNP Paribas

  2004   2011   KRW 17,282   US$ 15   4.85   4.88

BNP Paribas

  2008   2011   KRW 46,750   JPY 5,000   4.50   Libor + 1.3

 

134


Table of Contents
    Contract
Year
  Settlement
Year
  Contract amounts in millions   Contract interest rate
per annum

Counterparty

      Pay   Receive   Pay (%)   Receive (%)

BTMU

  2007   2010   KRW 109,060   JPY 14,000   5.29   3M JPY
EURO YEN
Tibor + 0.5

BTMU

  2010   2012   KRW 138,018   JPY 10,000   4.10   3M EURO
YENT+0.5

Calyon

  2008   2011   KRW 52,375   US$ 50   5.92   3M USD Libor
+ 1.80

Citibank

  2006   2016   KRW 94,735   US$ 100   5.24   6.00

Citigroup

  2008   2013   KRW 113,304   US$ 120   4.96   5.38

Credit Suisse

  2008   2013   KRW 140,265   US$ 150   7.39   7.75

Credit Suisse

  2004   2011   KRW 86,400   US$ 75   Within 3 years:

4.875

[After 3 years:

4.875-(10.9-JPY/

KRW
Spot rate)]

  4.95

Credit Suisse

  2006   2016   KRW 98,100   US$ 100   5.48   5.50

Credit Suisse

  2006   2016   KRW 94,735   US$ 100   5.26   6.00

Credit Suisse

  2009   2011   KRW 197,475   US$ 150   5.00   4.75

Credit Suisse

  2004   2011   KRW 115,210   US$ 100   4.85   4.88

DBS

  2008   2011   KRW 51,730   US$ 50   5.78   3M USD Libor
+ 1.70

DBS

  2008   2011   KRW 52,375   US$ 50   6.01   3M USD Libor
+ 1.80

Deutsche Bank

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   US$ 100   5.39   6.25

Deutsche Bank

  2008   2010   KRW 172,959   EUR 125   2.46   3.13

Deutsche Bank

  2006   2016   KRW 71,888   US$ 75   4.81   5.50

Deutsche Bank

  2008   2013   KRW 149,040   US$ 150   5.03   5.38

Goldman Sachs

  2008   2013   KRW 113,304   US$ 120   4.96   5.38

ING

  2008   2011   KRW 50,495   US$ 50   6.24   6M USD Libor
+ 1.50

JPMorgan Chase Bank

  2004   2011   KRW 86,400   US$ 75   Within 3 years:
4.875

[After 3 years:

4.875-(10.9-JPY/

KRW
Spot rate)]

  4.95

Merrill Lynch

  2008   2010   KRW 86,479   EUR 63   2.46   3.13

Mizuho

  2008   2011   KRW 28,860   JPY 3,000   5.82   3M JPY Libor
+ 1.70

Morgan Stanley

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   US$ 100   5.32   6.25

Nomura

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   US$ 100   5.35   6.25

Nomura

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   US$ 100   5.33   6.25

SMBC

  2007   2010   KRW 116,620   JPY 14,000   4.56   1.38

TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ BANK

 

2007

 

2010

 

KRW

112,600

 

JPY

14,000

 

5.09

 

JPY Euro Yen
3m Timor+0.5

UBS

  2008   2010   KRW 86,479   EUR 62,500   2.46   3.13

UBS AG

  2006   2016   KRW 98,100   US$ 100   5.48   5.50

Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Bank

  2007   2010   KRW 115,783   JPY 14,000   4.72   1.65

Woori Investment & Securities

 

2008

 

2011

 

KRW

10,346

 

US$

10

 

5.78

 

3M USD Libor
+ 1.70

Woori Investment & Securities

  2008   2011   KRW 19,460   US$ 20   4.15   3M Libor+1.3

Hana Bank

  2004   2011   KRW 17,282   US$ 15   4.85   4.88

 

135


Table of Contents

Under these currency swap contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of (Won)12 million and loss of (Won)383 billion in 2009.

Details of interest rate contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Notional amount
in millions
   Contract interest rate per annum     

Counterparty

      Pay (%)    Receive (%)    Term

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 50,000    5.19    3M CD+0.22%    2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 50,000    5.42    3M CD+0.21%    2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 100,000    5.42    3M CD+0.22%    2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 100,000    5.54    3M CD+0.27%    2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 100,000    5.30    3M CD+0.35%    2008-2011

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 100,000    5.17    3M CD+0.38%    2008-2011

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 200,000    4.69    4.88%    2009-2011

Korea Exchange Bank

   KRW 100,000    CD 3M+0.54    3M CD+0.66%    2009-2012

Korea Development Bank

   KRW 100,000    6.32    3M CD+0.66%    2008-2011

JPMorgan Chase Bank

   KRW 172,800    4.65    Within 2 years: 4.875

[After 2 years:

4.875-(10.9-JPY/

KRW Spot rate)]

   2005-2011

JPMorgan Chase Bank

   KRW 100,000    6.13    CD+0.54%    2008-2011

ABN AMRO

   KRW 100,000    4.79    CD+0.55%    2009-2012

Under these interest rate swap contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of (Won)14 billion and loss of (Won)300 million in 2009.

 

136


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts, fair values, principal cash flows by maturity date and weighed-average interest rates of short-term and long-term liabilities of us and our generation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 which are sensitive to exchange rates and/or interest rates. The information is presented in Won, which is our reporting currency.

 

     Maturities  
      2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     Thereafter     Total  
     (In millions of Won, except rates)  

Local currency:

              

Fixed rate

   3,447,495      4,592,841      4,419,218      4,390,325      4,570,812      4,697,152      26,117,843   

Average weighted rate(1)

   4.99   5.72   5.37   5.56   5.67   5.67   5.49

Variable rate

   1,147,537      618,102      1,247,555      415,285      101,500      140,476      3,670,455   

Average weighted rate(1)

   4.03   5.07   4.55   6.79   4.00   3.44   4.67
                                          

Sub-total

   4,595,032      5,210,943      5,666,773      4,805,610      4,672,312      4,837,628      29,788,298   
                                          

Foreign currency(2) :

              

Fixed rate

   —        50,374      350,280      —        1,284,360      1,276,877      2,961,891   

Average weighted rate(1)

   —        1.32   5.25   —        5.91   5.98   5.76

Variable rate

   —        —        —        —           

Average weighted rate(1)

   —        —        —        —           
                                          

Sub-total

   —        50,374      350,280      —        1,284,360      1,276,877      2,961,891   
                                          

Total

   4,595,032      5,261,317      6,017,053      4,805,610      5,956,672      6,114,505      32,750,189   
                                          

 

Notes:

 

(1) Weighted average rates of the portfolio at the period end.
(2) Based on information following swap transaction.

The following analysis sets forth the sensitivity of our non-consolidated net income before income taxes (our “pre-tax income”) to changes in exchange rates, interest rates and fuel costs. For purposes of this section, we and the generation subsidiaries will be deemed one entity. The range of changes in such risk categories represents our view of the changes that are reasonably possible over a one-year period, although it is difficult to predict such changes as a result of adverse economic developments in Korea. See Item 3D. “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Korea and the Global Economy—Adverse developments in Korea may adversely affect us.” The following discussion only addresses material market risks faced by us and does not discuss other risks which we face in the normal course of business, including country risk, credit risk and legal risk. Unless otherwise specified, all calculations are made under Korean GAAP.

The following modeling assumptions were made in the following sensitivity analysis for 2010 and 2011:

 

  (1) For any one year period, the Won/U.S. dollar exchange rate at the beginning of such period was assumed to be (Won)1,167.6 to US$1.00, which was the market exchange rate as of December 31, 2009. For the purpose of calculating realized foreign exchange transaction losses, a selected change in the exchange rate was assumed to be the change in the average exchange rate for a one-year period;

 

  (2) The amount of foreign currency debt to be incurred by us in 2010 and 2011 was assumed to be US$3,013 million (or the equivalent amount thereof in other foreign currency) for each year. We assumed all such debt to be in U.S. dollars with a maturity of over two years and payable at maturity, to be incurred by us evenly throughout a given one-year period and further assumed that 10.9% of our debt in 2010 and 2011 would carry floating interest rates consistent with our interest rate portfolio as of December 31, 2009; and

 

137


Table of Contents
  (3) For any one-year period, we used prices of fuel materials in our budget for 2010 as the beginning fuel prices. In measuring sensitivity to changes in fuel prices, our anticipated fuel consumption for 2010 and 2011 was used.

If Won depreciates against U.S. dollar by 10.0% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2009, we estimate that our unrealized foreign exchange translation losses will increase by (Won)714 billion in 2010, and by (Won)1,058 billion in 2011. Under Korean GAAP, such unrealized translation losses are to be credited or charged to current operations. However, realized and unrealized foreign exchange translation losses during construction period on debt incurred for construction of utility plant are permitted to be capitalized under Korean GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, all such foreign exchange translation losses are included in the results of operations for the current period unless offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset. See Item 5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 38 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

In addition, if Won depreciates against U.S. dollar by 10.0% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2009, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease (1) as a result of increased realized foreign exchange transaction losses (not reflecting the fact that a portion of such transaction losses on debt incurred for construction of utility plant may be capitalized under Korean GAAP) by (Won)123 billion in 2010 and by (Won)112 billion in 2011, (2) as a result of increased interest expenses by (Won)49 billion in 2010 and by (Won)32 billion in 2011, and (3) as a result of increased fuel expenses by (Won)1,427 billion in 2010 and by (Won)1,503 billion in 2011.

If the foreign and domestic interest rates increase by 1% point and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2009, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)105 billion in 2010 and by (Won)114 billion in 2011 (not reflecting the fact that a portion of such interest may be capitalized under Korean GAAP). The above analysis considers the effects of such interest rate increase on short-term and long-term borrowings and does not reflect the positive impact on our pre-tax income of increased interest rates on our interest-bearing assets, if any.

If the fuel prices of anthracite and bituminous coal, oil and LNG rise by 10.0% and all other variables are held constant at their levels as of December 31, 2009, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)1,457 billion in 2010 and by (Won)1,534 billion in 2011.

For comparative purposes, we also made the following modeling assumptions for the 2009 and 2010 sensitivity analysis based on the following assumptions:

 

  (1) For any one year period, the Won/U.S. dollar exchange rate at the beginning of such period was assumed to be (Won)1,257.5 to US$1.00, which was the market exchange rate as of December 31, 2008. For the purpose of calculating realized foreign exchange transaction losses, a selected change in the exchange rate was assumed to be the change in the average exchange rate for a one-year period;

 

  (2) The amount of foreign currency debt to be incurred by us in 2009 and 2010 was assumed to be US$2,600 million (or the equivalent amount thereof in other foreign currency) for each year. We assumed all such debt to be in U.S. dollars with a maturity of over two years and payable at maturity, to be incurred by us evenly throughout a given one-year period and further assumed that 21.1% of our debt in 2009 and 2010 would carry floating interest rates consistent with our interest rate portfolio as of December 31, 2008; and

 

  (3) For any one-year period, we used prices of fuel materials in our budget for 2009 as the beginning fuel prices. In measuring sensitivity to changes in fuel prices, our anticipated fuel consumption for 2009 and 2010 was used.

If Won depreciates against U.S. dollar by 10.0% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2008, we estimate that our unrealized foreign exchange translation losses will increase by

 

138


Table of Contents

(Won)504 billion in 2009, and by (Won)672 billion in 2010. Under Korean GAAP, such unrealized translation losses are to be credited or charged to current operations. However, realized and unrealized foreign exchange translation losses during construction period on debt incurred for construction of utility plant are permitted to be capitalized under Korean GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, all such foreign exchange translation losses are included in the results of operations for the current period unless offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset. See Item 5B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 38 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

In addition, if Won depreciates against U.S. dollar by 10.0% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2008, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease (1) as a result of increased realized foreign exchange transaction losses (not reflecting the fact that a portion of such transaction losses on debt incurred for construction of utility plant may be capitalized under Korean GAAP) by (Won)120 billion in 2009 and by (Won)126 billion in 2010, (2) as a result of increased interest expenses by (Won)131 billion in 2009 and by (Won)89 billion in 2010, and (3) as a result of increased fuel expenses by (Won)1,654 billion in 2009 and by (Won)1,703 billion in 2010.

If the foreign and domestic interest rates increase by 1% point and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2008, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)30 billion in 2009 and by (Won)40 billion in 2010 (not reflecting the fact that a portion of such interest may be capitalized under Korean GAAP). The above analysis considers the effects of such interest rate increase on short-term and long-term borrowings and does not reflect the positive impact on our Pre-tax Income of increased interest rates on our interest-bearing assets, if any.

If the fuel prices of anthracite and bituminous coal, oil and LNG rise by 10.0% and all other variables are held constant at their levels as of December 31, 2008, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)1,618 billion in 2009 and by (Won)1,666 billion in 2010.

The above discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity analyses referred to above include “forward-looking statements,” which assume for analytical purposes that certain market conditions may occur. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements should not be considered projections by us of future events or losses.

 

139


Table of Contents

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Item 12A. Debt Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12B. Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

Item 12C. Other Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12D. Depositary Fees and Charges

Under the terms of the Deposit Agreement in respect of our ADSs, the holder and beneficiary owners of ADSs, any party depositing or withdrawing or surrendering ADSs or ADRs, whichever applicable, may be required to pay the following fees and charges to JPMorgan Chase Bank acting as depositary for our ADSs:

 

Item

  

Services

  

Fees

1

   Taxes and other governmental charges    As applicable

2

   Registration of transfer of common shares generally on our shareholders’ register, any institution authorized under the applicable law to effect book-entry transfers of securities (including Korea Securities Depositary), or any entity that presently carries out the duties of registrar for the common shares, and applicable to transfers of common shares to the name of the Depositary or its nominee on the making of deposits or withdrawals    A fee of $1.50 or less per ADS

3

   Cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses    As applicable

4

   Expenses incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency    As applicable

5

   Execution and delivery of ADRs and the surrender of ADRs    Fee of $0.05 or less per ADS

6

   Cash distribution made by the Depositary or its agent    Fee of $0.02 or less per ADS

7

   Fee for the distribution of proceeds of sales of securities or rights for distribution other than cash, common shares or rights to subscribe for shares, distribution in shares or distribution in rights to subscribe for shares    Lesser of (i) the fee for the execution and delivery of ADRs referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit by the holders of securities or common shares received in exercise of rights distributed to them, but which securities or rights are instead sold by the Depositary and the net proceeds distributed and (ii) the amount of such proceeds

8

   Depositary services performed in administering the ADRs (which fee shall be assessed against holders of ADSs as of the record date or dates and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such holders or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions)    Fee of US$0.02 or less per ADS per calendar year

 

140


Table of Contents

Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly-issued ADSs from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these transaction fees to their clients.

Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date. The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., stock dividends, rights offerings), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or un-certificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts via the central clearing and settlement system, The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), the depositary generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary.

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set- off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.

The fees and charges the ADS holders may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary. The ADS holders will receive prior notice of such changes.

Depositary Payments for the Fiscal Year 2009

The following table sets forth our expenses incurred in 2009, which were reimbursed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., acting as depositary for our ADSs:

 

     (In thousands of
U.S. dollars)

Reimbursement of listing fees on the New York Stock Exchange

   US$ 134

Reimbursement of legal fees

     673

Reimbursement of accounting fees

     89

Reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with obtaining credit ratings and other international financing-related activities

     650

Contributions towards our investor relations efforts (including investor conferences, non-deal roadshows, and market information services)

     246

Other

     36
      

Total

   US$ 1,828
      

 

141


Table of Contents

PART II

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Control

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2009. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009 were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decision regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, for our company. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of a company’s assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that a company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of a company’s management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of a company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to consolidated financial statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

142


Table of Contents

As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, management assessed the effectiveness of the our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that the our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte Anjin LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, who has also audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte Anjin LLC has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting under Auditing Standard No. 5 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which is filed as Exhibit 15.5 to this report.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting

Following an 18-month installation project for our enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, in October 2006, we commenced operating an integrated ERP system for a transparent and efficient management of the core ERP components, including personnel, accounting, procurement, construction and facilities maintenance. In addition, in March 2007, we launched a strategic enterprise management system that includes business warehouse, management information and business planning and simulation systems. We continue to upgrade and improve the ERP system, which is being used as our core information infrastructure.

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our board of directors has determined that we have at least one “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined by the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued pursuant to Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our audit committee financial expert is Kim, Jung-Gook. Such member currently remains a member of the audit committee and is independent within the meaning of the Korea Stock Exchange listing standards, the regulations promulgated under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. For biographic information of our audit committee financial expert, Kim, Jung-Gook, see Item 6A. “Directors and Senior Management”

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a code of ethics for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions as required under Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, together with an insider reporting system in compliance with Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The code of ethics is available on our website on www.kepco.co.kr. We have not granted any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics to any of the above-mentioned officers during our most recently completed fiscal year.

 

143


Table of Contents

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed for each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for such year, for various types of services and a brief description of the nature of such services. Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, was our principal accountant for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, and we currently expect them to serve as our principal accountant for the years ended December 31, 2010.

 

Type of services

   Aggregate fees billed during the
Year Ended December  31,
  

Nature of services

   2008
(Deloitte Anjin)
   2009
(Deloitte Anjin)
  
     (In millions of Won)     

Audit Fees

   (Won) 1,575    (Won) 1,687    Audit service for KEPCO and its subsidiaries.

Audit-Related Fees

     160      120    Accounting advisory service.

Tax Fees

     13      14    Tax return and consulting advisory service.

All Other Fees

     —        103    All other services which do not meet the three categories above.
                

Total

   (Won) 1,748    (Won) 1,924   
                

United States law and regulations in effect since May 6, 2003 generally require all engagements of the principal accountants be pre-approved by an independent audit committee or, if no such committee exists with respect to an issuer, by the entire board of directors. We have adopted the following policies and procedures for consideration and approval of requests to engage our principal accountants to perform audit and non-audit services. Engagement requests of audit and non-audit services for us and our subsidiaries must in the first instance be submitted to our Treasury Department subject to reporting to our Chief Financial Officer. If the request relates to services that would impair the independence of our principal accountants, the request must be rejected. If the engagement request relates to audit and permitted non-audit services, it must be forwarded to our audit committee.

In addition, United States law and regulations in effect since May 6, 2003 permit the pre-approval requirement to be waived with respect to engagements for non-audit services aggregating no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues we paid to our principal accountants, if such engagements were not recognized by us at the time of engagement and were promptly brought to the attention of our audit committee or a designated member thereof and approved prior to the completion of the audit.

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE

Not applicable.

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Neither we nor any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act, purchased any of our equity securities during the period covered by this report.

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANTS

Not applicable.

 

144


Table of Contents

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We are committed to high standards of corporate governance. We are in compliance with the corporate governance provisions of the KEPCO Act, the Public Agencies Management Act, the Commercial Code of Korea, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea and the Listing Rules of the Korea Exchange. We, like all other companies in Korea, must comply with the corporate governance provisions under the Korean Commercial Code, except to the extent the KEPCO Act and the Public Agencies Management Act otherwise require. In addition, as a listed company, we are subject to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea, unless the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea otherwise provides.

The Public Agencies Management Act

On April 1, 2007, the Government-Invested Enterprise Management Basic Act, which was enacted in 1984, was abolished and the Public Agencies Management Act took effect. Unless stated otherwise, the Public Agencies Management Act takes precedence over any other laws and regulations in the event of inconsistency. Under this Act, the Minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance designated us as a “market-oriented public enterprise,” as defined under this Act, on April 2, 2007, and we became subject to this Act accordingly.

The Public Agencies Management Act requires a number of changes in the appointment process for our executive officers, which we have incorporated in our amendment to our Articles of Incorporation in September 2007. A senior non-standing director appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance becomes our chairman of the board following the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee. Our president is appointed by the President of the Republic upon the motion of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy following the nomination by our director nomination committee, the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee pursuant to the Public Agencies Management Act and an approval at the general meeting of our shareholders. Standing directors other than our president must be appointed by our president with the approval at the general meeting of our shareholders from a pool of candidates recommended by our director nomination committee. Prior to the enactment of the Act, standing directors were appointed directly by the Minister of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy. The non-standing directors must be appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance following the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee from a pool of candidates recommended by the director nomination committee and have ample knowledge and experience in business management. Government officials that are not part of the teaching staff in national and public schools are ineligible to become our non-standing directors.

Under the Public Agencies Management Act and our Articles of Incorporation, the term of office for directors that are appointed after the effective date of such act, or April 1, 2007, is three years for the president and two years for other directors. The directors may be reappointed for an additional term of one year. In order to be reappointed, the president must be evaluated on the basis of his management performance; a standing director, on the basis of the performance of the duties for which he was elected to perform, or if the standing director has executed an incentive bonus contract, on the basis of his performance under the contract; and a non-standing director, on the basis of his performance of the duties for which he was elected to perform.

Under the Public Agencies Management Act and our Articles of Incorporation, a recommendation from the director nomination committee is required for the appointment of our executive officers, except in the case of reappointments. The director nomination committee consists of five to fifteen members, including private-sector members appointed by the board of directors. Non-standing directors must comprise at least the majority of the director nomination committee. One of the private-sector members must be able to represent our opinion and must not be currently employed by us. As required under the Public Agencies Management Act, we established an audit committee. At least two-thirds of the audit committee members must be non-standing directors, and at least one committee member must be an expert in finance or accounting. According to the Public Agencies Management Act, our president’s term cannot be terminated unless done so by the President of the Republic pursuant to the Public Agencies Management Act or upon an event as specified in our Articles of Incorporation.

 

145


Table of Contents

As required under Public Agencies Management Act, we submit to the Government by October 31 every year report on our mid long-term management goals. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, we are also required to give separate public notice of important management matters, such as our budget and financial statements, status of directors and annual reports. In addition, for purposes of providing a comparison of the management performances of government agencies, we are required to post on a designated website a notice on a standard form detailing our management performance. Following consultation with the Minister of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy and the review and resolution of the operation committee, the Minister of Strategy and Finance must examine the adequacy and competency of government agencies and establish plans on merger, abolishment, restructuring and privatization of public agencies. In such case, the Minister of the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy must execute these plans and submit a performance report to the Minister of Strategy and Finance.

The Korea Electric Power Corporation Act and other laws that had conflicted with the Public Agencies Management Act were amended on May 17, 2010. We amended our Articles of Incorporation to reflect the relevant provisions of the Public Agencies Management Act at a general meeting of our shareholders resolution on September 7, 2007. We also revised our internal regulations as necessary to comply with the Public Agencies Management Act.

Differences in Korean/New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Practices

We are a “foreign private issuer” (as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act), and our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE. Under Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, NYSE-listed companies that are foreign private issuers are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of the corporate governance provisions specified by the NYSE with limited exceptions. Under the NYSE Listed Company Manual, we as foreign private issuers are required to disclose significant differences between NYSE”s corporate governance standards and those we follow under Korean law. The following summarizes some significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies listed on the NYSE under the listing rules of the NYSE:

Majority of Independent Directors on the Board

Under the NYSE listing rules, U.S. companies listed on the NYSE must have a board the majority of which is comprised of an independent director satisfying the requirements of “independence” as set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. No director qualifies as “independent” unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company). The NYSE rules include detailed tests for determining director independence. While as a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from this requirement, our board of directors is in compliance with this requirement as it currently consists of 15 directors, of which eight directors satisfy the requirements of “independence” as set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, more than one-half of our directors must be non-standing directors. The Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea deems a non-standing director nominated pursuant to other applicable laws (such as the Public Agencies Management Act) as an “outside” or “non-executive” director. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, a non-standing director is appointed by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance following the review and resolution of the Public Agencies Operating Committee from a pool of candidates recommended by the director nomination committee and have ample knowledge and experience in business management. Government officials that are not part of the teaching staff in national and public schools are ineligible to become our non-standing directors.

Executive Session

Under the NYSE listing rules, non-management directors of U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to meet on a regular basis without management present and independent directors must meet separately

 

146


Table of Contents

at least once per year. While no such requirement currently exists under applicable Korean law, listing standards or our Articles of Incorporation, fourteen exclusive sessions were held in 2009 in order to promote the exchange of diverse opinions by non-standing directors.

Audit Committee

Under the NYSE listing rules, listed companies must have an audit committee that has a minimum of three members, and all audit committee members must satisfy the requirements of independence set forth in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We are in compliance with this requirement as our audit committee is comprised of three outside directors meeting the requirements of independence set forth in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The audit committee must be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accountants. Consistent with the application of the legal requirements then in effect, in June 2005, we amended our Articles of Incorporation, among others, to comply with the general exemptions provided under the audit committee requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, embodied in Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and established a board of auditors, consisting of one standing auditor and two non-standing auditors. Beginning in the second half of 2005, our board of auditors performed the roles and responsibilities required of an audit committee under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including the supervision of the audit by the independent registered public accountants. Following the enactment of the Public Agencies Management Act, which took effect as of April 1, 2007, we are designated as a “market-oriented public enterprise,” which is required to establish an audit committee in lieu of a board of auditors upon expiration of the term of the last remaining member of the board of auditors. In September 2007, we further amended our Articles of Incorporation to establish, in lieu of the pre-existing board of auditors, an audit committee meeting the requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Currently, our audit committee consists of three independent directors. Under the Korea Exchange listing rules and the Korean Commercial Code, a large listed company must also establish an audit committee of which at least two-thirds of its members must be outside directors and whose chairman must be an outside director. In addition, at least one member of the audit committee who is an outside director must also be an accounting or financial expert. We are also in compliance with the foregoing requirements.

Nomination/Corporate Governance Committee

Under the NYSE listing rules, U.S. companies listed on the NYSE must have a nomination/corporate governance committee composed entirely independent directors. In addition to identifying individuals qualified to become board members, this committee must develop and recommend to the board a set of corporate governance principles. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, we are required to have a director nomination committee which consists of non-standing directors and ad hoc members appointed by our Board of Directors. Our standing directors and executives as well as governmental officials that are not part of the teaching staff in national and public schools are ineligible to become a member of our director nomination committee. There is no requirement to establish a corporate governance committee under applicable Korean law.

Pursuant to the NYSE listing standards, non-management directors must meet on a regular basis without management present and independent directors must meet separately at least once per year. No such requirement currently exists under applicable Korean law.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Under the NYSE listing rules, U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to establish corporate governance guidelines and to adopt a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from this requirement. Pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we have adopted a

 

147


Table of Contents

code of ethics applicable to our President & Chief Executive Officer and all other directors and executive officers including the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer, as well as all financial, accounting and other officers that are involved in the preparation and disclosure of our consolidated financial statements and internal control of financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We have also adopted an insider reporting system in compliance with Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The code of ethics applicable to our executive officers as well as the financial officers of the holding company and its subsidiaries are available on www.kepco.co.kr.

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans

Under the NYSE listing rules, shareholders of U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to approve all equity compensation plans. Meanwhile, we currently don’t have any equity compensation plans.

Annual Certification of Compliance

Under the NYSE listing rules, a chief executive officer of a U.S. company listed on the NYSE must annually certify that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of NYSE corporate governance standards. As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to this requirement. However, in accordance with rules applicable to both U.S. companies and foreign private issuers, we are required to promptly notify the NYSE in writing if any executive officer becomes aware of any material noncompliance with the NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to us. In addition, foreign private issuers, including us, are required to submit to the NYSE an annual written affirmation relating to compliance with Sections 303A.06 and 303A.11 of the NYSE listed company manual, which are the NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to foreign private issuers. All written affirmations must be executed in the form provided by the NYSE, without modification. An annual written affirmation is required to be submitted to the NYSE within 30 days of filing with the SEC our annual report on Form 20-F. We have been in compliance with this requirement in all material respects and plan to submit such affirmation within the prescribed time line.

 

148


Table of Contents

PART III

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this item.

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reference is made to Item 19 “Exhibits” for a list of all financial statements and schedules filed as part of this report.

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

(a) Financial Statements filed as part of this Annual Report

See Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.

(b) Exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report

See Index of Exhibits beginning on page E-1 of this report.

 

149


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION
By:  

/s/     Kim, Ssang-Su        

Name:   Kim, Ssang-Su
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: June 29, 2010

 

150


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Index to Financial Statements

   F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu on Consolidated Financial Statements (Korea Electric Power Corporation)

   F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (Korea Electric Power Corporation)

   F-3

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp. (Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-5

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp. (Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-6

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp. on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-7

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp. (Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-8

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp. on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-9

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers (Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-10

Consolidated statements of financial positions as of December 31, 2008 and 2009

   F-11

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009

   F-13

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended December  31, 2007, 2008 and 2009

   F-14

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009

   F-16

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

   F-18

 

F-1


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Korea Electric Power Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Korea Electric Power Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for, each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, all expressed in Korean Won. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of certain consolidated subsidiaries whose financial statements reflect 10.5 and 9.9 percent of consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, and 40.7, 26.0 and 24.4 percent of consolidated total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for those companies, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of the other auditor provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Korea Electric Power Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, and the results of their operations, changes in their shareholders’ equity and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act, Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise·Associate Government Agency and accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

Our audit also comprehended the translation of Korean Won amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers outside of the Republic Korea.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 38 of the consolidated financial statements.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 28, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors.

 

/s/  Deloitte Anjin LLC
Seoul, Korea
June 28, 2010

 

F-2


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Korea Electric Power Corporation:

We have audited Korea Electric Power Corporation and subsidiaries’ (collectively referred to as the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We did not examine the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of certain subsidiaries whose financial statements reflect total assets and revenues constituting 9.9 percent and 24.4 percent, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009. The effectiveness of certain consolidated subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting was audited by other auditor whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the effectiveness of certain consolidated subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, is based solely on the reports of the other auditor.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of the other auditor, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

F-3


Table of Contents

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statement of financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, our report dated June 28, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements with explanatory paragraphs relating to our audits comprehending the translation of Korean won amounts to U.S. dollar amounts and information relating to the nature and effect of differences between accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/  Deloitte Anjin LLC

Seoul, Korea

June 28, 2010

 

F-4


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholder

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations, disposition of deficit, changes in shareholder’s equity and cash flows of Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2007, all expressed in Korea Won. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of its operations of Korea South-East Power Co. Ltd. and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 23 to the financial statements.

/s/  KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

June 28, 2008

 

F-5


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholder

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (“KEPCO”)) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

As further described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company derives substantially all of its operating revenue from KEPCO and engages in other significant transactions with related parties.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in the note 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 have been translated into United States dollars solely for the convenience of the reader. We have audited the translation and, in our opinion, the consolidated financial statements expressed in Korean Won have been translated into dollars on the basis set forth in the note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated June 25, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effective operation of internal control over financial reporting.

/s/  KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

June 25, 2010

 

F-6


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Board of Directors and Stockholder

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.:

We have audited Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated June 25, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/  KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

June 25, 2010

 

F-7


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholder

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (“KEPCO”)) and subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

As further described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company derives substantially all of its operating revenue from KEPCO and engages in other significant transactions with related parties.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 have been translated into United States dollars solely for the convenience of the reader. We have audited the translation and, in our opinion, the consolidated financial statements expressed in Korean Won have been translated into dollars on the basis set forth in note 2(t) to the consolidated financial statements.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated June 28, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/  KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

 

Seoul, Korea
June 28, 2010

 

F-8


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Board of Directors and Stockholder

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.:

We have audited Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Korea Midland Power Co. Ltd. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated June 28, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/  KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

 

Seoul, Korea
June 28, 2010

 

F-9


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

In our opinion, statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2007 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Korea Western Power Co., Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 33 to the financial statements.

/s/ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers

Seoul, Korea

June 24, 2008

 

F-10


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2009

 

     Won     U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2008     2009     2009  
     (In millions)     (In thousands)  

Assets

      

Property, plant and equipment (Notes 3 and 4):

   (Won) 109,305,083      (Won) 115,483,190      $ 99,242,203   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (44,351,255     (50,183,508     (43,125,947

Less: accumulated impairment losses

     —          (22,935     (19,710

Less: construction grants

     (5,336,110     (6,152,485     (5,287,230
                        
     59,617,718        59,124,262        50,809,316   

Construction in-progress

     10,177,567        14,909,169        12,812,417   
                        

Net property, plant and equipment

     69,795,285        74,033,431        63,621,733   
                        

Investments and other assets:

      

Long-term investment securities (Note 6)

     2,717,195        3,542,283        3,044,114   

Long-term loans (Note 7)

     605,585        584,327        502,150   

Financial derivatives (Note 25)

     1,326,546        756,034        649,709   

Intangible assets (Notes 5 and 32)

     946,847        682,345        586,383   

Deferred income tax assets (Note 28)

     1,963,520        1,689,851        1,452,199   

Other non-current assets (Notes 8, 9, 20 and 33)

     504,408        890,860        765,574   
                        

Total non-current assets

     77,859,386        82,179,131        70,621,862   
                        

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents (Notes 9 and 20)

     1,452,286        1,489,390        1,279,930   

Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)48,161 million in 2008 and (Won)61,094 million in 2009 (Notes 20, 31 and 32)

     2,806,974        3,189,923        2,741,307   

Other accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)19,509 million in 2008 and (Won)28,380 million in 2009 (Notes 5, 20, 31 and 32)

     725,578        1,341,520        1,152,855   

Short-term investment securities (Note 6)

     14,502        10,420        8,955   

Short-term financial instruments (Notes 9 and 20)

     316,442        356,115        306,033   

Financial derivatives (Note 25)

     3        144,449        124,134   

Inventories (Notes 4 and 10)

     4,272,098        3,894,878        3,347,122   

Deferred income tax assets (Note 28)

     563,163        353,103        303,444   

Other current assets (Notes 7, 11 and 20)

     188,178        249,102        214,071   
                        

Total current assets

     10,339,224        11,028,900        9,477,851   
                        

Total assets

   (Won) 88,198,610      (Won) 93,208,031      $ 80,099,713   
                        

 

F-11


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION—(CONTINUED)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2009

 

     Won     U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2008     2009     2009  
     (In millions)     (In thousands)  

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

      

Shareholders’ equity:

      

Common stock of (Won)5,000 par value authorized 1,200,000,000 shares—Issued and outstanding 641,567,712 shares in 2008 and 2009 (Note 12)

   (Won) 3,207,839      (Won) 3,207,839      $ 2,756,704   

Capital surplus (Notes 3 and 12)

     14,558,531        14,668,563        12,605,649   

Capital adjustments (Note 13)

     (741,489     (741,587     (637,294

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Notes 14)

     435,064        487,211        418,692   

Retained earnings:

      

Appropriated (Note 15)

     26,462,200        23,509,731        20,203,438   

Before appropriations

     (2,960,276     (104,523     (89,823

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     312,945        376,573        323,614   
                        

Total shareholders’ equity

     41,274,814        41,403,807        35,580,980   
                        

Long-term liabilities:

      

Long-term debt, net (Notes 18 and 31)

     23,304,173        27,840,626        23,925,258   

Borrowings under conditional agreements (Note 19)

     14,638        15,317        13,163   

Long-term other account payable (Note 22)

     3,576,369        3,576,369        3,073,406   

Accrual for retirement and severance benefits, net (Note 21)

     1,735,457        1,772,680        1,523,379   

Liability for decommissioning costs (Note 22)

     5,470,764        5,695,224        4,894,276   

Provision for decontamination of transformer (Note 23)

     249,947        231,470        198,917   

Reserve for self insurance

     115,268        121,416        104,341   

Financial derivatives (Note 25)

     21,297        34,983        30,063   

Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 28)

     1,193,709        972,077        835,369   

Other long-term liabilities

     706,311        796,359        684,363   
                        

Total long-term liabilities

     36,387,933        41,056,521        35,282,535   
                        

Current liabilities:

      

Trade payables (Notes 20, 31 and 32)

     2,304,934        1,928,442        1,657,235   

Other accounts payable (Notes 20, 31 and 32)

     794,155        835,067        717,627   

Short-term borrowings (Note 17)

     1,357,710        684,480        588,218   

Current portion of long-term debt, net (Note 18)

     4,444,783        5,778,813        4,966,109   

Income tax payable

     461,707        82,844        71,193   

Accrued expense

     386,061        531,167        456,466   

Financial derivatives (Note 25)

     56        3,023        2,598   

Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 28)

     14,125        18,023        15,488   

Other current liabilities (Notes 20 and 24)

     772,332        885,844        761,264   
                        

Total current liabilities

     10,535,863        10,747,703        9,236,198   
                        

Total liabilities

     46,923,796        51,804,224        44,518,733   
                        

Commitments and contingencies (Note 33)

      

Total shareholders’ equity and liabilities

   (Won) 88,198,610      (Won) 93,208,031      $ 80,099,713   
                        

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2008 AND 2009

 

    Won     U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2007     2008     2009     2009  
    (In millions, except per share amounts)     (In thousands, except
per share amounts)
 

OPERATING REVENUES:
(Notes 31 and 32)

       

Sale of electricity

  (Won) 28,501,480      (Won) 30,708,544      (Won) 33,091,577      $ 28,437,741   

Other operating revenues

    635,740        851,556        902,275        775,383   
                               
    29,137,220        31,560,100        33,993,852        29,213,124   
                               

OPERATING EXPENSES
(Notes 26, 27, 31 and 32):

       

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

    21,859,590        27,101,532        25,829,287        22,196,783   

Purchased power

    2,584,097        4,433,889        3,666,468        3,150,834   

Other operating costs

    261,679        1,083,050        1,238,619        1,064,426   

Selling and administrative expenses

    1,610,179        1,739,702        1,544,656        1,327,423   
                               
    26,315,545        34,358,173        32,279,030        27,739,466   
                               

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

    2,821,675        (2,798,073     1,714,822        1,473,658   
                               

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):

       

Interest income

    186,315        170,951        113,865        97,852   

Interest expenses

    (737,121     (1,000,773     (1,583,863     (1,361,116

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and translation, net

    (144,948     (1,845,392     662,812        569,597   

Donations

    (155,437     (40,112     (21,109     (18,140

Equity income of affiliates, net (Note 6)

    119,564        98,611        22,473        19,313   

Gain on disposal of investments, net

    13,021        4,241        310        266   

Impairment loss on investment securities (Note 6)

    —          —          (60,636     (52,108

Gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net

    (2,325     14,305        38,896        33,426   

Valuation gain (loss) on financial derivatives, net (Note 25)

    24,230        1,341,887        (357,004     (306,797

Loss on early repayment of exchangeable bond (Note 18)

    —          —          (540,593     (464,567

Other, net

    268,359        210,752        332,440        285,688   
                               
    (428,342     (1,045,530     (1,392,409     (1,196,586
                               

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX

    2,393,333        (3,843,603     322,413        277,072   

INCOME TAX EXPENSES (BENEFITS) (Note 28)

    926,165        (929,564     370,145        318,090   
                               

NET INCOME (LOSS)

    1,467,168        (2,914,039     (47,732     (41,018
                               

Controlling interest

  (Won) 1,426,457      (Won) (2,955,339   (Won) (96,716   $ (83,114

Noncontrolling interest

    40,711        41,300        48,984        42,096   
                               
  (Won) 1,467,168      (Won) (2,914,039   (Won) (47,732   $ (41,018
                               

BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Note 29)

  (Won) 2,294      (Won) (4,746   (Won) (155   $ (0.13
                               

DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Note 29)

  (Won) 2,258      (Won) (4,746   (Won) (155   $ (0.13
                               

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2008 AND 2009

 

    Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
    Capital
adjustments
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Retained
earnings
    Minority
interests
  Total  

Balances at January 1, 2007

  (Won) 3,207,839   (Won) 14,517,143      (Won) (796,980   (Won) 37,895      (Won) 26,118,850      (Won) 150,740   (Won) 43,235,487   

Net income

    —       —          —          —          1,426,457        40,711     1,467,168   

Dividends declared

    —       —          —          —          (621,080     —       (621,080

Exercise of conversion right

    —       (9,487     —            —          —       (9,487

Gain on disposal of subsidiary’s securities

    —       46,945        —            —          —       46,945   

Changes in treasury stock

    —       3,655        55,155        —          —          —       58,810   

Changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net

    —       —          —          (1,309     —          —       (1,309

Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates

    —       —          —          7,734        —          —       7,734   

Changes in translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries

    —       —          —          28,859        —          —       28,859   

Changes in valuation of derivatives

    —       —          —          10,736        —          —       10,736   

Changes in minority interests

    —       —          —          —          —          42,990     42,990   
                                                   

Balances at December 31, 2007

    3,207,839     14,558,256        (741,825     83,915        26,924,227        234,441     44,266,853   
                                                   

Net income (loss)

    —       —          —          —          (2,955,339     41,300     (2,914,039

Dividends declared (Note 16)

    —       —          —          —          (466,964     —       (466,964

Exercise of conversion right

    —       (61     —          —          —          —       (61

Gain on disposal of subsidiary’s securities

    —       148        —          —          —          —       148   

Gain on disposal of treasury stock, net of tax

    —       188        —          —          —          —       188   

Changes in treasury stock

    —       —          336        —          —          —       336   

Changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

    —       —          —          (8,274     —          —       (8,274

Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates

    —       —          —          205,359        —          —       205,359   

Changes in translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries

    —       —          —          45,266        —          —       45,266   

Changes in valuation of derivatives

    —       —          —          108,798        —          —       108,798   

Changes in minority interests

    —       —          —          —          —          37,204     37,204   
                                                   

Balance at December 31, 2008

    3,207,839     14,558,531        (741,489     435,064        23,501,924        312,945     41,274,814   
                                                   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2008 AND 2009

 

    Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
  Capital
adjustments
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Retained
earnings
    Minority
interests
  Total  

Net income (loss)

    —       —       —          —          (96,716     48,984     (47,732

Changes in discount on stock issuance

    —       —       (98     —          —          —       (98

Changes in other capital surplus

    —       110,032     —          —          —          —       110,032   

Changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

    —       —       —          18,086        —          —       18,086   

Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates

    —       —       —          107,968        —          —       107,968   

Changes in translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries

    —       —       —          (31,303     —          —       (31,303

Changes in valuation of derivatives

    —       —       —          (42,604     —          —       (42,604

Changes in minority interests

    —       —       —          —          —          14,644     14,644   
                                                 

Balances at December 31, 2009

  (Won) 3,207,839   (Won) 14,668,563   (Won) (741,587   (Won) 487,211      (Won) 23,405,208      (Won) 376,573   (Won) 41,403,807   
                                                 

U.S. dollars (In thousands) (Note 2)

  $ 2,756,704   $ 12,605,649   $ (637,294   $ 418,692      $ 20,113,615      $ 323,614   $ 35,580,980   
                                                 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2008 AND 2009

 

    Won     U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2007     2008     2009     2009  
    (In millions)     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   

Net income (loss)

  (Won) 1,467,168      (Won) (2,914,039   (Won) (47,732   $ (41,018

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation and amortization

    5,829,915        6,233,033        6,318,534        5,429,927   

Property, plant and equipment removal loss

    295,589        302,288        276,724        237,807   

Provision for severance and retirement benefits

    329,771        483,909        238,001        204,530   

Provision for decommissioning costs, net

    339,749        379,281        223,387        191,971   

Provision for decontamination of
Transformer, net

    21,938        13,016        16,222        13,941   

Bad debt expense

    22,966        20,616        28,397        24,403   

Amortization of discount on debentures Issued and long-term loans, net

    37,231        38,735        197,217        169,481   

Loss (gain) on foreign currency translation, net

    105,009        1,586,241        (659,151     (566,451

Equity income of affiliates, net

    (119,564     (98,611     (22,473     (19,313

Impairment loss on investment securities

    —          —          60,636        52,108   

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net

    (1,151     (14,305     (38,896     (33,426

Deferred income tax expense, net

    (87,811     (1,540,780     282,931        243,141   

Valuation loss (gain) on financial derivatives

    (24,230     (1,341,887     357,004        306,797   

Transaction loss on financial derivatives

    5,430        154,114        (42,856     (36,829

Loss on early repayment of exchangeable bond

    —          —          540,593        464,567   

Other losses (gains), net

    48,391        (135,364     38,859        33,394   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

       

Trade receivables

    (68,161     (216,627     (452,910     (389,215

Other accounts receivable

    196,154        (176,891     229,266        197,023   

Inventories

    (761,930     (1,779,959     (672,328     (577,775

Investments under the equity method

    49,432        33,102        28,973        24,898   

Other current assets

    (69,909     55,700        6,610        5,680   

Trade payables

    399,582        773,558        (315,952     (271,518

Other accounts payable

    (443,698     69,415        (33,951     (29,176

Income tax payable

    (421,964     (14,157     (387,739     (333,209

Accrued expense

    40,627        41,973        (9,150     (7,863

Other current liabilities

    (8,107     83,130        58,274        50,079   

Payment of severance and retirement
benefits, net

    (84,080     (78,204     (173,430     (149,040

Payment of decommissioning costs

    (7,324     (8,791     (254,287     (218,525

Payment of other provision

    (31,108     (54,238     (114,793     (98,649

Other, net

    (76,255     67,032        62,511        53,719   
                               

Net cash provided by operating activities

    6,983,660        1,961,290        5,738,491        4,931,459   
                               

 

F-16


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2008 AND 2009

 

    Won     U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2007     2008     2009     2009  
    (In millions)     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

   

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

  (Won) 38,953      (Won) 47,669      (Won) 232,274      $ 199,608   

Additions to property, plant and equipment

    (8,544,771     (8,924,622     (11,243,965     (9,662,669

Receipt of construction grants

    1,055,465        1,141,724        1,197,173        1,028,808   

Proceeds from disposal of investment securities

    48,369        71,308        119        102   

Acquisition of investment securities

    (550,341     (164,014     (752,164     (646,383

Increase in long-term loans, net

    (10,627     (177,278     (2,628     (2,258

Acquisition of intangible assets

    (170,822     (360,604     (249,677     (214,564

Increase in other non-current assets

    (39,490     (157,363     (330,207     (283,768

Increase in short-term financial instruments, net

    (419,629     1,357,132        97,787        84,035   

Decrease in current portion of long-term loans, net

    41,318        23,095        39,616        34,045   
                               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (8,551,575     (7,142,953     (11,011,672     (9,463,044
                               

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

       

Proceeds from long-term debt

    5,197,868        9,887,176        11,821,305        10,158,815   

Proceeds from borrowings under conditional agreements

    560        3,032        3,447        2,962   

Repayment of long-term debt

    (4,247,010     (4,681,712     (5,964,054     (5,125,299

Proceed from short-term borrowings, net

    317,160        509,670        (594,340     (510,755

Proceeds from treasury stock, net

    58,988        —          —          —     

Dividends paid

    (641,638     (492,286     (45,920     (39,462

Settlement of financial derivatives

    461,147        (211,688     37,056        31,845   

Other, net

    121,016        11,023        35,772        30,741   
                               

Net cash provided by financing activities

    1,268,091        5,025,215        5,293,266        4,548,847   
                               

INCREASE (DECREASE) FROM CHANGES IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

    —          (4,689     661        568   

CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM THE TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES

    28,261        39,094        16,358        14,057   

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    (271,563     (122,043     37,104        31,887   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

    1,845,892        1,574,329        1,452,286        1,248,043   
                               

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR

  (Won) 1,574,329      (Won) 1,452,286      (Won) 1,489,390      $ 1,279,930   
                               

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2009

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(a) Organization and Description of Business

Korea Electric Power Corporation (the “KEPCO”) was incorporated on January 1, 1982 in accordance with the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act (the “KEPCO Act”) to engage in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and development of electric power resources in the Republic of Korea. The Company was given the status of a government-invested enterprise on December 31, 1983 following the enactment of the Government-Invested Enterprise Management Basic Act. The Company’s stock was listed on the Korea Stock Exchange on August 10, 1989 and the Company listed its Depository Receipts (DR) on the New York Stock Exchange on October 27, 1994. On April 1, 2007 KEPCO was designated as a market orientated enterprise by the Government of the Republic of Korea.

On October 28, 2009, Korea Development Bank (the “KDB”) transferred its 29.95% shares of the Company to Korea Finance Corporation (the “KoFC”); both are wholly owned companies by the Korean Government. As of December 31, 2009, the Korean Government, KoFC, and foreign investors held 21.12%, 29.95% and 24.85%, respectively of the Company’s shares.

In accordance with the restructuring plan by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (the “MKE”) on January 21, 1999 (the “Restructuring Plan”), the Company spun off its power generation division on April 2, 2001, resulting in the establishment of six power generation subsidiaries. In addition, KEPCO has been contemplating the gradual privatization of KEPCO’s power generation subsidiaries and distribution business. In 2002, the Company commenced the sale of one of its generation subsidiaries. However, this sale was delayed due to unfavorable stock market conditions at the time. The Company intends to resume its stock-listing process in due course, after taking into consideration the overall stock market and other pertinent matters. The privatization of the power generation subsidiaries may result in a change in pricing of electric power, operational organization, related regulations and general policies for supply and demand of energy. The privatization of KEPCO’s distribution business was discontinued according to the recommendation of the Korea Tripartite Commission on June 30, 2004. In lieu of privatization, the Korea Tripartite Commission recommended the creation of independent business divisions, namely, the “strategic business units,” to create internal competition among the business divisions and ultimately to improve efficiency. On September 25, 2006, KEPCO established nine strategy business units with a separate management structure with limited autonomy, separate financial accounting and performance evaluation criteria, which, together with certain other business units of KEPCO, were restructured into 13 integrated business units with a focus on profit maximization in December 2008, following a two-year evaluation period.

 

(b) Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements

KEPCO maintains its accounting records in Korean Won and prepares the consolidated financial statements in the Korean language (Hangul) in conformity with the KEPCO Act, Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise-Associate Government Agency, which have been approved by the Korean Ministry of Strategy and Finance and, in the absence of specialized accounting regulations for utility companies, the accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea (collectively “Korean GAAP”). Certain accounting principles applied by the Company that conform with financial accounting standards and accounting principles in the Republic of Korea may not conform with generally accepted accounting principles in other countries. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements are intended solely for use by those who are informed about Korean accounting principles and practices, the KEPCO Act and Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise-Associate Government Agency. The accompanying consolidated financial statements

 

F-18


Table of Contents

have been condensed, restructured and translated into English (with certain expanded descriptions) from the Korean language consolidated financial statements. Certain information included in the Korean language consolidated financial statements, but not required for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity or cash flows, is not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The Korea Accounting Standards Board (the “KASB”) has published a series of Statements of Korea Accounting Standards (“SKAS”), which replace the existing financial accounting standards, established by the Korean Financial and Supervisory Board. The Company prepared its financial statements as of December 31, 2009 in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards and SKAS in the Republic of Korea.

In 2007, the Company adopted SKAS No. 21—“Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements,” SKAS No. 23—“Earning per Share” and SKAS No. 25—“Consolidation Financial Statements”, effective from January 1, 2007. Pursuant to adoption of SKAS No. 25, income before minority interest is reclassified as net income. Besides, controlling interest in net income and minority interest in net income are separately presented in the consolidated statements of income.

In 2007, the Company also adopted amended SKAS No. 16—“Income Taxes” which are amended such that additional payment of income taxes and income tax refunds, formerly classified as other income (expenses), are reclassified as income taxes. Moreover, consolidated subsidiaries’ deferred income tax assets and liabilities, formerly recorded at net amount, are separately recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position.

In 2008, according to the revision of Clause 2, Article 1 of the Act on External Audit for Stock Companies, the Company renamed the “balance sheet” to “statement of financial position” effective for financial statement issued for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2009. In addition, “balance sheet date” changed to “end of the reporting period.”

 

(c) Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KEPCO and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”). Controlled subsidiaries include majority-owned entities by either the Company or controlled subsidiaries and other entities where the Company or its controlled subsidiary owns more than 30% of total outstanding common stock and is the largest shareholder.

For investments in companies, whether or not publicly held, that are not controlled, but under the Company’s significant influence, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company can exercise influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. The ability to exercise that influence may be indicated in several ways, such as the Company’s representation on its board of directors, the Company’s participation in its policy making processes, material transactions with the investee, interchange of managerial personnel, or technological dependency. Also, if the Company owns directly or indirectly 20% or more of the voting stock of an investee and the investee is not required to be consolidated, the Company generally presumes that the investee is under significant influence.

When a controlling company still has control over its subsidiaries even after the controlling company sold a portion of its investment in the subsidiaries, the disposal gain or loss realized in connection with the sale of a subsidiary’s common stock should be presented as additions or deductions of consolidated capital surplus in the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

All intercompany balances including trade receivables and trade payables are eliminated in consolidation. Profits and losses on intercompany sales of products, property or other assets are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements based on the gross profit or loss recognized. For downstream sales, the full amount of intercompany profit is eliminated in the consolidated statements of income. For upstream sales, the elimination is allocated proportionately to consolidated income and minority interests. Details of unrealized income eliminated as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008

Account

   Controlling
interest
   Minority
interest
   Total

Property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 233,627    5,070    238,697

Intangible assets

     9,367    2    9,369
                
   (Won) 242,994    5,072    248,066
                

 

     Won (millions)
     2009

Account

   Controlling
interest
   Minority
interest
   Total

Property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 251,903    55,359    307,262

Intangible assets

     3,515    43    3,558
                
   (Won) 255,418    55,402    310,820
                

 

(d) Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

  Year of
establishment
  Ownership
percentage (%)
  Primary business
    2008   2009  
Korea Hydro & Nuclear
Power Co., Ltd.(*1)
  2001   100.0   100.0   Power generation
Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.(*1)   2001   100.0   100.0   Power generation
Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.(*1)   2001   100.0   100.0   Power generation
Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.(*1)   2001   100.0   100.0   Power generation
Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.(*1)   2001   100.0   100.0   Power generation
Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.(*1)   2001   100.0   100.0   Power generation
Korea Power Engineering Co., Inc.   1977   97.9   77.9   Engineering for utility plant
KPS Co., Ltd.   1984   80.0   80.0   Utility plant maintenance
KEPCO Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.   1982   96.4   96.4   Nuclear fuel
Korea Electric Power Data
Network Co., Ltd.
  1992   100.0   100.0   Information services
Garolim Tidal Power
Plant Co., Ltd.(*3,4)
  2007   —     49.0   Power generation
KEPCO International Hong Kong Ltd.   1995   100.0   100.0   Holding Company
KEPCO International Philippines Inc.   2000   100.0   100.0   Holding Company

 

F-20


Table of Contents

Subsidiaries

  Year of
establishment
  Ownership
percentage (%)
  Primary business
    2008   2009  
KEPCO Gansu International Ltd.   2005   100.0   100.0   Holding Company
KEPCO Philippines Holdings Inc.   2005   100.0   100.0   Holding Company
KEPCO Asia International Ltd.   2005   85.0   85.0   Holding Company
KEPCO Philippines Corporation(*2)   1995   100.0   100.0   Utility plant rehabilitation
and operation
KEPCO Ilijan Corporation(*2)   1997   51.0   51.0   Construction and operation
of utility plant
KEPCO SPC Power Corporation   2005   60.0   60.0   Construction and operation
of utility plant
KEPCO Lebanon SARL   2006   100.0   100.0   Operation of utility plant
KEPCO Neimenggu International Ltd.   2006   100.0   100.0   Holding Company
KEPCO Shanxi international Ltd.   2007   100.0   100.0   Holding Company
KOMIPO Global Pte Ltd.   2007   100.0   100.0   Construction and operation
of utility plant
KEPCO Canada Energy Inc.(*3)   2008   —     100.0   Holding Company
KEPCO Netherlands B.V.(*3)   2009   —     100.0   Holding Company
KEPCO Imouraren Uranium
Investment Ltd.(*3)
  2009   —     100.0   Uranium mine development
KEPCO Australia Pty. Ltd.(*3)   2005   —     100.0   Resources development
KOSEP Australia Pty. Ltd.(*3)   2007   —     100.0   Resources development
KOMIPO Australia Pty. Ltd.(*3)   2007   —     100.0   Resources development
KOWEPO Australia Pty. Ltd.(*3)   2007   —     100.0   Resources development
KOSPO Australia Pty. Ltd.(*3)   2007   —     100.0   Resources development

 

  (*1) Six new power generation subsidiaries were established on April 2, 2001 through the spin-off of KEPCO’s power generation division in accordance with the Restructuring Plan.

 

  (*2) Under the project agreement between the National Power Corporation of Philippines and KEPCO, the cooperation period of KEPCO Philippines Co. and KEPCO Ilijan Co. is for 15 years commencing September 15, 1995 and 20 years commencing June 5, 2002, respectively. At the end of the cooperation period, the power plant facilities will be transferred to the National Power Corporation of Philippines free of any liens or encumbrances and without any payment of compensation.

 

  (*3) As of December 31, 2009, Garolim Tidal Power Plant Co., Ltd, KEPCO Canada Energy Inc., KEPCO Netherlands B.V., KEPCO Imouraren Uranium Investment Ltd., KEPCO Australia Pty., Ltd., KOSEP Australia Pty., Ltd., KOMIPO Australia Pty., Ltd., KOWEPO Australia Pty., Ltd. and KOSPO Australia Pty Ltd. was newly included in consolidation.

 

  (*4) The Company owns less than 50% of the shares of Garolim Tidal Power Plant Co., Ltd. However, Garolim Tidal Power Plant Co., Ltd. was included in consolidation as the Company holds power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

The power generation subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the sale of electricity to KEPCO through the Korea Power Exchange. Details of those subsidiaries are as follows:

 

Name of the subsidiaries

  

Major power plant

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP)

   Hydroelectric power plant and nuclear power plant in Gori
Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. (KOSEP)    Thermoelectric power plant in Samchonpo
Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. (KOMIPO)    Thermoelectric power plant in Boryung
Korea Western Power Co., Ltd. (KOWEPO)    Thermoelectric power plant in Tae-an
Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (KOSPO)    Thermoelectric power plant in Hadong
Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. (EWP)    Thermoelectric power plant in Dangjin

 

(e) Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method

 

Affiliate

  Year of
establishment
  Ownership
percentage (%)
 

Primary business

    2008   2009  

Korea Gas Corporation

  1983   24.5   24.5   Importing and wholesaling LNG

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

  1985   26.1   26.1   Generating and distributing electricity and heat

LG Powercom Corporation

  2000   38.8   38.8   Leasing telecommunication lines and providing internet access

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

 

1990

 

49.0

 

49.0

 

Electricity metering

YTN

  1993   21.4   21.4   Broadcasting

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

 

2005

 

40.0

 

40.0

 

Construction and operation of utility plant

SPC Power Corporation

  2006   40.0   40.0   Operation of utility plant

Datang Chifang Renewable Power Co., Ltd.

 

2006

 

40.0

 

40.0

 

Construction and operation of utility plant

Gemeng International Energy Group Co., Ltd.

 

2007

 

34.0

 

34.0

 

Construction and operation of utility plant

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Ltd.

 

2007

 

30.0

 

30.0

 

Construction and operation of utility plant

Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd

  2001   15.0   15.0   Wind power generating

Hyundai Green Power Co., Ltd.

  2007   29.0   29.0   Generating electricity

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

  2005   27.0   27.0   Generating and distributing vapor and hot/cold water

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

  2007   27.5   27.5   Construction and operation of utility plant

Eco Biomass Energy Sdn. Bhd.

  2009   —     40.0   combined heat and power generation and CDM business

Denison Mines Corporation

  2003   —     17.1   Uranium exploration and development

Rabigh Electricity Company

  2009   —     40.0   Construction and operation of utility plant

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.

  2005   —     14.6   Oil and gas exploration in Nigeria

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.

  2005   —     14.6   Oil and gas exploration in Nigeria

SET Holdings

  2008   —     2.5   Construction and operation of uranium enrichment plant

Areva NC Expansion

  2007   —     15.0   Imouraren uranium mine development in Niger.

 

F-22


Table of Contents
(f) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, except in the case of revaluation made in accordance with the KEPCO Act and the Assets Revaluation Law of Korea. Significant additions or improvements extending useful lives of assets are capitalized. However, normal maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

The Company capitalizes interest cost and other financial charges on borrowing associated with the manufacture, purchase, or construction of property, plant and equipment, incurred prior to completing the acquisition, as part of the cost of such assets. The calculation of capitalized interest includes exchange differences arising from foreign borrowings to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs, which is limited to the extent of interest cost calculated by the weighted average interest rate of local currency borrowings. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the amounts of capitalized interest were (Won)240,165 million, (Won)309,971 million and (Won)293,999, respectively.

Depreciation is computed by the declining-balance method (straight-line method for buildings, structures, loaded heavy water and capitalized asset retirement cost of nuclear power plants and waste electric transformer, unit-of-production method for loaded nuclear fuel (PWR) and capitalized asset retirement cost of loaded nuclear fuel) using rates based on the estimated useful lives as follows:

 

     Estimated useful life

Buildings

   8 ~ 40

Structures

   8 ~ 30

Machinery

   5 ~ 16

Vehicles

   4 ~ 5

Loaded heavy water (inclued in loaded nuclear fuel)

   30

Loaded nuclear fuel

   —  

Capitalized asset retirement cost of nuclear power plants

   30 ~ 40

Capitalized asset retirement cost of waste electric transformer

   8

Capitalized asset retirement cost of loaded nuclear fuel

   —  

Others

   4 ~ 9

As described in Note 1(v), in 2004, the Company adopted SKAS No. 17, “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, and retrospectively adjusted the liability for decommissioning costs at the estimated fair value using discounted cash flows to settle the asset retirement obligations of dismantlement of the nuclear power plants, spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste. In addition, the corresponding asset (calculated at the net book value amount as of January 1, 2004) related to all existing plants was recognized as a utility asset. The Company subsequently depreciates the capitalized asset retirement costs using the straight-line for dismantling costs and units-of-production depreciation method for spent fuel.

As described in Note 22, under the new regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Management Act, enacted in 2007, the Company is required to remove polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”), a toxin, from the insulating oil of its transformers by 2015. According to the enactments, the Company is required to inspect the PCBs contents of transformers and dispose of PCBs in excess of safety standards under the legally settled procedures. The Company recognized related costs as a liability and capitalized the amount related to all existing utility plants.

When the Company receives grants which relate to the construction of transmission and distribution facilities, such amounts are initially recorded and presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as deductions from the assets acquired under such grants and are offset against depreciation expense during the estimated useful lives of the related assets.

 

F-23


Table of Contents
(g) Asset Impairment

When the book value exceeds the estimated recoverable value of an asset due to obsolescence, physical damage or decline in market value, and the amount is material, the impaired asset is recorded at the recoverable value with the resulting impairment loss charged to current operations. If the recoverable value exceeds the adjusted book value of the asset in a subsequent period, the recoveries of previously recognized losses are recognized as gain in subsequent periods to the extent the net realizable value equals the book value of the assets before the loss is recognized after consideration of accumulated depreciation.

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. These computations utilize judgments and assumptions inherent in management’s estimate of undiscounted future cash flows to determine recoverability of an asset. Management uses its best estimate in making these evaluations and considers various factors, including the future prices of energy, fuel costs and operating costs. However, actual market prices and operating costs could vary from those used in the impairment evaluations, and the impact of such variations could be material. If management believes the assets may have declined in value based on these assumptions, the Company records impairment charges to reflect the estimated recoverable value.

 

(h) Investment Securities

Classification of Securities

At acquisition, the Company classifies securities into one of the three categories: trading, held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. Trading securities are those that were acquired principally to generate profits from short-term fluctuations in prices. Held-to-maturity securities are those with fixed and determinable payments and fixed maturity that an enterprise has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Available-for-sale securities are those not classified either as held-to-maturity or trading securities. Trading securities are classified as short-term investment securities, whereas held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities are classified as long-term investment securities, except for those whose maturity dates or whose likelihood of being disposed of are within one year from the end of the reporting period, which are classified as short-term investment securities.

Valuation of Securities

Securities are recognized initially at cost (determined by the moving average method for equity securities and by the specific identification for debt securities), which includes the market value of the consideration given and incidental expenses. If the market price of the consideration given is not available, the market prices of the securities purchased are used as the basis for measurement. If neither the market prices of the consideration given nor those of the acquired securities are available, the acquisition cost is measured at the best estimates of its fair value.

After initial recognition, held-to-maturity securities are valued at amortized cost. The difference between their acquisition costs and face vales (commonly referred to as “discounts” or “premiums” on debt securities) is amortized over the remaining term of the securities by applying the effective interest method and added to or subtracted from the acquisition costs and interest income of the remaining period.

Trading securities are valued at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses included in current operations. Available-for-sale securities are also valued at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), until the securities are sold or if the securities are determined to be impaired and the lump-sum cumulative amount of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reflected in current operations. For those securities that are traded in an active market (marketable securities), fair values refer to the quoted market prices, which are measured as the closing price at the end of the reporting period. The fair values of non-marketable debt securities are measured at

 

F-24


Table of Contents

the discounted future cash flows by using the discount rate that appropriately reflects the credit rating of the issuing entity assessed by a publicly reliable independent credit rating agency. If application of such measurement method is not feasible, estimates of the fair values may be made using a reasonable valuation model or quoted market prices of similar debt securities issued by entities conducting similar business in similar industries.

Securities are evaluated at each end of the reporting period to determine whether there is any objective evidence of impairment loss. When any such evidence exists, unless there is a clear counter-evidence that recognition of impairment is unnecessary, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the impaired security and recognizes any impairment loss in current operations. The amount of impairment loss of the held-to-maturity security or non-marketable equity security is measured as the difference between the recoverable amount and the carrying amount.

The recoverable amount of held-to maturity security is the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the securities’ original effective interest rate. For available-for-sale debt or equity security stated at fair value, the amount of impairment loss to be recognized in the current period is determined by subtracting the amount of impairment loss of debt or equity security already recognized in prior period from the amount of amortized cost in excess of the recoverable amount for debt security or the amount of the acquisition cost in excess of the fair value for equity security. For non-marketable equity securities accounted for at acquisition costs, the impairment loss is equal to the difference between the recoverable amount and the carrying amount.

If the realizable value subsequently recovers, in case of a security stated at fair value, the increase in value is recorded in current operations, up to the amount of the previously recognized impairment loss, while for the security stated at amortized cost or acquisition cost, the increase in value is recorded in current operation, so that its recovered value does not exceed what its amortized cost would be as of the recovery date if there had been no impairment loss.

Reclassification of Securities

When transfers of securities between categories are needed because of changes in an entity’s intention and ability to hold those securities, such transfer is accounted for as follows:

Trading securities should not be reclassified as other categories of securities. However, when those securities can no longer be held for sale in the near-term to generate profits from short-term price differences, the trading securities can be reclassified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities. When those securities are no longer traded in an active market, such securities are reclassified as available-for-sale securities. When trading securities are reclassified to other categories, the fair value (latest market value) as of the date of the reclassification becomes new acquisition cost of the security and the security’s unrealized holding gain or loss through the date of the reclassification should be recorded in the non-operating income or expenses.

Available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities can be reclassified into each other after fair value recognition. When a held-to-maturity security is reclassified into as a available-for-sale security, the difference between the book value and fair value is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Whereas, in case of an available-for-sale security being reclassified into a held-to-maturity security, the difference is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized over the remaining term of the securities using the effective interest method.

 

(i) Investment Securities under the Equity Method of Accounting

For investments in companies, whether or not publicly held, if the Company has significant influence over its investment, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company can exercise influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. The ability to exercise that influence may be indicated in several ways, such as the Company’s representation on its board of directors, the Company’s participation in its policy making processes, material

 

F-25


Table of Contents

transactions with the investee, interchange of managerial personnel, or technological dependency. Also, if the Company owns directly or indirectly 20% or more of the voting stock of an investee, the Company generally presumes that the investee is under significant influence. The change in the Company’s share of an investee’s net equity resulting from a change in an investee’s net equity is reflected in current operations, retained earnings, and accumulated other comprehensive income in accordance with the causes of the change which consist of the investee’s net income (loss), changes in retained earnings, and changes in capital surplus and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s initial investment is recorded at cost and is subsequently increased to reflect the Company’s share of the investee income and reduced to reflect the Company’s share of the investee losses or dividends received. The Company does not record its share of losses of an affiliate when such losses would make the Company’s investment in such entity less than zero unless the Company has guaranteed obligations of the investee or is otherwise committed to provide additional financial support.

Any excess in the Company’s acquisition cost over the Company’s share of the net fair value of the investee’s identifiable net assets is considered as goodwill and amortized by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life. The amortization of such goodwill is recorded against the equity income (losses) of affiliates. When events or circumstances indicate that carrying amount may not be recoverable, the Company reviews goodwill for any impairment.

Under the equity method of accounting, unrealized gains and losses on transactions with an investee are eliminated to the extent of the Company’s interest in the investee. However, unrealized gains and losses from a down-stream transaction with a subsidiary is eliminated in its entirety.

Assets and liabilities of foreign-based companies accounted for using the equity method are translated at the current rate of exchange at the end of the reporting period while profit and loss items in the statement of income are translated at the average rate and the capital account at the historical rate. The translation gains and losses arising from collective translation of the foreign currency financial statements of foreign-based companies are netted and recognized as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

(j) Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization, as described below.

 

  (i) Research and Development Costs

All costs incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the development phase are recognized as an asset only if all of the following criteria for recognition are satisfied; (1) it is probable that future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow into the entity; and (2) the cost of the asset can be reliably measured. If the costs incurred fail to satisfy all of these criteria, they are recorded as periodic expenses as incurred. The capitalized expenditure includes the cost of materials, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of overheads. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 years.

 

  (ii) Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets, which consist of industrial rights, land rights, computer software and others, are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses, if any. Such intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over a reasonable period, from 4 years to 50 years, based on the nature of the asset.

The Company assesses its intangible assets for impairment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

F-26


Table of Contents
(k) Cash Equivalents

The Company considers short-term financial instruments with maturities of three months or less at the acquisition date to be cash equivalents.

 

(l) Financial Instruments

Short-term financial instruments are financial instruments handled by financial institutions which are held for short-term cash management purposes or will mature within one year, including time deposits, installment savings deposits and restricted bank deposits.

 

(m) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on an analysis of individual accounts and past experience of collection. Smaller-balance homogeneous receivables are evaluated considering current economic conditions and trends, prior charge-off experience and delinquencies.

A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts of trade receivables is as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2007     2008     2009  

Balance at beginning of the year

   (Won) 50,173      53,924      48,161   

Provision for bad debts

     22,163      20,616      28,397   

Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts

     (393   (2,173   (726

Write off

     (18,019   (24,206   (14,738
                    

Balance at end of the year

   (Won) 53,924      48,161      61,094   
                    

 

(n) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined using the weighted-average method for raw materials, the specific identification method for materials in transit, moving-average method for supplies and specific-identification method for other inventories. The Company maintains perpetual inventory records, which are adjusted through physical counts at the end of each year.

 

(o) Valuation of Receivables and Payables at Present Value

Receivables and payables arising from long-term cash loans/borrowings and other similar loan/borrowing transactions are stated at present value. The difference between the nominal value and present value is deducted directly from the nominal value of related receivables or payables and is amortized using the effective interest rate method. The amount amortized is included in interest expense or interest income.

 

(p) Convertible Bonds

When issuing convertible bonds, the value of the conversion rights is recognized separately as a component of capital surplus. Consideration for conversion rights is measured by deducting the present value of ordinary or straight debt securities from the gross proceeds of the convertible bonds received at the date of issuance. The amortization of conversion right adjustment is recorded as a component of interest expense.

Convertible bonds are not subject to foreign currency translation because convertible bonds are regarded as non-monetary foreign currency liabilities in accordance with Korean GAAP.

 

(q) Discount (Premium) on Debentures and Debt Issuance Costs

Discount (premium) on debentures issued, which represents the difference between the face value and issuance price of debentures, is amortized using the effective interest rate method over the life of the debentures. The amount amortized is included in interest expense.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

Unamortized debt issuance costs are accounted for as a reduction of the related bond liability and amortized over the life of the bond. Upon early redemption, the amount of debt issuance costs is written off proportionally.

 

(r) Retirement and Severance Benefits

Employees and directors who have been with the Company for more than one year are entitled to lump-sum payments based on current salary rates and length of service when they leave the Company. The Company’s estimated liability under the plan which would be payable if all employees left on the end of the reporting period is accrued in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position.

Funding of the retirement and severance benefits are not required, however, tax deductions are limited if the liability is not funded. The Company purchased individual severance insurance deposits, which meet the funding requirement for tax deduction purposes, in which the beneficiary is the respective employee, with a balance of (Won)455,223 million and (Won)490,061 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and are presented as a deduction from the accrual of retirement and severance benefits.

Through March 1999, under the National Pension Scheme of Korea, the Company transferred a certain portion of retirement allowances to the National Pension Fund. The amount transferred reduces the retirement and severance benefit amount payable to the employees when they leave the Company and is accordingly reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position as a reduction of the retirement and severance benefit liability. However, since April 1999, due to change in regulation such transfers to the National Pension Fund are no longer required.

 

(s) Reserve for Self-Insurance

In accordance with the Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise—Associate Government Agency, the Company provides a self-insurance reserve for loss from accidents and liabilities to third parties that may arise in connection with the Company’s non-insured facilities. The self-insurance reserve is recorded until the amount meets 15.8 percent of all the non-insured buildings and machinery’s value. Payments made to settle applicable claims are charged to this reserve.

 

(t) Foreign Currency Translation

KEPCO and its domestic subsidiaries maintain their accounts in Korean Won. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in Korean Won based on the prevailing rates of exchange on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Korean Won at the end of the reporting period, with the resulting gains and losses recognized in current results of operations. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Korean Won at (Won)1,257.5 and (Won)1,167.6 to US$1, the rate of exchange on December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, which are stated at historical cost, are translated into Korean Won at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction.

Foreign currency assets and liabilities of foreign-based operations and the Company’s overseas subsidiaries are translated at the current rate of exchange at the end of the reporting period while profit and loss items in the statement of income are translated at the average rate and capital account at the historical rate. The translation gains and losses arising from collective translation of the foreign currency financial statements of foreign-based operations and the Company’s overseas subsidiaries are offset and the balance is accumulated as an accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

(u) Derivatives

All derivative instruments are accounted for at fair value with the valuation gain or loss recorded as an asset or liability. If the derivative instrument is not part of a transaction qualifying as a hedge, the adjustment to fair value is reflected in current operations. The accounting for derivative transactions that are part of a

 

F-28


Table of Contents

qualified hedge based both on the purpose of the transaction and on meeting the specified criteria for hedge accounting differs depending on whether the transaction is a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. Fair value hedge accounting is applied to a derivative instrument designated as hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability or a firm commitment (hedged item) that is attributable to a particular risk. The gain or loss both on the hedging derivative instruments and on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk is reflected in current operations.

Cash flow hedge accounting is applied to a derivative instrument designated as hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of an asset or a liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. The effective portion of gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded as an accumulated other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recorded in current operations. Accumulated gain or loss in shareholder’s equity is recorded in the income statement in the periods in which the hedged item will affect profit or loss.

If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized when the forecasted transaction is ultimately recognized in the consolidated statement of income. When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the consolidated statement of income.

 

(v) Liability for Decommissioning Costs

In October 2004, Korea Accounting Standard Board issued SKAS No. 17, “Provision and Contingent Liability & Asset.” In January 2005, the Company decided to early adopt SKAS No. 17. Under this standard, the Company retrospectively adjusted the liability for decommissioning costs at the estimated fair value using discounted cash flows (based on engineering studies and the expected decommissioning dates) to settle the liabilities for decommissioning costs and the same amount was recognized as an utility asset included in property, plant and equipment. The liability for decommissioning costs is adjusted based on management’s best estimates on each end of the reporting period. Under SKAS No. 17, the discount rate was set at the date of adoption (January 1, 2004) and should be applied in all future periods. In addition, any new obligation arising from new plant would use the discount rate in effect at the time plant commences operations. Accretion expense consists of period-to-period changes in the liability for decommissioning costs resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows. The Company subsequently depreciates the asset retirement costs of nuclear power plants and the asset retirement costs of loaded nuclear fuel using the straight-line and units-of-production depreciation method, respectively.

 

(w) Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of electric power based on meter readings made on a monthly basis. The Company does not accrue revenue for power sold after the meter readings but prior to the end of the accounting period. Revenue other than sale of electric power and revenue on long-term contracts is recognized when the Company’s revenue-earning activities have been substantially completed, the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, and it is probable that the Company will receive the economic benefits associated with the transaction.

 

(x) Income Taxes

Income tax expense is determined by adding or deducting the total income tax and surtaxes to be paid for the current period and the changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax is recognized on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profits.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences with some exceptions and deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the assets to be recovered. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are classified into current and non-current based on the classification of related assets or liabilities for financial reporting purposes.

Prior to January 1, 2007, the Company recognized prior year income tax adjustments (additional payment of income tax or income tax refunds) as other income (expenses), offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities, and offset deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities in consolidated financial statements. However, in accordance with amendment of SKAS No. 16, “Income Taxes”, effective January 1, 2007, the Company recognized additional payment of income tax or income tax refunds as income taxes in 2007.

 

(y) Dividends payable

Dividends are recorded when approved by the shareholders’ meeting.

 

(z) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, after addition for the effect of expenses related to dilutive securities on net income, by the weighted average number of common shares plus the dilutive potential common shares.

 

(aa) Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is presented as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated statements of financial position.

 

(ab) Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with Korean GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(ac) Accounting Principles

Certain subsidiaries apply different accounting methods for cost of inventory and the depreciation of fixed assets and intangible assets than those of KEPCO. The effect of the different accounting is not considered material.

 

F-30


Table of Contents
  (i) Cost of Inventory

 

Company

  Raw material(*)   Supplies   Others

KEPCO

  Weighted-average   Moving-average   Specific
identification

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

  Moving-average   —     Moving average

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

  —     Weighted-average   Weighted-average

Korea Power Engineering Co., Inc.

  —     FIFO   FIFO

Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.

  —     FIFO   —  

KEPCO Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.

  —     Weighted-average   —  

Korea Electric Power Data Network Co., Ltd.

  Moving-average   —     Moving-average

KEPCO Philippines Corporation

  —     Weighted-average   Weighted-average

KEPCO Ilijan Corporation

  —     Weighted-average   Weighted-average

 

(*)  Specific identification method is applied to materials in transit.

 

  (ii) Depreciation Methods

 

Company

  Machinery   Vehicles   Others   Computer software

KEPCO

  Declining-balance   Declining-balance   Declining-balance   Straight-line

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

  —     —     —     Declining-balance

Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.

  —     —     —     Declining-balance

KEPCO Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.

  Straight-line   Straight-line   Straight-line   —  

Korea Electric Power Data Network Co., Ltd.

  Straight-line   Straight-line   Straight-line   —  

KEPCO Philippines Corporation

  Straight-line   Straight-line   Straight-line   —  

KEPCO Ilijan Corporation

  Straight-line   Straight-line   Straight-line   —  

 

(ad) Elimination of Investments and Shareholders’ Equity

For consolidated subsidiaries and investments accounted for under the equity method, if the acquisition date is not as of the fiscal year end of the investee, the nearest fiscal year end of such investee is considered as the acquisition date in determining the amount of goodwill or negative goodwill.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

The elimination entries of the KEPCO’s investments against the related investees’ shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

Won (millions)

   

Won (millions)

 

Accounts

   Amount    

Accounts

   Amount  

Common stock

   (Won) 3,592,314     

Investments in affiliates

   (Won) 19,227,493   

Capital surplus

     15,835,900     

Consolidated capital surplus

     2,060   

Capital adjustments

     (199  

Consolidated capital adjustments

     (98

Retained earnings

     8,873,464     

Consolidated retained earnings

     8,698,373   

Accumulated other
comprehensive income

     26,188     

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     22,694   
    

Minority interests

     376,578   
    

Other

     567   
                   
   (Won) 28,327,667         (Won) 28,327,667   
                   

(2) Basis of Translating Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Korean Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009, have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of (Won)1,163.65 to US$1, the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Won as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of December 31, 2009. The translation should not be construed as a representation that any or all of the amounts shown could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate.

(3) Property, Plant and Equipment

 

(a) Asset Revaluation

The Company revalued its property, plant and equipment in accordance with the KEPCO Act and the Asset Revaluation Law (the latest revaluation date was January 1, 1999). As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company has a revaluation gain of (Won)12,552,973 million as a reserve for asset revaluation, a component of capital surplus.

 

(b) Officially Declared Value of Land

The officially declared value of land at December 31, 2009, as announced by the Minister of Land and Transportation and Maritime Affairs is as follows:

 

     Won (millions)

Purpose

   Book value    Declared value

Land—utility plant, transmission and distribution sites and other

   (Won) 6,370,868    10,338,688

The officially declared value of land, which is used for government purposes, is not intended to represent fair value.

 

F-32


Table of Contents
(c) Changes in Property, Plant and Equipment

Changes in property, plant and equipment and construction grants for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

    Won (millions)  
    2008  
    Book value
as of
January 1,
2008
    Acquisitions     Disposals     Depreciation     Others(*)     Book value
as of
December 31,
2008
 

Land

  (Won) 6,126,074      21,750      (22,096   —        170,880      6,296,608   

Buildings

    7,291,784      761      (7,302   (661,901   643,924      7,267,266   

Structures

    28,405,415      1,002      (514   (1,302,703   2,718,515      29,821,715   

Machinery

    17,049,211      71,450      (3,372   (3,168,570   3,970,688      17,919,407   

Vehicles

    31,661      6,845      (26   (19,459   12,190      31,211   

Loaded nuclear fuel

    933,263      —        —        (416,977   544,665      1,060,951   

Capitalized asset retirement cost

    1,859,958      —        —        (257,934   205,770      1,807,794   

Others

    661,541      82,081      (54   (172,227   177,535      748,876   

Construction in-progress

    9,824,129      8,740,733      —        —        (8,387,295   10,177,567   

Construction grants

    (4,619,883   (1,141,724   —        300,128      125,369      (5,336,110
                                     
  (Won) 67,563,153      7,782,898      (33,364   (5,699,643   182,241      69,795,285   
                                     
    Won (millions)  
    2009  
    Book value
as of
January 1,
2009
    Acquisitions     Disposals     Depreciation     Others(*)     Book value
as of
December 31,
2009
 

Land

  (Won) 6,296,608      26,527      (160,315   —        208,048      6,370,868   

Buildings

    7,267,266      15,087      (21,090   (684,783   329,857      6,906,337   

Structures

    29,821,715      288      (8,678   (1,387,818   2,302,908      30,728,415   

Machinery

    17,919,407      53,286      (52,348   (3,396,540   3,155,796      17,679,601   

Vehicles

    31,211      7,875      (787   (18,552   6,706      26,453   

Loaded nuclear fuel

    1,060,951      —        —        (447,294   536,151      1,149,808   

Capitalized asset retirement cost

    1,807,794      —        —        (269,711   167,792      1,705,875   

Others

    748,876      105,547      (3,008   (203,477   61,452      709,390   

Construction in-progress

    10,177,567      11,035,355      —        —        (6,303,753   14,909,169   

Construction grants

    (5,336,110   (1,197,173   —        393,490      (12,692   (6,152,485
                                     
  (Won) 69,795,285      10,046,792      (246,226   (6,014,685   452,265      74,033,431   
                                     

 

  (*) Others include transfers between asset categories, acquisition of capitalized asset retirement cost, and other non-cash items.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

(4) Insured Assets

Insured assets as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

          Won (millions)

Insured assets

  

Insurance type

   Insured value

Buildings and machinery

   Fire insurance    (Won) 1,032,097

Buildings and machinery

   Nuclear property insurance      1,763,968

Buildings, machinery and construction in progress

   Construction and shipping insurance      14,198,991

Buildings

   General insurance      23,693,482

Construction in progress

   Construction insurance      140,862

Inventories and machinery

   Shipping insurance      2,302,076
Buildings   

Others

     13,334,388

In addition, as of December 31, 2009, the Company carries compensation and responsibility insurance in relation to the operation of the nuclear power plants and gas accidents, construction and other general insurance for its utility plants and inventories and general insurance for vehicles.

(5) Intangible Assets

Changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

    Won (millions)
    2008
    Book value
as  of

January 1,
2008
  Acquisitions   Amortization     Others(*1)     Book value
as of

December  31,
2008

Port facility usage right

  (Won) 146,311   —     (8,128   (56,940   81,243

Water usage right

    57,397   —     (16,952   (131   40,314

Dam usage right

    2,017   —     (145   4,237      6,109

Electricity usage right

    50,935   47,907   (96,007   36,100      38,935

Future radioactive wastes repository sites usage rights(*2)

    300,000   —     —        —        300,000

Computer software and capitalized research and development costs

    208,989   36,156   (85,034   28,406      188,517

Others(*3)

    75,678   276,541   (36,538   (23,952   291,729
                         
  (Won) 841,327   360,604   (242,804   (12,280   946,847
                         

 

F-34


Table of Contents
    Won (millions)
    2009
    Book value
as of
January 1,
2009
  Acquisitions   Amortization     Others(*1)     Book value
as of
December 31,
2009

Port facility usage right

  (Won) 81,243   —     (6,601   —        74,642

Water usage right

    40,314   —     (16,952   (293   23,069

Dam usage right

    6,109   —     (145   —        5,964

Electricity usage right

    38,935   5,498   (97,495   66,610      13,548

Future radioactive wastes repository sites usage rights(*2)

    300,000   —     —        (300,000   —  

Computer software and capitalized research and development costs

    188,517   19,081   (71,315   14,603      150,886

Others(*3)

    291,729   225,098   (35,681   (66,910   414,236
                         
  (Won) 946,847   249,677   (228,189   (285,990   682,345
                         

 

  (*1) Others include transfers between asset categories and other non-cash items.

 

  (*2) In November 2005, Gyeongju City was selected as the repository site for Low and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste (LILRW). In relation to this future repository site, the Korean government enacted the ‘Special Act for the Region Hosting a Low and Intermediate Radioactive Waste Repository Site’ (the “Act”) to support the area. In compliance with the Act, the Company was obligated to pay (Won)300,000 million to the region to build the repository site. As a result, the Company recognized this obligation as an intangible asset and other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2005. The Company paid the entire amount in 2006.

In 2009, the Company reclassified (Won)300,000 million from intangible asset to other accounts receivable related to the disposal of its radio-asset waste facilities to Korea Radio-active Waste Management Corporation (KRMC). (Refer to note 22 and 38(j) for further information)

 

  (*3) In 2007, the useful life of Kori-1 nuclear generation unit is extended by 10 years under the permission of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (the “MEST”, formerly the Ministry of Science and Technology). The Company promised to pay (Won)196,000 million to local community where the Kori-1 nuclear power plant is located to get the agreement on the above extension of its operation period. The Company recorded the amount as other intangible assets.

In addition, the Company expensed research and development cost amounting to (Won)602,753 million, (Won)618,008 million and (Won)575,473 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

(6) Investment Securities

 

  (a) Short-term Investment securities as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Trading Securities

   (Won) 13,960    9,980

Held-to-maturity securities

     542    440
           
   (Won) 14,502    10,420
           

Held-to-maturity securities consist of debt securities including government and municipal bonds.

 

F-35


Table of Contents
  (b) Long-term investments other than those under the equity method as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008
     Ownership
%
   Acquisition
cost
   Book
value

Available-for-sale:

        

Equity securities(*1) :

        

Energy Savings Investment Cooperatives(*2)

   48.0    (Won) 1,680    1,680

Korea Power Exchange(*3)

   100.0      127,839    121,573

Hwan Young Steel Co., Ltd.

   0.14      97    97

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.

   15.0      12    12

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.

   15.0      12    12

Dolphin Property Limited.

   15.0      12    12

KEPCO Australia Pty Ltd.(*2)

   100.0      15,588    15,588

KEPCO Canada Energy Ltd.(*2)

   100.0      1,215    1,215

Korea Electric Power Nigeria Ltd.(*2)

   100.0      76    76

Cockatoo Coal Ltd.(*4)

   4.77      6,793    8,646

Other equity securities

   —        58,728    58,599
              
        212,052    207,510
              

Held-to-maturity:

        

Government and municipal bonds

        2,419    2,419
              

Total

      (Won) 214,471    209,929
              

 

     Won (millions)
     2009
     Ownership
%
   Acquisition
cost
   Book
value

Available-for-sale:

        

Equity securities(*1) :

        

Energy Savings Investment Cooperatives(*2)

   48.0    (Won) 1,680    1,680

Korea Power Exchange(*3)

   100.0      127,839    116,966

Hwan Young Steel Co., Ltd.

   0.14      97    97

Dolphin Property Limited.

   15.0      12    12

Korea Electric Power Nigeria Ltd.(*2)

   100.0      76    76

Cockatoo Coal Ltd.(*4)

   4.77      20,290    20,176

PT Adaro Energy Tbk(*5)

   1.5      71,554    102,803

Other equity securities

   —        34,741    34,277
              
        256,289    276,087
              

Held-to-maturity:

        

Government and municipal bonds

        2,330    2,330
              

Total

      (Won) 258,619    278,417
              

 

  (*1) The equity securities other than securities in Korea Power Exchange, Cockatoo Coal Ltd. and PT Adaro Energy Tbk are non-marketable securities and stated at cost due to the lack of information to determine fair value.

 

F-36


Table of Contents
  (*2) As described in Note 1(i), investment in affiliates in which the Company owns 20% or more of the voting stock should be stated at an amount as determined using equity method of accounting. However, as allowed per SKAS No. 8 “Investments in Securities”, as the difference between the equity method and cost is considered to be immaterial, the Company recorded the investment within available-for-sale securities at cost.

 

  (*3) Korea Power Exchange operates under the regulations for government affiliated organization, electric power market managerial regulations, and the Electricity Enterprises Act. Moreover, considering the purpose of establishment and articles of incorporation of Korea Power Exchange, the Company does not appear to have significant management control. Therefore, the investment is accounted for as available-for-sale at fair value. Based on the valuation report by the third party, the Company recorded valuation loss of (Won)10,873 million for its investment in Korea Power Exchange, which have been accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income in 2009.

 

  (*4) The investment of Cockatoo Coal Ltd. was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those securities are evaluated at quoted market value (closing price as of the reporting period). The Company recorded loss on valuation of (Won)114 million, which have been accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income in 2009.

 

  (*5) The investment of PT Adaro Energy Tbk. which is Indonesia-based coal mining company was listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange and those securities are evaluated at quoted market value (closing price as of the reporting period). The Company recorded gain on valuation of (Won)31,249 million, which have been accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income in 2009.

 

  (c) Investments in affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

    Won (millions)
    2008
    Ownership
%
  Acquisition
cost
  Net asset
value
  Book value

Korea Gas Corporation

  24.5   (Won) 94,500   1,022,928   1,022,928

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

  26.1     5,660   186,445   186,445

LG Powercom Corporation

  38.8     323,470   384,901   384,901

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development
Co., Ltd.

  49.0     7,987   28,717   28,717

YTN

  21.4     59,000   29,991   29,991

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

  40.0     11,342   14,256   14,256

SPC Power Corporation

  40.0     20,635   30,507   30,507

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

  40.0     71,856   105,734   105,734

Gemeng International Energy Group Co. Ltd.

  34.0     413,153   591,911   591,911

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited.

  30.0     8,463   8,646   8,646

Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd.

  15.0     5,725   6,994   7,093

Hyundai Green Power Co. Ltd.

  29.0     38,135   37,218   37,218

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

  27.0     1,800   4,823   4,823

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

  27.5     48,679   54,096   54,096
               
    (Won) 1,110,405   2,507,167   2,507,266
               

 

F-37


Table of Contents
    Won (millions)
    2009
    Ownership
%
  Acquisition
cost
  Net asset
value
    Book value

Korea Gas Corporation(*1)

  24.5   (Won) 94,500   1,256,891      1,256,891

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

  26.1     5,660   226,596      226,596

LG Powercom Corporation(*1,*3)

  38.8     323,470   351,349      326,096

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

  49.0     7,987   26,553      26,553

YTN(*1)

  21.4     59,000   35,074      35,076

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

  40.0     16,500   18,131      18,131

SPC Power Corporation

  40.0     20,635   28,691      28,580

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

  40.0     78,574   108,998      108,997

Gemeng International Energy Group Co. Ltd.

  34.0     413,153   546,300      546,300

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited.

  30.0     8,463   7,267      7,267

Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd.(*2)

  15.0     5,725   7,360      7,412

Hyundai Green Power Co. Ltd.

  29.0     38,135   36,253      36,253

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

  27.0     18,200   16,870      16,946

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

  27.5     35,999   37,343      37,343

Eco Biomass Energy Sdn. Bhd.

  40.0     6,529   6,529      6,529

Denison Mines Corporation(*1,*2)

  17.1     84,134   152,479      64,176

Rabigh Electricity Company

  40.0     1,357   (2,069   —  

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.(*2,*4)

  14.6     12   (4,048   —  

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.(*2,*4)

  14.6     12   (3,644   —  

SET Holdings(*2)

  2.5     229,255   229,255      229,255

Areva NC Expansion(*2)

  15.0     285,465   285,465      285,465
                 
    (Won) 1,732,765   3,367,643      3,263,866
                 

 

  (*1) The quoted market value (based on closing price at the Korea Stock Exchange as of December 31, 2009) of Korea Gas Corporation, LG Powercom and YTN as of December 31, 2009 was (Won)918,540 million, (Won)315,189 million and (Won)40,770 million respectively.

 

       Denison Mines Corporation is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange, and as of December 31, 2009, the quoted market value based on the Toronto Stock Exchange was (Won)84,751 million ((Won)86,005 million based on the New York Stock Exchange).

 

  (*2) Despite of holding less than 20% of the total number of voting stock of Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd., Denison Mines Corporation, KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd., KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd., SET Holdings and Areva NC Expansion, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting to the investment, as the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of those entities.

 

  (*3) As LG Telecom will merge LG Powercom on January 5, 2010, shares of LG Powercom which the Company owns will be exchanged for shares of LG Telecom. As a result of the merger, the recoverable amount is estimated as (Won)326,096 million, and (Won)60,636 million arising from difference between the recoverable amount and the book value is recognized as impairment loss on investments.

 

  (*4) In 2009, the Company discontinued applying the equity method in KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd. and KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd., as the accumulated deficit carried over from prior years in the equity loss of affiliates exceeded the balance in investment, resulting in a net nil investment balance and additional losses of (Won)3,493 million and (Won)3,149 million for other investments. The Company had unrealized equity loss of affiliates (Won)555 million and (Won)495 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2009.

 

F-38


Table of Contents
  (d) Changes in investments in affiliated companies under the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

    Won (millions)
    2008
    Book value
as of
January 1,
2008
  Equity income
(loss) of affiliates
    Others(*1)     Book value
as of
December  31,
2008

Korea Gas Corporation

  (Won) 938,137   108,192      (23,401   1,022,928

Korea District Heating Co.

    187,502   2,366      (3,423   186,445

LG Powercom Corporation

    389,326   6,041      (10,466   384,901

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development, Ltd.

    29,379   4,728      (5,390   28,717

YTN

    28,493   1,823      (325   29,991

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

    7,543   (275   6,988      14,256

SPC Power Corporation

    22,580   493      7,434      30,507

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

    64,159   4,883      36,692      105,734

Gemeng International Energy Group Co. Ltd.

    413,153   (29,321   208,079      591,911

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited.

    7,625   22      999      8,646

Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd

    7,307   628      (842   7,093

Hyundai Green Power Co. Ltd.

    16,364   (372   21,226      37,218

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

    1,499   (400   3,724      4,823

KOMIPO Global Pte Ltd.

    13,540   —        (13,540   —  

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

    —     (197   54,293      54,096
                     
  (Won) 2,126,607   98,611      282,048      2,507,266
                     

 

    Won (millions)
    2009
    Book value
as of
January 1,
2009
  Equity income
(loss) of affiliates
    Others(*1)     Book value
as of
December  31,
2009

Korea Gas Corporation

  (Won) 1,022,928   27,164      206,799      1,256,891

Korea District Heating Co.

    186,445   39,110      1,041      226,596

LG Powercom Corporation

    384,901   1,831      (60,636   326,096

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development, Ltd.

    28,717   3,607      (5,771   26,553

YTN

    29,991   5,283      (198   35,076

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

    14,256   76      3,799      18,131

SPC Power Corporation

    30,507   3,661      (5,588   28,580

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

    105,734   10,979      (7,716   108,997

Gemeng International Energy Group Co. Ltd.

    591,911   816      (46,427   546,300

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited.

    8,646   (666   (713   7,267

Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd(*3)

    7,093   1,170      (851   7,412

Hyundai Green Power Co. Ltd.

    37,218   (892   (73   36,253

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.(*3)

    4,823   (320   12,443      16,946

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

    54,096   —        (16,753   37,343

Eco Biomass Energy Sdn. Bhd.

    —     —        6,529      6,529

Denison Mines Corporation(*3)

    —     (17,788   81,964      64,176

Rabigh Electricity Company(*2)

    —     (44,889   44,889      —  

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.

    —     (3,506   3,506      —  

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.

    —     (3,163   3,163      —  

SET Holdings

    —     —        229,255      229,255

Areva NC Expansion

    —     —        285,465      285,465
                     
  (Won) 2,507,266   22,473      734,127      3,263,866
                     

 

F-39


Table of Contents

 

  (*1) Others are composed of acquisition (disposal) of investment, dividends and the changes in values in equity due to capital surplus and gain (loss) on investment securities in accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

  (*2) As of December 31, 2009, unrealized profits of (Won)44,889 million arisen from transactions with the Company were eliminated.

 

  (*3) Details of changes in the differences between the acquisition cost and net asset value of equity method investees for the year ended December 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     Beginning
balance
   Acquisition    Amortization
(Reversal)
    Ending
balance

Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd

   (Won) 98    —      (49   49

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

     —      84    (8   76

Denison Mines Corporation

     —      89,453    (1,150   88,303
                      

Total

   (Won) 98    89,537    (1,207   88,428
                      

The Company’s portion on the negative accumulated other comprehensive income amounts were (Won)2,480 million and (Won)27,510 million, and positive accumulated other comprehensive income amounts of (Won)332,453 million and (Won)465,451 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Such amounts have been accounted for as unrealized gains and losses on equity securities of affiliates within shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income of the Company.

 

  (e) Summarized financial information regarding affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 is shown in the following table (Won in million). There are no significant differences between carrying value of investment and share of underlying net equity except for Denison Mines Corporation explained in Note 6(d).

 

    2008  

Affiliated Companies

  Total Assets   Total Liabilities   Sales   Net
Income(Loss)
 

Korea Gas Corporation

  (Won) 20,807,767   16,624,885   23,324,594   435,153   

Korea District Heating Co.

    2,382,031   1,666,926   1,189,916   9,072   

LG Powercom Corporation

    1,937,073   944,983   1,273,769   5,991   

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

    128,479   69,873   261,090   12,833   

YTN

    187,383   47,424   104,441   8,731   

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power
Co., Ltd.

    148,453   112,812   5,777   (688

SPC Power Corporation

    88,946   9,373   24,249   10,826   

Datang Chifeng Renewable Co., Ltd.

    785,065   521,100   47,090   15,188   

Gemeng International Energy Group
Co., Ltd.

    1,741,968   1,051   12,524   (101,016

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited

    57,463   28,641   3,663   74   

Gangwon Wind Power Co.

    155,491   108,867   16,099   4,358   

Hyundai Green Power Co., Ltd.

    163,032   34,695   —     (1,283

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

    88,346   70,485   1,021   1,449   

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

    68,747   2,961   —     (726

 

F-40


Table of Contents
    2009  

Affiliated Companies

  Total Assets   Total Liabilities   Sales   Net
Income(Loss)
 

Korea Gas Corporation

  (Won) 22,933,499   17,794,943   19,391,829   215,404   

Korea District Heating Co.

    2,902,148   2,032,962   1,248,195   149,179   

LG Powercom Corporation

    2,043,231   1,137,621   1,468,313   25,853   

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

    124,685   67,736   125,303   4,718   

YTN

    329,654   165,974   105,432   26,038   

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power
Co., Ltd.

    135,760   90,256   11,583   189   

SPC Power Corporation

    87,873   13,369   27,507   9,479   

Datang Chifeng Renewable Co., Ltd.

    877,027   604,504   97,018   28,293   

Gemeng International Energy Group
Co., Ltd.

    1,611,481   4,714   —     (14,013

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited.

    33,990   9,767   —     (878

Gangwon Wind Power Co.

    148,096   99,025   28,603   8,060   

Hyundai Green Power Co., Ltd.

    376,924   251,915   —     (3,076

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

    223,220   166,985   3,024   (1,011

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

    433,702   300,686   —     (3,879

Eco Biomass Energy Sdn. Bhd.

    10,919   —     —     —     

Denison Mines Corporation

    1,064,202   171,097   61,507   (141,534

Rabigh Electricity Company

    790,210   795,382   —     —     

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.

    256,243   283,919   —     —     

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.

    153,075   177,994   —     —     

SET Holdings

    2,351,637   11,795   —     —     

Areva NC Expansion

    102,709   7   —     —     

(7) Loans to Employees

The Company has provided housing and tuition loans to employees as follows as of December 31, 2008 and 2009:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Current portion of long-term loans

   (Won) 32,899    42,175

Long-term loans

     426,943    441,808
           
   (Won) 459,842    483,983
           

(8) Other Non-current Assets

Other non-current assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Leasehold deposits

   (Won) 260,247    277,327

Assets received from KEDO (Note 33(d))

     93,625    93,519

Loans for oversea business

     21,192    372,972

Others

     129,344    147,042
           
   (Won) 504,408    890,860
           

 

F-41


Table of Contents

(9) Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Financial Instruments

There are certain amounts included in cash and cash equivalents and financial instruments, which are restricted in use for certain business purposes as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 88,835    77,469

Short-term financial instruments

     50,000    65,858

Long-term financial instruments

     5    5
           
   (Won) 138,840    143,332
           

(10) Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Raw materials(*)

   (Won) 2,336,236    2,346,478

Supplies

     1,264,450    1,066,922

Other

     671,412    481,478
           
   (Won) 4,272,098    3,894,878
           

 

  (*) As of December 31, 2008 and 2009 the Company has nuclear fuel in process amounting to (Won)1,211,558 million and (Won)1,590,958 million, respectively.

(11) Other Current Assets

Other current assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Current portion of long-term loans

   (Won) 33,707    45,507

Accrued income

     21,946    48,090

Advance payments

     31,160    43,510

Prepaid expenses

     35,772    35,497

Others

     65,593    74,910
           
   (Won) 188,178    247,514
           

(12) Shareholders’ Equity

 

(a) Capital Stock

The Company’s authorized share capital is 1,200,000,000 shares, which consists of common stock and non-voting preferred stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share. Under the Company’s articles of incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue up to 150,000,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock. No shares of preferred stock have ever been issued. As of December 31, 2009, 641,567,712 shares of common stock have been issued.

 

F-42


Table of Contents
(b) Capital Surplus

Capital surplus as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

   (Won) 835,140    835,140

Reserves for asset revaluation

     12,552,973    12,552,973

Tax adjustment related to asset revaluation

     742,125    742,125

Other capital surplus

     428,293    538,325
           
   (Won) 14,558,531    14,668,563
           

The Company revalued its property, plant and equipment in accordance with the KEPCO Act and the Asset Revaluation Law, and recorded a revaluation gain of (Won)12,552,973 million as a reserve for asset revaluation. The reserve for asset revaluation can be used for capital injection or offset against any accumulated deficit by resolution of the shareholders.

(13) Capital Adjustments

Capital adjustments of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Treasury stock(*)

   (Won) 741,489    741,489

Other capital adjustments

     —      98
           
   (Won) 741,489    741,587
           

 

  (*) The Company has 18,929,955 shares of treasury stock amounting to (Won)741,489 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 for the purpose of stock price stabilization.

(14) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2008     2009  

Gain (loss) on valuation of available-for-sale securities, net

   (Won) (3,759   14,327   

Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates

     329,973      437,941   

Overseas operation translation credit

     (5,598   (36,901

Gain on valuation of cash flow hedges (Note 25)

     114,448      71,844   
              
   (Won) 435,064      487,211   
              

 

F-43


Table of Contents

(15) Appropriated Retained Earnings

Appropriated retained earnings as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Involuntary:

     

Legal reserve(*1)

   (Won) 1,603,919    1,603,919

Voluntary:

     

Reserve for investment on social overhead capital(*2)

     5,277,449    5,277,449

Reserve for research and human resources Development(*2)

     330,000    330,000

Reserve for business rationalization(*3)

     31,900    —  

Reserve for business expansion(*4)

     19,008,932    16,088,363

Reserve for dividend equalization(*5)

     210,000    210,000
           
     24,858,281    21,905,812
           
   (Won) 26,462,200    23,509,731
           

 

  (*1) The KEPCO Act requires the Company to appropriate a legal reserve equal to at least 20 percent of net income for each accounting period until the reserve equals 50 percent of the Company’s common stock. The legal reserve is not available for cash dividends; however, this reserve may be credited to paid-in capital or offset against accumulated deficit by the resolution of the shareholders.

 

  (*2) The reserve for the investment on social overhead capital and the reserve for research and human development are appropriated by the Company to avail itself of qualified tax credits to reduce corporate tax liabilities. These reserves are not available for cash dividends for a certain period as defined in the Tax Incentive Control Law.

 

  (*3) Until December 10, 2002 under the Special Tax Treatment Control Law (the “Law”), investment tax credit was allowed for certain investments. The Company was, however, required to appropriate from retained earnings the amount of tax benefits received and transfer such amount into a reserve for business rationalization. Effective December 11, 2002, the Company is no longer required to establish a reserve for business rationalization for tax benefits received for certain investments. However, existing reserves restricted for cash dividends and can be credited only to paid-in capital or offset against any accumulated deficit by resolution of the shareholders.

 

  (*4) Prior to 1990, according to the KEPCO Act, at least 20 percent of net income in each fiscal year was required to be established as a reserve for business expansion until such reserve equals the common stock. Beginning in 1990, no reserve is required.

 

  (*5) The reserve for dividend equalization, which is considered a voluntary reserve, is appropriated by the Company to reduce fluctuation of dividend rate.

 

F-44


Table of Contents

(16) Dividends

Details of dividends for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions, except per share amount)
     Outstanding
shares of
common stock
   Dividend
rate
    Dividend
per share
   Total
dividend

2007:

          

Outstanding shares of common stock

   622,619,085    15   (Won) 750    (Won) 466,964

Treasury shares

   18,948,627    —          —        —  
                
   641,567,712         (Won) 466,964
                

2008:

          

Outstanding shares of common stock

   622,637,757    —     (Won) —      (Won) —  

Treasury shares

   18,929,955    —          —        —  
                
   641,567,712         (Won) —  
                

2009:

          

Outstanding shares of common stock

   622,637,757    —     (Won) —      (Won) —  

Treasury shares

   18,929,955    —          —        —  
                
   641,567,712         (Won) —  
                

(17) Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

(a) Local Currency Short-term Borrowings

 

Lender

  

Type

   Annual
interest
rate %
   Won (millions)
         2008    2009

Eugene Investment & Securities

   General    3.00    (Won) 71,100    10,000

Woori Bank

   General    2.81      812,189    10,000

Korea Exchange Bank

   General    3.00      85,000    50,000

Shinhan Bank

   General    2.83      50,000    130,000

Samsung Securities

   General    CD - 4bp,+72bp      40,000    —  

Nonghyup

   General    MOR+1.67      7,000    7,000

SK Securities

   General    3.00      50,000    40,000

BOA

   General    CD + 7bp      24,000    —  

A.N.Z_KOREA

   General    8.39      20,000    —  

Kumho investment bank

   General    3.00      —      30,000

Shinhan Investment Corp.

   General    3.00      —      30,000
                 
         (Won) 1,159,289    307,000
                 

 

F-45


Table of Contents
(b) Foreign Currency Short-term Borrowings

 

Lender

  

Type

   Annual
interest
rate %
   Won (millions)
         2008    2009

China Construction Bank

   General    1.75~1.83    (Won) 15,784    22,714

Woori Bank

   General    3M Libor+1.40      22,747    7,049

Korea Exchange Bank

   General    3M Libor+1.45      31,706    18,154

Korea Development Bank

   Commercial paper    0.61~4.70      35,229    —  

Kookmin Bank

   Commercial paper    3.82~5.08      49,374    —  

HSBC Korea

   Commercial paper    4.10      10,223    —  

Deutsche Bank Korea

   General    2.26      4,878   

BNP Paribas

   General    1.25      —      50,199

ABN-AMRO

   General    1.3~2.2      —      68,250

Shinhan Bank

   General    1.70      —      12,063

EXIM Bank

   General    3M Libor rate+0.35      —      81,658

A.N.Z_KOREA

   General    2.13      —      77,948

Other

   Usance & etc.    3M Libor+1.40      28,480    39,445
                 
         (Won) 198,421    377,480
                 

 

  (*) As of December 31, 2009, 1M Libor for US$ is 0.23% and 3M Libor for Yen and US$ are 0.28% and 0.25%, respectively.

(18) Long-term Debt

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

(a) Local Currency Long-term Borrowings

 

Lender

  Type   Maturity   Annual
interest
rate  %
  Won (millions)  
        2008     2009  

Korea Development Bank

  Facility   2010~2044   0.50~6.87   (Won) 3,351,893      1,937,702   

Industrial Bank of Korea

  Development
of power resource
  2012   4.00     99,666      57,866   

Ministry of Knowledge Economy

 

Development
of power resource

  2010   4.00     20,000      10,000   

National Agricultural Cooperative Federation

 

Development
of power resource

  2011   3.08~4.00     114,375      66,875   

Korea Exchange Bank

  Energy
rationalization
  2010~2021   2.64~6.13     1,022,682      1,199,332   

Others

  General   2010~2042   1.75~4.00     1,015,375      562,638   
                   
          5,623,991      3,834,413   

Less: Current portion

          (2,201,430   (1,809,612
                   
        (Won) 3,422,561      2,024,801   
                   

 

F-46


Table of Contents
(b) Foreign Currency Long-term Borrowings

 

Lender

  Type   Maturity   Annual
interest
rate %
  Won (millions)  
        2008     2009  

Japan Bank for international cooperation

 

Facility

 

2014

 

(a) 8.28% p.a. fixed
and (b) 6M

LIBOR +1.20 bps

  (Won) 138,320      105,611   

EXIM Bank

  Project loans   2010~2014   5.00~7.27     225,252      110,529   

Woori Bank

  Project loans   2018   LIBOR+30bp     125,750      103,024   

USEXIM

  Facility   2014   4.48     73,227      56,120   

Others

  Facility   2013   3M Libor rate
+0.70~3.05
    16,885      149,791   
                   
          579,434      525,075   

Less: Current portion

          (52,390   (193,548
                   
        (Won) 527,044      331,527   
                   

 

(c) Debentures

 

              Annual
interest
rate %
   Won (millions)  
         Maturity       2008     2009  

Local currency debentures:

          
Electricity bonds    2010~2013    3.61~7.19    (Won) 10,050,000      15,500,000   
Corporate bonds    2010~2011    3.96~7.55      4,030,010      5,840,010   
                      
             14,080,010      21,340,010   
                      
Foreign currency debentures:           
FY-93    2013    7.75      440,125      408,660   
FY-96    2010~2096    6.00~8.28      320,627      296,313   
FY-97    2027    6.75~7.00      395,758      367,463   
FY-03    2010~2013    5.12      188,626      175,140   
FY-04    2010~2034    4.88~5.75      880,240      992,460   
FY-05    2010~2012    3.13~5.25      821,306      768,850   
FY-06    2016    5.24~5.50      817,376      758,940   
FY-07    2010~2014    1.22~5.75      969,206      707,179   
FY-08    2011~2018    3M USD Libor+1.5,
3M JPY Libor+1.8,
4.06~5.38
     1,730,060      1,596,007   
FY-09    2010~2014    3M EuroYenTibor+2.5,
5.5~6.25
     —        1,877,682   
                      
             6,563,324      7,948,694   
                      
             20,643,334      29,288,704   

Less:

  Current portion            (2,190,963   (3,775,653
  Discount            (49,747   (76,358
                      
           (Won) 18,402,624      25,436,693   
                      

 

F-47


Table of Contents
(d) Exchangeable Bonds

 

     Annual
interest rate %
   Won (millions)  

Description

      2008     2009  

Overseas exchangeable bonds(*)

   0.00    (Won) 485,682      25,638   

Overseas exchangeable bonds(*)

   0.00      555,114      24,736   
                 
        1,040,796      50,374   

Less: Current portion

        —        —     

Plus: Premium on debentures issued

        —        —     

Less: Discount on debentures issued

        (49,729   (1,500

Conversion right adjustment

        (39,123   (1,269
                 

Exchangeable bonds, net

      (Won) 951,944      47,605   
                 

 

  (*) On November 21, 2006, the Company issued overseas exchangeable bonds of JPY61,345,128,000 and EUR463,320,780 at a discounted value of JPY60,810,000,000 and EUR401,700,000, respectively. The main terms of the bonds are as follows:

 

   

Maturity date: November 23, 2011

 

   

Amount to be paid at maturity: JPY 61,345,128,000 and EUR 463,320,780

 

   

Exchange period: From January 4, 2007 to 10th day prior to its maturity.

 

   

Shares to be exchanged: Common stock of the Company or its equivalent DR

 

   

Exchange price: (Won)51,000 per share

 

   

Put option: Bondholders have a put option that they can exercise for JPY 61,132,293,000 and EUR 437,612,000 on November 23, 2009. The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the holder of notes, by depositing a demand of redemption at the specified office of a paying agent, not less than 30 or more than 60 days prior to November 23, 2009.

 

   

Call option: The Company has a call option that it can exercise on or at any time after November 23, 2009. Notes are callable if the closing price per common share on the Korea Stock Exchange or the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange in each case, for each of any 20 trading days in a 30 consecutive trading period ending not more than 5 days prior to the date on which notice such redemption is given, is at least 120% of the conversion price or of the conversion price per ADS.

In accordance with Article 17—“Issuance of Convertible Bonds” and Article 11—“Calculation of Dividend for New Shares” of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, distribution of dividends on new shares resulting from conversion of exchangeable bonds is deemed to have been issued at the beginning of the fiscal year.

On November 23, 2009, bondholders exercised a put option, 94.72% of JPY60,810,000 thousand and 95.54% of EUR401,700 thousand. The Company recorded a loss on early repayment of exchangeable bond and a loss on foreign currency transaction amounting to (Won)43,787 million and (Won)496,806 million, respectively.

 

F-48


Table of Contents
(e) Foreign currency debts, by currency, as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions), US$, JPY, PHP and EUR (thousands)
     2008    2009
     Foreign
currency
   Won
equivalent
   Foreign
currency
   Won
equivalent

Short-term

    borrowings

   US$ 157,790    (Won) 198,421    US$ 244,840    (Won) 285,875
   JPY —        —      JPY 3,616,476      91,605
                   
        198,421         377,480
                   

Long-term

    borrowings

   US$ 390,826      491,464    US$ 321,414      375,283
   PHP 3,315,884      87,970    PHP 5,913,600      149,792
                   
        579,434         525,075
                   

Debentures

   US$ 3,879,688      4,878,707    US$ 5,378,496      6,279,932
   JPY 89,000,000      1,240,562    JPY 99,000,000      1,250,192
   EUR 250,000      444,055    EUR 250,000      418,570
                   
        6,563,324         7,948,694
                   

Exchangeable

    bond

   JPY 61,345,128      485,682    JPY 3,238,248      25,638
   EUR 463,321      555,114    EUR 20,646      24,736
                   
        1,040,796         50,374
                   
      (Won) 8,381,975       (Won) 8,901,623
                   

 

(f) Aggregate maturities of the Company’s long-term debt as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)

Year ended December 31

   Local
currency
borrowings
   Foreign
currency
borrowings
   Domestic
debentures
   Foreign
debentures
   Exchangeable
bonds
   Total

2010

   (Won) 1,809,612    193,548    2,650,000    1,127,048    —      5,780,208

2011

     1,410,721    68,488    3,420,000    1,237,391    50,374    6,186,974

2012

     386,735    68,488    4,050,010    351,320    —      4,856,553

2013

     62,794    68,488    3,680,000    2,452,822    —      6,264,104

2014

     62,193    39,544    3,520,000    759,585    —      4,381,322

Thereafter

     102,358    86,519    4,020,000    2,020,528    —      6,229,405
                               
   (Won) 3,834,413    525,075    21,340,010    7,948,694    50,374    33,698,566
                               

(19) Long-term debt under conditional agreements

Borrowings under conditional agreements as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

                Won (In millions)

Lender

  Type   Maturity   Annual
interest rate (%)
  2008   2009

Korea Resources
Corporation(*1)

 

Overseas
business

  2022~2024
  3 year treasury

notes—2.25

  (Won) 3,592   7,039

Korea National Oil
Corporation(*2)

 

Oil development
business

  2021~2023
  3 year treasury

notes—1.25

    11,046   8,278
               
        (Won) 14,638   15,317
               

 

F-49


Table of Contents

 

  (*1) The Company has borrowings under conditional agreements from Korea Resources Corporation for overseas resources development projects related to uranium research in Christ and Waterberry, Canada.

 

  (*2) The Company has borrowings under conditional agreements from Korea National Oil Corporation for overseas resources development projects related to deepwater OPL321 and OPL323 exploration in Nigeria.

In case the projects mentioned above fail, the Company is not obliged to repay the principal and interest. The Company shall make additional payments other than the principle and interest after commercial production begins. The long-term borrowings of prior period’s financial statement are reclassified to the borrowings under conditional agreement to conform to the current period’s presentation. The reclassification does not affect the income before tax or net assets.

(20) Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currencies

Significant assets and liabilities of the Company (excluding foreign subsidiaries) denominated in foreign currencies other than those mentioned in Note 18 as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions), US$, JPY and EUR (thousands)
     2008    2009
     Foreign
currency
(thousands)(*)
   Won
equivalent
(millions)
   Foreign
currency
(thousands)(*)
   Won
equivalent
(millions)

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   US$ 17,789    (Won) 22,639    US$ 162,469    (Won) 189,699
   CNY 62      11    CNY —        —  
   PHP 5,013      133    PHP 2,575      65
   INR 163,304      4,280    INR 111,761      2,803
   AUD 3,013      2,621    AUD 4,129      4,315
   EUR 209      383    EUR 1,798      3,011
   NGN 1,985      18    NGN —        —  
   PKR —        —      PKR 14,236      199
   MGA —        —      MGA 20,035      12

Short-term financial instruments

   US$ 500      629    US$ —        —  
   INR 15,000      393    INR 20,664      518

Short-term loan

   US$ —        —      US$ 2,250      2,627

Trade receivables

   US$ 10,479      13,177    US$ 8,138      9,502
   EUR 125      221    EUR 1,899      3,179
   INR 49,640      1,301    INR 137,328      3,444
   PKR —        —      PKR 14,974      209
   PHP 1,216      32    PHP —        —  

Other accounts receivable

   US$ 7,483      9,410    US$ 4,853      5,666
   INR —        —      INR 48      1
   EUR —        —      EUR 84      141

Accrued income

   AUD —        —      AUD 41      43
   INR 141      4    INR 291      7

Advance payments

   US$ 5,515      6,957    US$ 285      333

Other current assets

   PKR —        —      PKR 125      2
   PHP 6,555      174    PHP 1,506      38
   INR 6,065      159    INR 7,131      179
   AUD 97      84    AUD 49      51

Long-term other accounts receivables

   US$ —        —      US$ 61      71

Other non-current assets

   US$ 564      709    US$ 449      524
   EUR 30      54    EUR 15      25
   JPY 13,428      187    JPY 520      7
   CAD 2      2    CAD —        —  
   CNY 40      7    CNY 14      2
                   
      (Won) 63,585       (Won) 226,676
                   

 

F-50


Table of Contents
     Won (millions), US$, JPY and EUR (thousands)
     2008    2009
     Foreign
currency
(thousands)(*)
   Won
equivalent
(millions)
   Foreign
currency
(thousands)(*)
   Won
equivalent
(millions)

Liabilities:

           

Trade payables

   US$ 488,279    (Won) 614,010    US$ 443,794    (Won) 518,173
   EUR 314      557    EUR 517      866
   JPY 33,062      461    JPY —        —  
   CNY 1,779      328    CNY 4,111      703
   PHP 1,342      36    PHP —        —  
   INR 4,680      123    INR 592      15
   AUD 630      548    AUD —        —  
   GBP 1      1    GBP 84      157
   CAD —        —      CAD 166      184
   SEK —        —      SEK 270      44

Other accounts payable

   US$ 32,966      42,582    US$ 799      933
   EUR 1,459      2,657    EUR 664      1,112
   JPY 492      6,862    JPY 10,606,304      133,938
   CAD 52      54    CAD 327      362
   PHP 976      26    PHP —        —  
   INR 7,410      194    INR 13,144      330
   CHF —        —      CHF 101      114
   GBP 29      53    GBP 22      42
   SEK 142      23    SEK —        —  
   PKR —        —      PKR 4,078      57

Withholdings

   US$ 99      124    US$ 80      93
   EUR —        —      EUR 6      10
   CAD 179      186    CAD 36      40

Other current liabilities

   US$ 458      576    US$ 421      492
   INR 130      3    INR 25,516      640
   AUD 10,593      278    AUD 100      105
   PHP 183      159    PHP —        —  
                   
      (Won) 669,841       (Won) 658,410
                   

 

  (*) Foreign currencies other than US$, JPY and EUR are converted into US$.

(21) Retirement and Severance Benefits

Changes in retirement and severance benefits for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2008     2009  

Estimated accrual at beginning of year

   (Won) 1,776,614      2,190,771   

Provision for retirement and severance benefits

     483,909      238,001   

Payments

     (78,204   (173,430

Others

     8,452      7,487   
              

Estimated accrual at end of year

     2,190,771      2,262,829   

Transfer to National Pension Fund

     (91   (88

Deposit for severance benefit insurance

     (455,223   (490,061
              

Net balance at end of year

   (Won) 1,735,457      1,772,680   
              

 

F-51


Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2009, the future retirement and severance benefits which are expected to be paid to the Company’s employees upon their normal retirement age are as follows:

 

     Korean Won
(in millions)
   Translation into
U.S.  Dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)

2010

   (Won) 79,624    $ 68,426

2011

     79,844      68,615

2012

     96,843      83,223

2013

     122,478      105,253

2014

     125,027      107,444

2015 - 2019

     952,713      818,728

The above amounts were determined based on the employees’ current salary rates as of end of the reporting period and the number of service years that will be accumulated upon their retirement date. The amounts do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Company before their normal retirement age.

(22) Liability for Decommissioning Costs

Under the Korean Electricity Business Act (EBA) Article 94, the Company is required to record a liability for the dismantling of nuclear power plants and disposal of spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive wastes. In addition, under the Korean Atomic Energy Act (AEA), an entity which constructs and operates a nuclear power reactor and related facilities must obtain permission from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (the “MEST”, formerly the Ministry of Science and Technology).

Effective January 1, 2004, the Company early adopted SKAS No. 17 and retrospectively adjusted the liability for decommissioning costs to the estimated fair value using discounted cash flows to settle the asset retirement obligations of dismantling and disposal of the nuclear power plants, spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste.

In 2008, Radio-active Waste Management Act (“RWMA”) was enacted by the Korean Government, which became effective as of January 1, 2009, in an effort to centralize the disposal of spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste and related management process.

The enactment of RWMA did not change the Company’s responsibility for dismantling of nuclear power plants. But performing the disposal of spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste has been transferred to newly established Korea Radio-active Waste Management Corporation (“KRMC”), a government-owned entity.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company has recorded a liability of (Won)5,470,764 million and (Won)5,695,224 million, respectively, for dismantling and decontaminating existing nuclear power plants; consisting of dismantling costs of nuclear plants of (Won)4,311,052 million and (Won)4,498,716 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 and storage costs of spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste of (Won)1,159,712 million and (Won)1,196,508 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Accretion expense consists of period-to-period changes in the liability for decommissioning costs resulting from passage of time and changes in estimate related to either the timing or the amount of the initial estimate of undiscounted cash flows. This cost is included in cost of electric power in the accompanying statements of operations.

 

F-52


Table of Contents

Changes in the liability for decommissioning costs for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2008     2009  

Balance at beginning of year

   (Won) 8,206,267      5,470,764   

Liabilities incurred

     470,376      255,360   

Accretion expense for year

     379,281      223,387   

Payments for year

     (8,791   (254,287

Transfer to long-term other account payable(*)

     (3,576,369   —     
              

Balance at end of year

   (Won) 5,470,764      5,695,224   
              

 

  (*) For spent fuel discharged prior to December 31, 2008, the Company has accrued the liability of (Won)3,576,369 million. Under newly enacted RWMA, the Company is required to pay the disposal costs of spent fuel to KRMC over 15 years, after a 5 year grace period along with the interest at 4.36%. As a result, the liability of (Won)3,576,369 million was reclassified to the long-term other accounts payable.

(23) Provision for Decontamination of Transformer

Under the regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Management Act, enacted in 2007, the Company is required to remove polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a toxin, from the insulating oil of its transformers by 2015. As a result of the enactments, the Company is required to inspect the PCBs contents of transformers and dispose of PCBs in excess of safety standards under the legally settled procedures.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company has recorded a liability of (Won)249,947 million and (Won)231,470 million for inspection and disposal cost related to decontamination of existing transformers, respectively. Actual cost of decontaminating are expected to vary from those because of changes in assumed dates of regulatory requirement, technology, and costs of labor, material and equipment.

(24) Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Advance received

   (Won) 45,642    61,735

Withholdings

     209,732    207,702

Unearned revenue

     73,244    87,608

Dividends payable

     9,318    17,923

Others

     434,396    510,876
           
   (Won) 772,332    885,844
           

 

F-53


Table of Contents

(25) Derivative Instruments Transactions

The Company has entered into the various swap contracts to hedge risks involving foreign currency and interest rate of foreign currency debts.

 

  (a) Currency swap contracts as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

Counterparty

  Contract   Settlement   Contract amounts in millions   Contract interest rate  per
annum
  Year   Year   Pay   Receive   Pay (%)   Receive
(%)

ABN AMRO

  2008   2011   KRW 29,190   US$ 30   4.15   3M Libor+1.3

ABN AMRO

  2008   2011   KRW 28,050   JPY 3,000   4.50   Libor + 1.3

ABN AMRO

  2008   2013   KRW 149,040   US$ 150   5.03   5.38

ANZ

  2008   2011   KRW 52,025   US$ 50   5.17   3M USD
Libor + 1.80

ANZ

  2008   2011   KRW 18,700   JPY 2,000   4.50   Libor + 1.3

Barclays

  2008   2013   KRW 187,020   US$ 200   7.50   7.75

Barclays

  2006   2016   KRW 94,735   US$ 100   5.26   6.00

Barclays

  2008   2013   KRW 56,652   US$ 60   4.96   5.38

Barclays

  2006   2016   KRW 71,888   US$ 75   4.81   5.50

Barclays

  2004   2011   KRW 138,252   US$ 120   4.85   4.88

Barclays

  2004   2014   KRW 172,875   US$ 150   5.10   5.75

BNP Paribas

  2008   2011   KRW 52,375   US$ 50   5.92   3M USD
Libor + 1.80

BNP Paribas

  2008   2011   KRW 48,650   US$ 50   4.15   3M Libor+1.3

BNP Paribas

  2004   2011   KRW 17,282   US$ 15   4.85   4.88

BNP Paribas

  2008   2011   KRW 46,750   JPY 5,000   4.50   Libor + 1.3

BTMU

  2007   2010   KRW 109,060   JPY 14,000   5.29   3M JPY
EURO YEN
Tibor + 0.5

BTMU

  2010   2012   KRW 138,018   JPY 10,000   4.10   3M EURO
YENT+0.5

Calyon

  2008   2011   KRW 52,375   US$ 50   5.92   3M USD
Libor + 1.80

Citibank

  2006   2016   KRW 94,735   US$ 100   5.24   6.00

Citigroup

  2008   2013   KRW 113,304   US$ 120   4.96   5.38

Credit Suisse

  2008   2013   KRW 140,265   US$ 150   7.39   7.75

Credit Suisse

  2004   2011   KRW 86,400   US$ 75   Within 3 years:

4.875

After 3 years:

[4.875-(10.9-
JPY/KRW Spot

rate)]

  4.95

Credit Suisse

  2006   2016   KRW 98,100   US$ 100   5.48   5.50

Credit Suisse

  2006   2016   KRW 94,735   US$ 100   5.26   6.00

Credit Suisse

  2009   2011   KRW 197,475   US$ 150   5.00   4.75

Credit Suisse

  2004   2011   KRW 115,210   US$ 100   4.85   4.88

DBS

  2008   2011   KRW 51,730   US$ 50   5.78   3M USD
Libor + 1.70

DBS

  2008   2011   KRW 52,375   US$ 50   6.01   3M USD
Libor + 1.80

Deutsche Bank

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   USD 100   5.39   6.25

Deutsche Bank

  2008   2010   KRW 172,959   EUR 125   2.46   3.13

 

F-54


Table of Contents

Counterparty

  Contract
Year
  Settlement
Year
  Contract amounts in millions   Contract interest rate  per
annum
      Pay   Receive   Pay (%)   Receive (%)

Deutsche Bank

  2006   2016   KRW 71,888   US$ 75   4.81   5.50

Deutsche Bank

  2008   2013   KRW 149,040   US$ 150   5.03   5.38

Goldman Sachs

  2008   2013   KRW 113,304   US$ 120   4.96   5.38

ING

  2008   2011   KRW 50,495   US$ 50   6.24   6M USD
Libor + 1.50

JPMorgan Chase Bank

 

2004

 

2011

 

KRW

86,400

 

US$

75

 

Within 3 years:

4.875

After 3 years:

[4.875-(10.9-
JPY/KRW
Spot rate)]

 

4.95

Merrill Lynch

  2008   2010   KRW 86,479   EUR 63   2.46   3.13

Mizuho

  2008   2011   KRW 28,860   JPY 3,000   5.82   3M JPY Libor
+ 1.70

Morgan Stanley

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   USD 100   5.32   6.25

Nomura

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   USD 100   5.35   6.25

Nomura

  2009   2014   KRW 126,610   USD 100   5.33   6.25

SMBC

  2007   2010   KRW 116,620   JPY 14,000   4.56   1.38

TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ BANK

 

2007

 

2010

 

KRW

112,600

 

JPY

14,000

 

5.09

 

JPY Euro Yen
3m Timor+0.5

UBS

  2008   2010   KRW 86,479   EUR 62,500   2.46   3.13

UBS AG

  2006   2016   KRW 98,100   US$ 100   5.48   5.50

Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Bank

  2007   2010   KRW 115,783   JPY 14,000   4.72   1.65

Woori Investment & Securities

 

2008

 

2011

 

KRW

10,346

 

US$

10

 

5.78

 

3M USD Libor
+ 1.70

Woori Investment & Securities

  2008   2011   KRW 19,460   US$ 20   4.15   3M Libor+1.3

Hana Bank

  2004   2011   KRW 17,282   US$ 15   4.85   4.88

 

  (b) Interest rate swap contracts as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

    Notional amount
in millions
  Contract interest rate per annum    

Counterparty

    Pay (%)   Receive (%)   Term

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 50,000   5.19   3M CD+0.22%   2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 50,000   5.42   3M CD+0.21%   2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 100,000   5.42   3M CD+0.22%   2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 100,000   5.54   3M CD+0.27%   2007-2010

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 100,000   5.30   3M CD+0.35%   2008-2011

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 100,000   5.17   3M CD+0.38%   2008-2011

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 200,000   4.69   4.88%   2009-2011

Korea Exchange Bank

  KRW 100,000   CD 3M+0.54   3M CD+0.66%   2009-2012

Korea Development Bank

  KRW 100,000   6.32   3M CD+0.66%   2008-2011

JPMorgan Chase Bank

  KRW 172,800   4.65   Within 2 years: 4.875

After 2 years:

[4.875-(10.9-JPY/KRW Spot
rate)]

  2005-2011

JPMorgan Chase Bank

  KRW 100,000   6.13   CD+0.54%   2008-2011

ABN AMRO

  KRW 100,000   4.79   CD+0.55%   2009-2012

 

F-55


Table of Contents
  (c) Currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

    Contract
Date
  Settlement
Date
  Contract amounts   Contract
exchange  rate

Counterparty

      Receive (millions)   Pay (millions)  

Korea Exchange Bank

  2009.12.30   2010.01.15   USD 6,000   KRW 6,989   1,164.90

ABN AMRO

  2009.12.14   2010.01.15   USD 917   KRW 1,063   1,158.95

ABN AMRO

  2009.12.23   2010.01.28   USD 5,000   KRW 5,922   1,184,45

ABN AMRO

  2009.12.28   2010.01.29   USD 2,000   KRW 2,342   1,170.80

ABN AMRO

  2009.12.30   2010.01.28   USD 3,000   KRW 3,506   1,168.70

BNP Paribas

  2009.12.22   2010.01.25   USD 3,000   KRW 3,553   1,184.45

BNP Paribas

  2009.12.30   2010.01.05   USD 15,000   KRW 17,447   1,163.16

Deagu Bank

  2009.12.17   2010.01.21   USD 1,500   KRW 1,762   1,170.80

Barclays

  2009.12.18   2010.01.22   USD 5,000   KRW 5,896   1,179.20

Barclays

  2009.12.30   2010.01.27   USD 10,000   KRW 11,686   1,168.60

China Construction Bank

  2009.12.10   2010.01.14   KRW 2,329   USD 2,000   1,164.35

China Construction Bank

  2009.12.11   2010.01.14   USD 1,675   KRW 1,950   1,164.35

China Construction Bank

  2009.12.11   2010.01.14   USD 2   KRW 3   1,164.35

China Construction Bank

  2009.12.11   2010.01.14   USD 19   KRW 22   1,164.35

China Construction Bank

  2009.12.11   2010.01.14   USD 4   KRW 5   1,164.35

China Construction Bank

  2009.12.18   2010.01.14   USD 91   KRW 106   1,164.35

China Construction Bank

  2009.12.22   2010.01.14   USD 209   KRW 243   1,164.35

 

  (d) Fair value of the financial derivatives as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     Asset derivatives    Liability derivatives
     2008    2009    2008    2009

Cash flow hedging instruments

           

Investments:

           

Cross currency swaps

   (Won) 925,814    618,347    —      18,100
                     

Total cash flow hedge

   (Won) 925,814    618,347    —      18,100
                     

Trading instruments

           

Investments:

           

Interest rate swaps

   (Won) —      378    21,297    5,350

Cross currency swaps

     400,732    137,309    —      11,533

Current assets:

           

Currency forward contracts

     3    23    56    226

Interest rate swaps

     —      —      —      2,797

Cross currency swaps

     —      144,426    —      —  
                     

Total trading

   (Won) 400,735    282,136    21,353    19,906
                     

Total financial derivatives

   (Won) 1,326,549    900,483    21,353    38,006
                     

 

F-56


Table of Contents
  (e) Valuation gains and losses on swap and forward contracts that do not qualify as hedges recorded as other income or expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2007     2008     2009  

Currency swaps

      

Gains

   (Won) 33,144      1,365,831      12,193   

Losses

     (18,900   (5   (382,517

Interest rate swaps

      

Gains

     2,594      —        13,828   

Losses

     —        (23,890   (300

Currency forward contracts

      

Gains

     7,436      3      18   

Losses

     (44   (52   (226
                    
   (Won) 24,230      1,341,887      (357,004
                    

 

  (f) The gains on currency and interest swap contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income amounting to (Won)114,448 million and (Won)71,844 million, as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

 

  (g) The transaction gains on derivatives are (Won)34,322 million, (Won)127,043 million and (Won)72,957 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The transaction losses on derivatives are (Won)39,752 million, (Won)281,157 million and (Won)30,101 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

(26) Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Expenses

Power generation, transmission and distribution expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2007    2008    2009

Fuel

   (Won) 10,391,353    15,721,978    14,857,559

Labor

     1,908,475    2,189,385    1,881,694

Depreciation and amortization

     5,030,798    5,314,557    5,423,418

Maintenance

     2,154,252    1,592,774    1,622,887

Provision for decommissioning costs/accretion and related expenses

     443,980    365,617    431,744

Research and development cost

     198,948    461,079    464,377

Others

     1,731,784    1,456,142    1,147,608
                
   (Won) 21,859,590    27,101,532    25,829,287
                

 

F-57


Table of Contents

(27) Selling and Administrative Expenses

Details of selling and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

   Won (millions)
     2007    2008    2009

Labor

   (Won) 579,692    651,426    544,668

Employee benefits

     76,259    80,001    80,699

Sales commissions

     362,705    384,305    384,119

Compensation for damages

     1,533    9,317    561

Depreciation and amortization

     82,266    138,215    89,423

Promotion

     29,362    23,399    18,134

Commission-others

     80,445    62,888    83,086

Bad debts

     22,966    20,616    28,397

Maintenance

     15,248    15,833    13,236

Research and development cost

     110,497    106,529    102,914

Others

     249,206    247,173    199,419
                
   (Won) 1,610,179    1,739,702    1,544,656
                

(28) Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

 

  (a) Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2007     2008     2009

Current income tax expense

   (Won) 1,035,386      737,426      138,106

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     (109,221   (1,666,990   232,039
                  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (Won) 926,165      (929,564   370,145
                  

 

  (b) The provision for income taxes calculated using the normal tax rates differs from the actual provision for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 for the following reasons:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2007     2008     2009  

Provision for income taxes at nominal tax rate

   (Won) 658,153      (1,107,127   78,024   

Tax effects of permanent differences:

      

Dividend income(*1)

     (138,770   (143,743   (8,107

Other

     8,068      3,044      11,567   

Tax effects of investment in subsidiaries(*2)

     452,753      (39,580   328,081   

The tax effect of tax rate revision(*3)

     —        270,385      (33,518

Other, net

     (54,039   87,457      (5,902
                    

Actual provision for income taxes

   (Won) 926,165      (929,564   370,145   
                    

Effective tax rate

     38.7   24.2   114.8
                    

 

  (*1) Under the Corporate Income Tax Act Article 18 paragraph 2, a certain portion of dividend income is not taxable. In this regard, certain portions of equity in net income of affiliates are considered permanent differences.

 

F-58


Table of Contents
  (*2) Equity income of consolidated subsidiaries was eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. However, tax effect of equity income was not eliminated as disposal gains or losses are taxable or deductible upon sales of subsidiaries.

 

  (*3) As a result of the revision of income tax law in 2009, 24.2% is applied in 2010 and 2011, and 22% is applied for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2012.

 

  (c) The tax effects of temporary differences that result in significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are presented below:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2008     2009  

Loss on valuation of derivatives

   (Won) 5,256      (94,528

Retirement and severance benefits

     203,862      311,986   

Deferred foreign exchange translation loss

     44,855      8,213   

Liability for decommissioning costs

     1,198,417      1,246,837   

Other long-term account payables

     786,801      786,801   

Accounts payable—purchase of electricity

     301,987      177,213   

Deferred tax asset for deficit carryforward

     850,279      1,605,786   

Deferred foreign exchange translation gain

     (14,827   (33,631

Reserve for social overhead capital investment

     (51,173   (34,589

Reserve for research and human resource development

     (11,188   (35,943

Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates

     (2,016,164   (2,338,845

Capitalized asset retirement costs

     (397,715   (336,494

Others, net

     418,459      (209,952
              

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   (Won) 1,318,849      1,052,854   
              

Total deferred tax assets (liabilities)

    

Current assets

     563,163      353,103   

Non-current assets

     1,963,520      1,689,851   

Current liabilities

     (14,125   (18,023

Non-current liabilities

     (1,193,709   (972,077
              
   (Won) 1,318,849      1,052,854   
              

(29) Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share are calculated by dividing controlling interest in net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2007    2008     2009  

Controlling interest in net income (loss)

   (Won) 1,426,457    (2,955,339   (96,716

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

     621,717,622    622,637,717      622,637,717   
                   

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

   (Won) 2,294    (4,746   (155
                   

 

F-59


Table of Contents

Diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated by dividing diluted controlling interest in net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common equivalent stock outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2007    2008     2009  

Controlling interest in net income (loss)

   (Won) 1,426,457    (2,955,339   (96,716

Exchangeable bond interest

     20,031    —        —     
                   

Diluted net income (loss)

     1,446,448    (2,955,339   (96,716
                   

Weighted-average number of common shares and diluted securities outstanding

     640,665,533    622,637,717      622,637,717   
                   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   (Won) 2,258    (4,746   (155
                   

In 2009, diluted earnings (loss) per share is the same as the basic earnings (loss) per share due to the anti-dilutive effect.

Exchangeable bonds to be convertible into common stocks as of December 31, 2009 are presented below:

 

     Exchange price
(Won)
   Exchange period    Number of shares
to be issued

Overseas exchangeable bonds 2nd

   51,000    2007.01.04 ~

2011.11.11

   919,908

(30) Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2008    2009

Conversion of exchangeable bonds

   (Won) 510    —  

Transfer into current portion of long-term borrowings

     2,253,820    2,003,160

Transfer into current portion of debentures

     2,190,963    3,775,653

 

F-60


Table of Contents

(31) Transactions and Balances with Related Parties

 

  (a) The nature of the relationship as of December 31, 2009 is as follows :

 

The nature of the relationship

 

Related Party

Shareholder of the Company  

Ministry of Knowledge Economy

Korea Finance Corporation(*)

Affiliate of the Company  

Korea Gas Corporation

Korea District Heating Co.

LG Powercom Corporation

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

YTN

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

SPC Power Corporation

Datang Chifeng Renewable Co., Ltd.

Gemeng International Energy Group Co., Ltd.

KEPCO Energy Resource Nigeria Limited.

Gangwon Wind Power Co.

Hyundai Green Power Co., Ltd.

Cheongna Energy Co., Ltd.

PT. Cirebon Electric Power

Eco Biomass Energy Sdn. Bhd

Denison Mines Corporation

Rabigh Electricity Company

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.

SET Holdings

Areva NC Expansion

 

  (*) As mentioned in Note 1(a), KDB’s entire shares in KEPCO were transferred to KoFC on October 28, 2009.

 

F-61


Table of Contents
  (b) Significant transactions between the Company and related parties for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

         Won (millions)

Related Party

  

Transactions

  2007   2008   2009

Operating revenue and other income:

        

Korea Gas Corporation

     (Won) 1,983   4,814   40,672

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

  

Sales of electricity

and others

    176,960   270,339   212,010

LG Powercom Corporation

       75,265   73,093   77,238

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

       5,327   9,887   9,396

YTN

       —     —     6,861

Rabigh Electricity Company

       —     —     44,889
                
     (Won) 259,535   358,133   391,066
                

Operating and other expenses:

        

Korea Gas Corporation

   Purchases of LNG   (Won) 5,351,071   7,881,723   6,022,633

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

   Commissions for service and others     334   456,165   380

LG Powercom Corporation

       67,413   73,153   71,794

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

       128,788   157,766   173,372

YTN

       1,460   —     560
                
     (Won) 5,549,066   8,568,807   6,268,739
                

 

  (c) Receivables and payables arising from related parties transactions as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

        Won (millions)

Related party

  Accounts   2008   2009

Receivables:

     

Korea Gas Corporation

  Trade receivables and
other accounts receivable
  (Won) 3,711   4,677

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

      63,221   42,580

LG Powercom Corporation

      8,893   2,603

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

      439   181

Rabigh Electricity Company

      —     227,607

Datang Chifeng Renewable Power Co., Ltd.

      113,175   93,408
           
    (Won) 189,439   371,056
           

Payables:

     

Korea Gas Corporation

  Trade payables and

other accounts payable

  (Won) 929,845   722,495

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

      59,961   2,175

LG Powercom Corporation

      4,601   2,691

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

      16,568   14,623

YTN

      —     99
           
    (Won) 1,010,975   742,083
           

 

F-62


Table of Contents
  (d) Long-term debt from related parties as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

               Won (millions)  

Lender

   Type    interest rate (%)    2008     2009  

Korea Development Bank(*)

   Facility    0.5~6.87    (Won) 3,351,893      1,937,702   

Ministry of Knowledge Economy

   Rural area
development
   4.0      20,000      10,000   

Less : Current portion

           (10,000   (10,000
                    
         (Won) 3,361,893      1,937,702   
                    

 

  (*) As mentioned in Note 1(a), due to the reorganization of KDB into KoFC and KDB Financial Group, KDB and the Company are no longer directly related as of December 31, 2009. However, KoFC owns 94.3% of KDB Financial Group while KDB Financial Group owns 100% of KDB. As such, the Company has disclosed KDB as a related party as of December 31, 2009 above.

 

  (e) Guarantees provided by related companies for the Company as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

        USD (thounsands)

Type

  Related party   Currency   Guaranteed
amounts
  Type of
borrowings
  Balance of
borrowing  as
of December 31,
2009

Payment guarantee(*)

  Korea Development
Bank
  US$   651,663   Foreign

currency bond

  US$ 533,334

 

  (*) Korea Development Bank has provided a repayment guarantee for some of foreign currency debentures of KEPCO and debt related to the power generation business of KEPCO Ilijan Corporation, which existed at the time of spin-off, but not redeemed as of December 31, 2009.

 

F-63


Table of Contents

(32) Transactions and Balances with Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

  (a) Significant transactions among KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows. These were eliminated in consolidation:

 

        Won (millions)

Consolidated subsidiaries

  Transactions   2007   2008   2009

Operating revenue and other income:

       

KEPCO

  Sales of electricity
and others
  (Won) 450,970   631,700   601,710

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

      5,514,741   5,801,584   5,150,848

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

      2,146,334   3,102,176   3,723,306

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

      2,802,963   3,608,107   3,714,084

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

      3,100,953   3,687,034   3,809,276

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

      3,733,243   4,647,023   4,613,557

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

      2,868,392   3,883,761   3,822,546

Others

  Commissions for
service and others
    1,213,598   1,352,502   1,492,928
               
    (Won) 21,831,194   26,713,887   26,928,255
               

Operating and other expenses:

       

KEPCO(*)

  Purchased power
and others
  (Won) 20,499,256   25,077,826   25,190,362

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

 

Commissions for

service and others

    719,076   809,484   895,516

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

      139,091   172,245   185,398

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

      138,064   198,752   194,730

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

      120,066   182,435   173,284

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

      84,827   95,618   112,063

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

      120,999   164,536   156,889

Others

      9,815   12,991   20,013
               
    (Won) 21,831,194   26,713,887   26,928,255
               

 

  (*) KEPCO has purchased electricity from its power generation subsidiaries through Korea Power Exchange.

 

F-64


Table of Contents
  (b) Receivables and payables arising from KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries transactions as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows. These were eliminated in the consolidation:

 

          Won (millions)

Consolidated subsidiaries

   Accounts    2008    2009

Receivables:

        

KEPCO

   Trade receivables and
other accounts
receivable
   (Won) 1,366,570    1,237,686

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

        990,144    1,172,682

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

        818,593    811,137

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

        374,625    415,385

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

        480,977    539,282

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

        582,781    583,022

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

        661,659    667,567

Others

        215,786    183,760
              
      (Won) 5,491,135    5,610,521
              

Payables:

        

KEPCO

   Trade payables and
other accounts payable
   (Won) 3,932,976    4,123,008

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

        441,247    336,327

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

        525,077    521,257

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

        57,181    50,042

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

        124,996    112,469

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

        118,519    113,029

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

        259,060    245,137

Others

        32,079    109,252
              
      (Won) 5,491,135    5,610,521
              

 

  (c) The elimination entries of revenues and expenses among KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

Won (millions)

  

Won (millions)

Accounts

   Amount   

Accounts

   Amount

Operating revenues

   (Won) 26,817,726   

Operating expenses

   (Won) 26,763,749

Rental income

     21,568   

Rent expenses

     11,695

Interest income

     69,359   

Commissions

     71,578

Other income

     19,602   

Interest expenses

     69,416
     

Other expenses

     11,817
                
   (Won) 26,928,255       (Won) 26,928,255
                

 

F-65


Table of Contents
  (d) The elimination entries of receivables and payables among KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

Won (millions)

  

Won (millions)

Accounts

   Amount   

Accounts

   Amount

Trade payables

   (Won) 2,443,639   

Trade receivables

   (Won) 2,610,145

Other accounts payable

     317,821   

Other accounts receivables

     148,027

Advances received

     102,850   

Construction in-progress

     166,767

Unearned revenue

     12,468   

Other intangible asset

     1,505,049

Other long-term account
payable

     1,055,952   

Other long-term account
receivable

     1,053,929

Construction grants

     1,671,816      

Others

     5,975   

Others

     126,604
                
   (Won) 5,610,521       (Won) 5,610,521
                

 

  (e) The Company has provided guarantees for related companies as of December 31, 2009 as follows:

 

Guaranteed company

   Type    Amounts (In thousands)

KEPCO Ilijan Co.(*1)

   Subsidiary    USD 72,000

KEPCO Shanxi International Ltd.(*2)

   Subsidiary    USD 180,000
      RMB 800,000

KEPCO Lebanon SARL.(*3)

   Subsidiary    USD 17,113

KEPCO SPC Power Corporation.(*4)

   Subsidiary    USD 100,000

KEPCO Netherlands B.V.(*5)

      SAR 100,000

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd.(*6)

   Affiliated    USD 59,468

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd.(*6)

     

KOMIPO Global Pte Ltd.(*7)

   Subsidiary    IDR 17,356,000

 

  (*1) KEPCO Ilijan Corporation, which is a subsidiary of KEPCO International Philippines Inc., is engaged in the power generation business in the Philippines and has borrowed US$242 million in 2000, as project financing from Japan Bank of International Cooperation and others. In connection with the borrowing, KEPCO Ilijan Corporation’s investment securities held by KEPCO International Philippines Inc. were pledged as collateral. The Company has provided the National Power Corporation and others with the guarantee not to exceed US$72 million on performance of the power generation business by KEPCO Ilijan Corporation.

 

  (*2) KEPCO Shanxi International Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary, formed the consortium with Deutsche Bank and Shanxi International Electric Power Ltd. to invest in the Chinese electric power generation business. The consortium established Gemeng International Energy Group Co., Ltd. to support this business. The Company has provided HSBC and Export-Import Bank of Korea (the “EXIM Bank”) with the payment guarantee for KEPCO Shanxi International Ltd.’s loan of US$180 million. The Company agreed with Deutsche Bank to refund the investment of RMB800,000 thousand and pay the additional interest of Libor + 2% for the period from initial investment date to the unqualified date in accordance with terms of the agreement, if Gemeng International Energy Group Co., Ltd. fails to be listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange within 6 years from the establishment date.

 

  (*3) The Company has provided performance guarantees related to the operation of the Lebanon power generation plant amounting to US$ 17.2 million to the Lebanon Electricity Agency.

 

  (*4) The Company invested in power plant construction business in Cebu, Philippines and established KEPCO SPC Power Corporation to support this business. The Company has provided the debt payment guarantee amounting US$ 100,000 thousand to EXIM Bank for KEPCO SPC Power Corporation.

 

F-66


Table of Contents
  (*5) The Company invested in power plant construction business in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia through KEPCO Netherlands B.V. (the wholly owned subsidiary), and established Rabigh Electricity Company (40% of ownership) to operate this business. Rabigh Electricity Company has provided the Saudi Electricity Company with the performance guarantee for PPA contract through Saudi British Bank and counter guarantees through EXIM Bank. In relation to the guarantee the Company has provided the payment guarantee amounting SAR 100 million to EXIM Bank for the above counter guarantees.

 

  (*6) In August 2005, a consortium consisting of the Company, Korea National Oil Corporation, a state-controlled enterprise, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering won a bid from the federal government of Nigeria for exploration and production of oil in two off-shore blocks. This consortium holds 60% of the equity interest in the special purpose vehicle established to carry out the project regarding these two blocks and the Company holds 15% of the interest in the consortium. In March 2006, the consortium entered into production sharing contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in connection with this project. Under these contracts, if the consortium is successful in finding oil, it will be entitled to operate the related facilities for 20 years. Regarding the exploration and development project, the Company provides the Nigeria government with performance guarantee of USD 24,818 and USD 34,650 respectively.

 

     However, in January 9, 2009, the leader of the consortium, Korea National Oil Corporation, was informed of a unilateral decision by the government of Nigeria to void allocation of the oil blocks granted to the consortium based on a claim that the consortium failed to pay full amount of the consideration. Korea National Oil Corporation has filed a suit in the Nigerian court challenging this assertion. On August 20, 2009, the Federal High Court in Nigeria ruled that the Nigerian government illegally cancelled offshore exploration rights with respect to the deep sea oil exploration projects and banned the Nigerian government from further interfering with the consortium. The Nigerian government subsequently appealed against the ruling and the case is still pending in court.

 

  (*7) PT Cirebon Electric Power, an affiliate of the Company is engaged in the power generation business in Indonesia. PT Cirebon Electric Power has commenced a construction of a 660MW thermal power plant for its power generation business. In relation to the power generation business, the Company has provided Indonesia Mizuho Bank with secondary performance guarantee of IDR 17.4 billion, through Korea Exchange Bank’s guarantee.

(33) Commitments and Contingencies

 

  (a) The Company is involved in legal proceedings regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Related to these matters, as of December 31, 2009, the Company is engaged in 404 lawsuits as a defendant and 85 lawsuits as a plaintiff. The total amount claimed against the Company is (Won)187,102 million and the total amount claimed by the Company is (Won)55,885 million as of December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, the Company recorded a liability related to the above claims amounting to (Won)30,022 million in other long-term liabilities. The outcome of these lawsuits cannot presently be determined. In the opinion of management, the ultimate results of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operation, or liquidity.

 

F-67


Table of Contents
  (b) Short-term Credit Facilities

Payment guarantee and short-term credit facilities from financial institutions as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

  (i) Payment Guarantee

 

Description

  

Financial institution

   Won (millions),
US$ and SAR (thousands)

Payment of import letter of credit

  

Korea Exchange Bank and others

  

USD

1,000,481

      JPY 61,169

Inclusive credits

   Kookmin Bank and others    KRW 120,100
   Hana Bank and others    USD 40,000

Borrowings

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    KRW 486,582
      USD 335,838

Guarantees for bid

   Korea Exchange Bank    INR 290,000
   Export-Import Bank of Korea    OMR 6,000
   Export-Import Bank of Korea    SAR 100,000
   Korea Exchange Bank and others    USD 700

Performance guarantees

   Export-Import Bank of Korea and others    USD 120,600
      CHF 24,818

Payment of foreign currency(*)

   Shinhan Bank and others    KRW 13,283
   Shinhan Bank and others    USD 11,512
   Korea Exchange Bank    EUR 72,000

Other guarantees

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co.,Ltd.    KRW 450

 

  (*) Foreign currencies other than US$ and SAR are converted into US$.

 

  (ii) Overdraft and Others

 

          Won (millions),
US$ and  JPY (thousands)

Description

  

Financial institution

   Credit lines

Overdraft

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 878,000

Commercial paper

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 775,000
      US$ 130,000

Trade financing

   National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and others    (Won) 71,500

Repayment guarantees for foreign currency debentures

   Korea Develop Bank    US$ 690,737
   Kookmin Bank    JPY 3,000,000

 

F-68


Table of Contents
  (c) The Company has provided promissory notes as a guarantees as follows:

 

Objective

  

Providing company

  

Provided company

  

Description

Success repayable loan

   KEPCO Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd    Korea Resources Corporation    six promissory notes (blank)

 

  (d) The Company entered into an arrangement with the Korea Peninsula Energy Development Organization (“KEDO”) on December 15, 1999, to construct two 1,000,000 KW-class pressurized light-water reactor units in North Korea. But, the executive board of KEDO decided to terminate the light water reactor project on May 31, 2006 due to the political environment surrounding the Korean peninsula. On December 12, 2006, the Company entered into the Termination Agreement (“TA”) with KEDO.

According to the TA, the Company mainly accepts all rights and obligations related to the light water reactor outside of North Korea, from KEDO. In exchange, the Company waives the right to claim any expenses incurred and any potential claims by subcontractors to KEDO. As a result, the Company recorded transferred equipment in accordance with the TA as other non-current assets amounting to (Won)93,519 million. In addition, the Company recorded the estimated claims by subcontractors as other long-term liabilities amounting to (Won)15,139 million.

Pursuant to the terms of the TA, the Company is required to report the disposal or reuse of the transferred equipment to KEDO, and the gains and losses from the TA are shared with KEDO through the negotiation between two parties. The Company’s management believes that ultimate gains or losses cannot be reasonably estimated as of December 31, 2009 as it is contingent upon disposal or reuse of the related assets and settlement of obligations.

 

  (e) The Company entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with GS EPS Co., Ltd. and other independent power producers, under which the Company is required to annually purchase a minimum amount of power from these companies. The power purchased from these companies amounted to (Won)1,487,345 million, (Won)2,228,262 million and (Won)1,507,741 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. In relation to the power purchases, the Company entered into long-term purchase contracts with various suppliers and the terms of these contracts can be summarized as follows:

 

Generation type

   Contract expiration term

Combined cycle units

   2018~2025

Photovoltaic power and other units

   Annual rollover

Under these contracts, purchase quantities are not fixed, and purchase prices are annually reset based on certain formula for each generation type.

 

  (f) The Company has contracted Doosan Industrial Co., Ltd. and others amounting to (Won)9,050,866 million and JPY 17,811 thousand in the aggregate as of December 31, 2009, for construction of power plant facilities and facility maintenance.

 

  (g) The Company has bituminous coal, anthracite Coal, oil and LNG purchase contracts with domestic and foreign suppliers including Korea Gas Corporation (a related party) as of December 31, 2009. Under these contracts, the Company must purchase an annual quantity of coal. The purchase price is determined based on market prices. In relation to coal imports, the Company entered into long-term transportation contracts with Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. and others as of December 31, 2009.

 

Fuel type

   Contract expiration Term   

Quantity

Bituminous Coal

   2010~2027    56,087 thousand ton/year

Anthracite Coal

   2010    Set by government

Oil

   2010    1,391 thousand kl/year

LNG

   2026    Mutual agreement

 

F-69


Table of Contents
  (h) During 2001, the Company voluntarily suspended operations of the Gangneung hydroelectric generating plant to improve the quality of water used in generating electricity. The expenses related to the suspension of operations, including depreciation on the utility plant during 2008 and 2009 amounting to (Won)6,020 million and (Won)5,722 million, respectively, were charged to other expenses. In December 2005, a hearing was held by government officials, and attended by representatives of the Company, Gangneung residents and Korea Environment Institute (KEI). At the hearing, the Korean government ordered the conditional suspension of operations based on the KEI findings on the environmental effect of Gangneung hydroelectric generating plant. As of December 31, 2009, Gangneung hydroelectric generating plant is still under conditional suspension of operations based on the KEI findings. The Company will be able to utilize this plant in the future provided that the quality of the water improves and the residents of Gangneung consent to operations. As of December 31, 2009, if the plant were to be discontinued, the tangible and intangible assets amounting to (Won)62,507 million, would be impaired. No adjustment has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to this matter.

 

  (i) As the national project administrator, the Company is currently researching the use of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) as an alternative source for power generation at Wonju city in the Gangwon province. For the project, the Company is expected to receive a total funding of (Won)9 billion from Korea Energy Management Corp and as of December 31, 2009, the Company has received (Won)4.5 billion from POSCO.

 

  (j) The Company imports all uranium ore concentrates from sources outside Korea (including the United States, United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, France, Russia, South Africa, Canada and Australia) and are paid for with currencies other than Won, primarily in U.S. dollars. In order to ensure stable supply, the Company entered into long-term and medium-term contracts with various suppliers, and supplements such supplies with purchases of fuels on spot markets. The long-term and medium-term contract periods vary among contractors and the stages of fuel manufacturing process. Contract prices for processing of uranium are generally based on market prices. Contract periods for ore concentrates, conversion, enrichment and design and fabrication are as follows:

 

Source of supply

  

Contract Year

  

Quantity

Concentrates

   2010~2036    36,885 Ton U3O8

Conversion

   2010~2012    11,083 Ton U

Enrichment

   2010~2029    38,990 Ton SWU

Enriched Uranium

   2010~2022    7,250 Ton U (4.5% enrichment)

Fuel design and fabrication

   2010~2011    889 Ton U

 

  (k) In April 2005, the Company invested in Gangwon wind power corporation to participate in renewable energy industry. Gangwon wind power corporation entered into the loan contract for financing construction costs. The investments in Gangwon wind power (book value of (Won)7,412 million) are restricted as collateral with Industrial Bank of Korea and BNP PARIBAS.

 

  (l) On June 24, 2005, the Korean government announced its policy to relocate the headquarters of Public Agencies, including KEPCO and certain of its subsidiaries including six generation units, out of the Seoul metropolitan area to other provinces in Korea by the end of 2012. Pursuant to this policy, KEPCO’s headquarters are scheduled to be relocated to Naju in Jolla Province, which is approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul, by the end of 2012.

 

  (m)

On December 27, 2009, the Company entered into a contract with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (“ENEC”), a state-owned nuclear energy provider in the United Arab Emirates to design, build and help operate four civil nuclear power generation units for the United Arab Emirates’ civilian nuclear energy program. The contract amount is US$18.6 billion, subject to change based on certain price escalation provisions of the contract, and is to last until May 1, 2020. Under the contract, we are obligated to provide the design and construction of four nuclear power generation units, each with a capacity of 1,400 megawatts, supply nuclear fuel for three fuel cycles including initial loading and

 

F-70


Table of Contents
 

provide technical support and training and education of the plant operation personnel. The generation units will be located in Sila, a region approximately 330 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the first units are expected to be completed by May 2017.

(34) Segment Information

The below segment information is based on the management’s disaggregation of the Company for making operating decisions. Operating segments that have similar economic characteristics and are similar in terms of the nature of their products and services, the nature of the production process, the type or class of customer, and methods of distribution have been aggregated into a segment.

Other segments that cannot be classified into the above-mentioned two segments have been combined and disclosed in an “all other” category. All other consists primarily of the operations from the engineering and maintenance for utility plant, information services, and sales of nuclear fuel, communication line leasing and others.

The Company evaluates performance of each segment based on net income. There are no revenues from transactions with a single external customer that amount to 10 percent or more of the consolidated revenues of the Company.

 

  (a) The following table provides information for each operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

 

    Won (millions)  
  2007  
  Electric business     All other     Consolidation
adjustment
    Consolidated  
  Transmission &
distribution
    Power
generation
       

Unaffiliated revenues

  (Won) 28,602,955      99,082      435,183      —        29,137,220   

Intersegment revenues

    380,930      20,155,982      1,263,606      (21,800,518   —     
                               

Total operating revenues

    28,983,885      20,255,064      1,698,789      (21,800,518   29,137,220   

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

    (24,749,725   (17,770,613   —        20,660,748      (21,859,590

Purchased power

    (2,584,097   —        —        —        (2,584,097

Other operating cost

    (43,657   (2,475   (1,305,609   1,090,062      (261,679

Selling and administrative expenses

    (1,224,706   (291,529   (172,946   79,002      (1,610,179
                               

Operating income

    381,700      2,190,447      220,234      29,294      2,821,675   
                               

Interest income

    82,447      133,570      48,752      (78,454   186,315   

Interest expense

    (602,489   (177,948   (34,931   78,247      (737,121

Equity income of affiliates

    1,786,145      1,572      4,447      (1,672,600   119,564   

Other, net

    235,971      (105,194   84,925      (212,802   2,900   
                               

Income before income taxes

    1,883,774      2,042,447      323,427      (1,856,315   2,393,333   

Income taxes

    (326,960   (552,122   (44,174   (2,909   (926,165
                               

Segment earnings before minority interests

  (Won) 1,556,814      1,490,325      279,253      (1,859,224   1,467,168   
                               

 

F-71


Table of Contents
    Won (millions)  
    2008  
    Electric business     All other     Consolidation
adjustment
    Consolidated  
    Transmission &
distribution
    Power
generation
       

Unaffiliated revenues

  (Won) 30,980,762      34,550      544,788      —        31,560,100   

Intersegment revenues

    541,621      24,712,237      1,371,855      (26,625,713   —     
                               

Total operating revenues

    31,522,383      24,746,787      1,916,643      (26,625,713   31,560,100   

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

    (29,378,477   (23,855,042   —        26,131,987      (27,101,532

Purchased power

    (4,433,889   —        —        —        (4,433,889

Other operating cost

    (59,359   (9,193   (1,413,450   398,952      (1,083,050

Selling and administrative expenses

    (1,309,860   (311,032   (235,969   117,159      (1,739,702
                               

Operating income (loss)

    (3,659,202   571,520      267,224      22,385      (2,798,073
                               

Interest income

    90,590      98,993      54,911      (73,543   170,951   

Interest expense

    (752,366   (281,970   (39,796   73,359      (1,000,773

Equity income of affiliates

    (64,944   (9   1,824      161,740      98,611   

Other, net

    (120,310   (197,260   109,352      (106,101   (314,319
                               

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (4,506,232   191,274      393,515      77,840      (3,843,603

Income taxes

    1,553,763      (523,598   (82,233   (18,368   929,564   
                               

Segment earnings before minority interests

  (Won) (2,952,469   (332,324   311,282      59,472      (2,914,039
                               

 

    Won (millions)  
    2009  
    Electric business                    
    Transmission &
distribution
    Power
generation
    All other     Consolidation
adjustment
    Consolidated  

Unaffiliated revenues

  (Won) 33,164,995      214,305      614,552      —        33,993,852   

Intersegment revenues

    520,719      24,817,778      1,496,018      (26,834,515   —     
                               

Total operating revenues

    33,685,714      25,032,083      2,110,570      (26,834,515   33,993,852   

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

    (29,372,297   (22,818,239   —        26,361,249      (25,829,287

Purchased power

    (3,666,468   —        —        —        (3,666,468

Other operating cost

    (56,048   (12,371   (1,491,164   320,964      (1,238,619

Selling and administrative expenses

    (1,159,598   (275,081   (207,784   97,807      (1,544,656
                               

Operating income (loss)

    (568,697   1,926,392      411,622      (54,495   1,714,822   
                               

Interest income

    89,362      42,547      60,111      (78,155   113,865   

Interest expense

    (988,368   (640,474   (33,233   78,212      (1,583,863

Equity income of affiliates

    1,513,752      (6,513   (8,117   (1,476,649   22,473   

Other, net

    (166,488   261,813      67,888      (108,098   55,116   
                               

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (120,439   1,583,765      498,271      (1,639,184   322,413   

Income taxes

    42,727      (329,695   (103,836   20,659      (370,145
                               

Segment earnings (loss) before minority interests

  (Won) (77,712   1,254,070      394,435      (1,618,525   (47,732
                               

 

F-72


Table of Contents
  (b) The following table provides asset information for each operating segment as of December 31, 2008 and 2009.

 

    Won (millions)
    Electric business              
    Transmission &
distribution
  Power
generation
  All other   Consolidation
adjustment
    Consolidated

December 31, 2008

         

Property, plant and equipment

  (Won) 31,941,153   35,588,883   1,051,525   1,213,724      69,795,285

Intangible assets

    195,951   2,182,367   69,731   (1,501,202   946,847

Total assets

    66,868,176   48,725,647   3,591,874   (30,987,087   88,198,610

December 31, 2009

         

Property, plant and equipment

  (Won) 33,346,531   38,398,615   1,205,295   1,082,990      74,033,431

Intangible assets

    105,134   2,028,491   58,333   (1,509,613   682,345

Total assets

    69,985,451   51,816,641   4,930,354   (33,524,415   93,208,031

(35) Comprehensive Statement of Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 is summarized as follows:

 

    Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  Dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
    2007     2008     2009     2009  

Net income (loss)

  (Won) 1,467,168        (2,914,039     (47,732   $ (41,019

Other comprehensive income,
net of tax :

       

Gain (loss) on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    (1,309     (8,274     18,086        15,542   

Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates

    7,734        205,359        107,968        92,784   

Gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives

    10,736        108,798        (42,604     (36,612

Overseas operations translation

    28,859        45,266        (31,303     (26,901
                               

Comprehensive income (loss)

  (Won) 1,513,188      (Won) (2,562,890   (Won) 4,415      $ 3,794   
                               

The amounts of tax allocated to the other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

 

    Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  Dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
    2007     2008     2009     2009  

Gain (loss) on valuation of available-for-sale securities

  (Won) 497        4,143        (5,101   $ (4,384

Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates

    (2,933     (44,346     (30,453     (26,170

Gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives

    (4,072     (71,774     12,017        10,327   

Overseas operations translation

    (10,947     (14,233     8,829        7,587   
                               

Comprehensive income

  (Won) (17,455   (Won) (126,210   (Won) (14,708   $ (12,640
                               

 

F-73


Table of Contents

(36) Subsequent Event

The Company issued debentures after December 31, 2009 and details of the issued debentures are as follows (Won in millions):

 

Subsidiary

 

Type

  Annual
interest rate
(%)
  Issue date   Maturity
date
  Amount

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

  Corporate bond   4.67   2010.03.26   2015.03.26   (Won) 200,000
  Corporate bond   5.10   2010.04.20   2020.04.20     100,000

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

  Corporate bond   5.08   2010.02.18   2015.02.18     120,000
  Corporate bond   4.57   2010.03.19   2015.03.19     100,000

(37) Plan and Progress for Adoption of K-IFRS

The Company is scheduled to prepare financial statements in accordance with Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (the “K-IFRS”) effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2011. The Company has set up a special task force and the Company has been assessing the impact that the adoption of K-IFRS may have on financial statements and has been conducting on-the-job training and off-the-job training to its employees. In addition, the task force regularly reports the introduction plan and progress to the management.

The differences between the K-IFRS and K-GAAP, which are expected to have significant influences on the Company are; property, plant and equipment, revenue recognition and others, and are subject to change according to the Company’s additional assessment.

(38) Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP which differs in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles of the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The significant differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP that affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements are described below.

 

(a) Revenue Recognition

The Company reads meters and bills customers on a cycle basis. The Company does not accrue revenue for power sold to customers between the meter-reading date and end of the reporting period but records the revenue in the subsequent period. Under Korean GAAP, such practice is consistent with the Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise Associated Government Agency, which have been approved by the Korean Ministry of Strategy and Finance (formerly the Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy) and considered by the utility industry in Korea as Korean GAAP. However under U.S. GAAP beginning in 2006, the Company began recognizing unbilled revenue related to the sale of power between the meter-reading dates, at the end of each reporting period.

 

(b) Asset Revaluation and Depreciation

Under Korean GAAP, property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, except for those assets that are stated at their appraised values in accordance with the KEPCO Act and the Assets Revaluation Law of Korea. If an asset revaluation occurs, the revaluation becomes the new basis for the property, plant and equipment is established.

Under U.S. GAAP, property, plant and equipment must be stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. The revaluation of property, plant and equipment and the resulting depreciation of revalued

 

F-74


Table of Contents

amounts are not considered in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. When revalued assets are sold, revaluation surplus related to those assets under Korean GAAP would be reflected in income as additional gain on the sale of property, plant and equipment under U.S. GAAP.

 

(c) Special Depreciation

Under Korean GAAP, a special depreciation has been allowed prior to 1994, which represents an accelerated depreciation of certain facilities and equipment acquired for energy saving and anti-pollution purposes. However, such special depreciation is not in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The U.S. GAAP reconciliation reflects the adjustment of special depreciation to the Company’s normal depreciation method, based on the economic useful life of the asset. In 2008, the related facilities and equipment became fully depreciated under U.S. GAAP and as such there is no longer a GAAP difference to be reconciled.

 

(d) Accounting for Regulation

Under U.S. GAAP accounting guidance for accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation, a regulated utility is required to defer the recognition of costs (a regulatory asset) or recognize obligations (a regulatory liability) if it is probable that, through the rate-making process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future utility rates, while under Korean GAAP no such guidance exists.

The Government of the Republic of Korea approves the rates that the Company charges to its customers. The Company’s utility rates are designed to recover its reasonable costs plus a fair investment return. However, as discussed in Note 1(a), on April 2, 2001, six power generation subsidiaries were established in accordance with the Restructuring Plan. Since the power generation subsidiaries’ rates are determined by a competitive system in the market, they no longer meet the criteria for application of the guidance. Accordingly, since 2001, only the Company’s power transmission and distribution divisions have been subject to the criteria for the application of the guidance.

The Company recognizes a regulatory liability or regulatory asset in the consolidated financial statements by a charge or credit to operations to match revenues and expenses under the regulations for the establishment of utility rates. These assets or liabilities relate to the adjustments for capitalized foreign currency translation, reserve for self-insurance and deferred income taxes.

The following table shows the components of regulated assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and 2009.

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  Dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
     2008     2009     2009  

Capitalized foreign currency translation

   (Won) 609,723      559,357      $ 480,692   

Reserve for self-insurance

     (115,268   (121,416     (104,341

Deferred income taxes

     (1,068,372   (844,301     (725,563
                      
   (Won) (573,917   (406,360   $ (349,212
                      

The regulated assets resulting from capitalized foreign currency translation are anticipated to be recovered over the weighted-averaged useful life of property, plant and equipment.

Regulatory assets and liabilities are established based on the current regulations and rate-making process. Accordingly, these assets and liabilities may be significantly changed due to the potential future deregulation or changes in the rate-making process.

 

F-75


Table of Contents
(e) Reversal of Eliminated Profit on Transactions with Subsidiaries and Affiliated Companies

Under Korean GAAP, the Company’s share of the profit on transactions between KEPCO and its affiliated companies is eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Under U.S. GAAP for regulated enterprises, where the sales prices are reasonable and it is probable that, through the rate making process, future revenues approximately equal to the sales price will result from the Company’s use of the utility plant, no elimination of profit is necessary for reporting purposes.

 

(f) Foreign Currency Translation

As discussed in Note 1(f), under Korean GAAP, the Company capitalizes certain foreign exchange transaction and translation gains and losses on borrowings associated with certain qualified assets during the construction period.

Under U.S. GAAP, all foreign exchange transaction gains and losses, referred to as either transaction or translation gains or losses under Korean GAAP, should be included in the results of operations for the current period. Accordingly, the amounts of foreign exchange transaction and translation gains and losses included in property, plant and equipment under Korean GAAP were reversed and recognized in current period earnings under U.S. GAAP.

Under Korean GAAP, convertible bonds denominated in foreign currency are regarded as non-monetary liabilities since they have equity-like characteristics. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize the associated foreign currency translation gain or loss.

Under U.S. GAAP, convertible bonds denominated in foreign currency are translated at exchange rates as of the end of the reporting period, and the resulting foreign currency transaction gain or loss is recognized in the period’s earnings.

 

(g) Intangible Assets

Under Korean GAAP, all costs incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the development phase are recognized as an asset only if all of the following criteria for recognition are satisfied; (1) it is probable that future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow into the entity; and (2) the cost of the asset can be reliably measured. If the costs incurred fail to satisfy all of these criteria, they are recorded as periodic expense as incurred.

Under U.S. GAAP, all costs incurred during the research and development stages are expensed as incurred, except for internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage should be capitalized.

Until 2008, as discussed in Note 5, under Korean GAAP, the Company recognized its payment to the City of Gyeongju, in the amount of (Won)300,000 million which was used for negotiations (based on government regulation) to establish a radio-active waste facility in the City, as an intangible asset. However, under U.S. GAAP, the Company recognized such amount as construction-in-progress for utility plants.

In 2009, as discussed in Notes 5 and 22, due to the transfer of roles related to the disposal of radio-active waste to KRMC, the Company transferred its intangibles asset, under Korean GAAP and its construction-in-progress, under U.S. GAAP to KRMC. The Company reclassified such amounts from respective accounts to other receivables, resulting in no GAAP difference.

 

(h) Deferred Income Taxes

Under Korean GAAP, the effect of changes in tax law related to items recorded directly in shareholders’ equity is reflected directly in the shareholders’ equity, while under U.S. GAAP, the effect is reflected in continuing operations in the period of new tax law enactment.

 

F-76


Table of Contents
(i) Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In July 2006, under U.S. GAAP new accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes, which sets out a consistent framework to use to determine the appropriate level of tax reserve for uncertain tax positions was issued. This guidance uses a two-step approach wherein a tax benefit is recognized if a position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. The amount of the benefit is then measured to be the highest tax benefit which is greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. The difference between the benefit recognized for a position in accordance with this guidance and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit. Under Korean GAAP no such guidance exists.

The beginning balance of unrecognized tax benefits reconciles to the balance as of December 31, 2008, and 2009 in the following table:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  Dollar (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
       2008              2009          2009  

Total unrecognized tax benefits at January 1

   (Won) 5,690      12,695      $ 10,910   

Amount of increase for current year’s tax position

     11,394      71        61   

Gross amount of increases for prior years’ tax position

     458      53        46   

Gross amount of decreases for prior years’ tax position

     (4,847   (6,832     (5,871
                      

Total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31

   (Won) 12,695      5,987      $ 5,146   
                      

Any changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to temporary differences would result in a reclassification to deferred tax liability, and any changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to permanent differences would result in an adjustment to income tax expense and therefore, the Company’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the unrecognized tax benefits included above which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate is (Won)6,438 million and (Won)1,312 million, respectively.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to income tax matters in income tax expense. After the adoption of the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes, the Company has total gross accrual for interest expense and penalties of (Won)3,537 million and (Won)2,213 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The Company’s major tax jurisdiction is the Republic of Korea, and during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, tax audits by National Tax Service for six entities, including the Company’s corporate entity were carried out. The unrecognized tax benefits of the entities as of December 31, 2009 reflect the results of tax audits.

 

(j) Liabilities for Decommissioning Costs

Under Korean GAAP, as discussed in Note 22, since 2004, the Company has adopted SKAS No. 17 which requires companies to recognize its liability for decommissioning costs at estimated fair value. The Company should estimate the fair value using a discounted cash flow, for its asset retirement obligations for dismantling and disposal of the nuclear power plants, spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste; along with recording a corresponding utility asset in the same amount. Expense is recorded for the period to period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows, as the balance is accreted to the ultimate amount payable.

 

F-77


Table of Contents

Under Korean GAAP, the discount rate (4.36%) was set upon adoption in 2004 for all liabilities prior to that date and such rate is used for those liabilities for all future periods. Liabilities incurred for facilities built subsequent to the adoption of this guidance are discounted at the then applicable discount rate under Korean GAAP. Upward and downward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows are discounted at the initial rate used for that facility.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company adopted the guidance related to asset retirement in 2003, which requires the Company to recognize an estimated liability for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-live assets. The fair value of the liabilities for decommissioning costs is determined using a present value approach and expense is recorded in each period for the accretion due to the passage of time to the amount ultimately payable. A corresponding amount is recorded as part of the book value of the related long-lived assets and depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.

Under U.S. GAAP, the discount rate for existing decommissioning liabilities prior to 2003 was set at adoption (6.49%). Liabilities incurred for facilities built subsequent to the adoption of this guidance, should be discounted at the then applicable discount rate under U.S. GAAP also. In addition, any changes that result in upward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows shall be treated as a new liability and discounted at the then current discount rate. Any downward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows will result in a reduction of the liability for decommissioning costs and is reduced from the recorded discounted liability at the rate that was used at the time the obligation was originally recorded.

As a result, substantially all of the different between the Korean GAAP liability and the U.S. GAAP liability is due to the different guidance adoption dates and the resulting different adoption date discount rates which impacts the liabilities assessed prior to the respective adoption dates, as discussed above. Also, subsequent to 2004, the Company uses the same discount rates under both GAAPs for liabilities related to new facilities, so no further GAAP differences will be created unless there are upward revisions in the amount payable.

In 2008, as discussed in Note 22, effective as of January 1, 2009, the Radio-active Waste Management Act (“RWMA”) was enacted by the Korean Government, in an effort to centralize the disposal of spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste and related management process. The RWMA designated the Korea Radio-active Waste Management Corporation (“KRMC”) as the entity in charge of performing the disposal of spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste. As a result, the Company’s related asset retirement obligation liabilities transferred to KRMC on RWMA enactment date.

As a result of the RWMA, the GAAP differences related to the asset retirement obligation liabilities for disposal of spent fuel and low & intermediate radioactive waste (for such liabilities related to periods prior to respective guidance’s adoptions) was eliminated, as the Company no longer needs to discount such liabilities at a different discount rate.

For liabilities related to disposal of spent fuel recognized prior to the RWMA, the Company reclassified (Won)3,576,369 million of liabilities to other long-term payables. This amount was the asset retirement obligation liability accrued under Korean GAAP, which was deemed as the liability which transferred to KRMC by RWMA. Due to the substantial transfer amount of the liability (payables) to KRMC, the RWMA established a fifteen year payment plan, with an initial five year grace period, for the transfer of liabilities incurred prior to the RWMA.

 

F-78


Table of Contents

Amounts reconciled from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP for capitalized asset retirement costs, net of accumulated depreciation and liabilities for decommission costs are as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  Dollar
(Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
   2008     2009     2009  

Decrease in capitalized asset retirement costs, net of accumulated depreciation

   (Won) (866,658   (825,000   $ (708,976

Decrease in liabilities for decommissioning costs(*1)

     1,397,480      1,410,014        1,211,716   
                      

Increase in shareholders’ equity

   (Won) 530,822      585,014      $ 502,740   
                      

 

  (*1) There was no change related to the decommissioning and disposal of nuclear power plants so the GAAP difference from January 2009 forward only relates to those remaining obligations.

Details of the Company’s asset retirement costs as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 under U.S. GAAP are as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  Dollar
(Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
   2008     2009     2009  

Capitalized asset retirement costs

   (Won) 1,134,699      1,198,381      $ 1,029,847   

Less : accumulated depreciation

     (395,025   (493,862     (424,408
                      
   (Won) 739,674      704,519      $ 605,439   
                      

Changes in liabilities for decommissioning costs for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 under U.S. GAAP are as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  Dollar
(Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
   2008     2009     2009  

Balance at beginning of year

   (Won) 5,911,298      4,073,284      $ 3,500,437   

Liabilities incurred

     470,376      255,360        219,447   

Accretion expense for the year

     320,250      210,853        181,200   

Payments

     (8,791   (254,287     (218,525

Transfer to long-term other account payable(*1)

     (3,576,369   —          —     

Others(*2)

     956,520      —          —     
                      

Balance at end of year

   (Won) 4,073,284      4,285,210      $ 3,682,559   
                      

 

  (*1) For spent fuel discharged prior to December 31, 2008, the Company has accrued the liability of (Won) 3,576,369 million. Under newly enacted RWMA, as the Company is required to pay KRMC over 15 years, after a 5 year grace period. As a result, the liability of (Won)3,576,369 million was reclassified to the long-term other accounts payable.

 

  (*2) With the transfer of performing the disposal of spent fuel and low and intermediate radioactive waste, the liability under U.S.GAAP increased by (Won)956,520 million to record the actual liability transferred to KRMC which was equivalent to the liability amount under Korean GAAP: There no longer exists a GAAP difference in 2009.

 

F-79


Table of Contents
(k) Convertible Bonds

Under Korean GAAP, the value of conversion rights is recognized as capital surplus. Additionally, the convertible bonds are not subject to foreign currency translation as convertible bonds are regarded as non-monetary foreign currency liabilities.

Under U.S. GAAP, unless a conversion right is considered as an embedded derivative instrument requiring bifurcation, no portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the convertible debt securities should be attributed to the conversion feature. The Company has determined that the conversion feature embedded in its convertible debt should not be bifurcated. Additionally, the convertible bonds are subject to foreign currency translation as these convertible bonds are regarded as monetary foreign currency liabilities under U.S. GAAP.

 

(l) Principles of Consolidation

Under Korean GAAP, noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries are presented as a component of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Under U.S. GAAP, before the new consolidation guidance, noncontrolling interests were presented outside of the shareholders’ equity section in the consolidated statements of financial position. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the new consolidation accounting guidance under U.S. GAAP, the requirements of which include that the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent shall be clearly identified and presented in the consolidated statements of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. The provisions of this guidance were prospective upon adoption, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are required to be retrospectively applied. As such, the Company has retroactively amended its presentation of its noncontrolling interests in its subsidiaries in the consolidated statements of financial position.

 

(m) Reserve for Self-insurance

Under Korean GAAP, in accordance with Accounting Regulations for Public Enterprise·Associate Government Agency, the Company provides a self-insurance reserve for loss from accident and liability to third parties that may arise in connection with the Company’s non-insured facilities. The self-insurance reserve is recorded until the amount meets a certain percentage of non-insured buildings and machinery.

U.S. GAAP considers loss from accidents and liability to third parties to be a contingency that is only provided for when a liability has been incurred. Contingent losses for self-insurance are generally recognized as a liability (undiscounted) when probable and reasonably estimable.

 

(n) Gain on Disposal of Subsidiaries

Under Korean GAAP, when the parent company disposes of a portion of its investment in a subsidiary but still retains a controlling interest, any gain or loss on disposal should be recognized in capital surplus.

Under U.S. GAAP, historically the Company elected the accounting guidance to recognize such gain or loss in other income, as part of earnings. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the new consolidation accounting guidance under U.S. GAAP, which states that when changes in parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary occurs, related gain or loss on disposal should be recognized in capital surplus. As retroactive application of such guidance is prohibited, the Company has prospectively applied this guidance. Consequently, the Company recognized gains from a disposal of subsidiary in 2007 as other income and as such accounted it for as an adjustment from net income under Korean GAAP to that under U.S. GAAP. In 2009, the Company also recognized gains from a disposal of subsidiary which it recognized in capital surplus, as such no reconciliation adjustment between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP was necessary.

 

F-80


Table of Contents
(o) Gain on Valuation of Non-marketable Securities

Under Korean GAAP, non-marketable securities should be classified as available-for-sale and carried at cost or fair value if applicable, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as other comprehensive income until realized.

Under U.S. GAAP, investments in non-marketable equity securities without significant influence that do not have a readily determinable fair value are stated at cost using the cost method. As a result of the reconciliation of difference, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 increased by (Won)6,266 million and (Won)10,873 million, respectively, compared to that under Korean GAAP.

 

(p) Fair Value Hierarchy

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the accounting guidance for fair value measurements.

The accounting guidance provides for the following:

 

  (i) Defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, and establishes a framework for measuring fair value;

 

  (ii) Establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the observable inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability at the measurement date;

 

  (iii) Requires consideration of nonperformance risk when valuing liabilities; and

 

  (iv) Expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value.

The Company classifies fair value balances based on the fair value hierarchy defined by the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The classification of valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements is based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable: and

Level 3—Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies the Company used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Investment securities

The Company classified available-for-sale equity securities with marketability within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy if quoted prices are available in an active market. The Company generally classifies its securities within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy if quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets are not available. The Company determines the fair values of its securities using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow models. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value and yield curve as well as other relevant economic measures.

Derivatives

Derivatives are composed of cross currency swap and interest rate swaps valued using internal models that use readily observable market inputs, such as foreign currency exchange rates and swap rates. The Company classified derivatives as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

 

F-81


Table of Contents

Under Korean GAAP, fair value of derivatives is determined assuming the same nonperformance risk for the entity and the counterparty. However, U.S. GAAP requires consideration of both the entity’s nonperformance risk and counterparty nonperformance risk in determining the fair value of a derivative instrument. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purpose, net loss increased by (Won)15,698 million and decreased by (Won)13,719 million, and other comprehensive income decreased by (Won)68,706 million and increased by (Won)50,856 million, compared to those under Korean GAAP for year ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Refer to Note 25 for disclosure of derivatives under Korean GAAP.

The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009:

 

    Korean Won (in millions)
    2008   2009
    Level 1   Level 2   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Total

Assets:

         

Investment securities

  (Won) 8,725   13,960   22,685   123,123   9,980   133,103

Financial derivatives

    —     1,240,790   1,240,790   —     880,096   880,096
                         

Total Assets

  (Won) 8,725   1,254,750   1,263,475   123,123   890,076   1,013,199
                         

Liabilities:

           

Financial derivatives

  (Won) —     19,997   19,997   —     36,996   36,996
                         

Total Liabilities

  (Won) —     19,997   19,997   —     36,996   36,996
                         

 

(q) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of significant financial instruments in which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

  (i) Cash and cash equivalents, short term financial instruments, trade receivables, short-term borrowings, and trade payables: The carrying amount approximates fair value because of its nature or relatively short maturity.

 

  (ii) Investments: The fair value of investments with marketability is estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments. For other investments for which there are no quoted market prices, it was not practicable to estimate the fair value of investments in unlisted companies.

 

  (iii) Long-term debt: The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues, or on the current rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities.

 

F-82


Table of Contents

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s consolidated financial instruments as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

     Korea Won (in millions)  
     2008     2009  
     Carrying
Amount
    Fair value     Carrying
Amount
    Fair value  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,452,886      1,452,886      1,489,390      1,489,390   

Short-term financial instruments

     316,442      316,442      356,115      356,115   

Trade receivables and other account receivables

     3,532,552      3,532,552      4,531,443      4,531,443   

Investments:

        

Practicable to estimate fair value

     22,685      22,685      133,103      133,103   

Not practicable

     201,746      N/A      155,734      N/A   

Short-term borrowings

     (1,357,710   (1,357,710   (684,480   (684,480

Trade payables and other accounts payable

     (3,099,089   (3,099,089   (2,763,509   (2,763,509

Long-term other account payable

     (3,576,369   (3,576,369   (3,576,369   (3,576,369

Long-term debt, including current portion

     (27,763,594   (27,907,314   (33,634,756   (33,221,281

 

(r) Supplementary U.S. GAAP Disclosures

The Company’s supplementary information for the statement of cash flows is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    Translation into
U.S.  Dollars
(Note 2)

(in thousands)
   2007    2008    2009    2009

Interest paid, net of capitalized portion

   (Won) 903,916    928,119    1,378,799    $ 1,184,892

Income taxes paid

     1,385,254    699,070    428,371      368,127

 

(s) Scope of Equity Method

Under Korean GAAP, a company should account for its investment under the equity method of accounting, if it has significant influence. A company is presumed to have significant influence if it has the ability to nominate a board member, regardless of overall ownership percentage or other conditions that would be considered under U.S. GAAP.

Under U.S GAAP, to presume if a company has significant influence or not, the followings are some of the conditions it would consider; ability to nominate a board member, such board member’s voting power and limitation (if any), overall ownership percentage, influence compared to other investors, relationship between the investor and investee and etc. Due to such difference in guidance and practice, certain investments which are accounted for under the equity method under K GAAP, are accounted for as an available-for-sale investment under the cost basis with unrealized gains and losses reported as other comprehensive income until realized at each reporting date under U.S. GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, net income increased by (Won)17,788 million and accumulated other comprehensive income increased by (Won)2,787, compared to that under Korean GAAP for year ended December 31, 2009.

 

(t) Recent Changes in U.S. GAAP

In December 2007, the FASB issued the revised Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, “Business Combinations”, which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business

 

F-83


Table of Contents

combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This revised guidance is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this revised guidance did not have a material impact on its results from operations or financial condition.

In December 2007, the FASB amended ASC 810, “Consolidation” for noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements. This amendment requires the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified and presented in the consolidated statements of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of earnings; and changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The provisions of this amendment were prospective upon adoption, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements. The Company applied the provisions prospectively beginning January 1, 2009 while amendments related to the presentation and disclosure requirements have been applied retrospectively to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. See Note 38(l) for presentation and disclosures required under ASC 810.

In March 2008, the FASB amended and expanded the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities required under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging. The amendments to ASC 815 requires increased qualitative, quantitative, and credit-risk disclosures. Required qualitative disclosures include: (1) How and why an entity is using a derivative instrument or hedging activity (e.g., for risk management or other purposes), (2) How the entity is accounting for its derivative instrument and hedged items under ASC 815 (and related guidance), and (3) How the instrument affects the entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The Company adopted these disclosure requirements as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of this amendment to ASC 815 only affected the Company’s disclosures of derivative instruments and hedging activities, and did not have a material impact on its results from operations or financial position. See related Korean GAAP disclosure at Note 25 which is inclusive of such disclosures required under ASC 815.

In May 2008, the FASB updated ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement). This guidance clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement), not addressed by the accounting guidance for convertible debt and debt issued with stock purchase warrants. Additionally, this guidance specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 on a retrospective basis with no early adoption option. The Company’s adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its results from operations or financial condition.

In June 2008, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging: Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock”. Under this guidance, an instrument (or embedded feature) would not be considered indexed to an entity’s own stock if its settlement amount is affected by variables other than those used to determine the fair value of a “plain vanilla” option or forward contract on equity shares, or if the instrument contains a feature (such as a leverage factor) that increases exposure to those variables. An equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) would not be considered indexed to the entity’s own stock if the strike price is denominated in a currency other than the issuer’s functional currency. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted this guidance. Such adoption did not have a material impact on its results from operations or financial condition.

 

F-84


Table of Contents

In June 2009, the FASB amended ASC 105, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, which identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP. On the effective date of the changes to ASC 105, which was for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, the ASC supersedes all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. Under the ASC, all of its content carries the same level of authority and the GAAP hierarchy includes only two levels of GAAP: authoritative and non-authoritative. While the adoption of the ASC did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations, the ASC impacted the references to authoritative and non-authoritative accounting literature contained within the Notes.

In September and August 2009, respectively, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2009-12, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, and ASU 2009-05, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value”. ASU 2009-12 provides guidance for the fair value measurement of investments in certain entities that calculate the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) determined as of the reporting entity’s measurement date. Certain attributes of the investment (such as restrictions on redemption) and transaction prices from principal-to-principal or brokered transactions will not be considered in measuring the fair value of the investment. The amendments in this standard are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009. The adoption of ASU 2009-12 did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

ASU 2009-05 provides guidance on measuring the fair value of liabilities under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”. This standard clarifies that in the absence of a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability at the measurement date, companies may apply approaches that use the quoted price of an investment in the identical liability or similar liabilities traded as assets or other valuation techniques consistent with the fair-value measurement principles in ASC 820. The standard permits fair value measurements of liabilities that are based on the price that a company would pay to transfer the liability to a new obligor. It also permits a company to measure the fair value of liabilities using an estimate of the price it would receive to enter into the liability at that date. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after August 27, 2009 and applies to all fair-value measurements of liabilities required by GAAP. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB revised ASC 855, “Subsequent Events”. This guidance establishes standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the end of the reporting period but before the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically, the Statement sets forth (1) the period after the end of the reporting period during which management of a reporting entity will evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (2) the circumstances under which an entity will recognize events or transactions occurring after the end of the reporting period in its financial statements and (3) the disclosures that an entity will make about events or transactions that occurred after the end of the reporting period. This Standard is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company’s adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its results from operations or financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. The ASU requires disclosing the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers. The disclosures are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. Additionally, disclosures of the gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements activity in Level 3 fair value measurements will be required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09 “Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements”, which amends ASC 855 to address certain implementation issues related to an entity’s

 

F-85


Table of Contents

requirement to perform and disclose subsequent-events procedures. The ASU adds a definition of the term “SEC filer” to the ASC Master Glossary and requires (1) SEC filers and (2) conduit debt obligors for conduit debt securities that are traded in a public market to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued. All other entities are required to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are available to be issued. The guidance is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-02 “Accounting and Reporting for Decreases in Ownership of Subsidiary—a Scope Clarification”, in response to practice issues entities had encountered in applying the decrease-in-ownership provisions in ASC 810-10. The ASU clarifies that the decrease-in-ownership provisions of ASC 810-10 and related guidance apply to (1) a “subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity (2) a subsidiary or group of assets “that is a business or nonprofit activity that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business or nonprofit activity for a noncontrolling interest in an entity (including an equity method investee or joint venture). In addition, the ASU clarifies that the decrease-in-ownership guidance does not apply to the sales of in-substance real estate or conveyances of oil and gas mineral rights, even if these transactions involve businesses. Finally, the ASU expands the disclosures required upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary. An entity will be required to follow the amended guidance beginning in the period that it first adopts ASC 810-10. For those entities that have already adopted ASC 810-10, the amendments are effective at the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period ending on or after December 15, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

F-86


Table of Contents
(u) Effect on Net Income and Shareholders’ Equity

The effects of the significant adjustments to net income and shareholders’ equity that are required if U.S. GAAP were applied instead of Korean GAAP are summarized as follows:

 

    Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
    2007     2008     2009     2009  

NET INCOME (LOSS) UNDER KOREAN GAAP

  (Won) 1,467,168      (2,914,039   (47,732   $ (41,018

ADJUSTMENTS:

       

OPERATING INCOME

       

Asset revaluation (Note 38(b))

    330,115      341,605      286,749        246,422   

Special depreciation (Note 38(c))

    (5,328   (2,776   —          —     

Regulated operation (Note 38(d))

    (2,135   157,423      167,557        143,993   

Capitalized foreign currency translation
(Note 38(f))

    151,088      134,714      123,738        106,336   

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates (Note 38(e))

    (1,461   (7,631   (8,464     (7,274

Liabilities for decommissioning costs and capitalized asset retirement costs (Note 38(j))

    81,335      (844,988   54,192        46,571   

Reserve for self-insurance (Note 38(m))

    5,331      5,995      6,148        5,283   

Revenue recognition (Note 38(a))

    52,057      73,784      187,372        161,021   

Intangible assets (Note 38(g))

    (44,013   (4,965   15,135        13,006   

Classification differences in the consolidated statements of income(*1)

    (157,762   (25,807   (3,113     (2,675

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)

       

Asset revaluation—equity investments
(Note 38(b))

    13,349      12,339      12,257        10,533   

Capitalized foreign currency translation
(Note 38(f))

    2,381      (863   (6,284     (5,400

Convertible bonds (Note 38(k))

    (97,580   (520,731   659,405        566,670   

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries (Note 38(n))

    63,209      —        —          —     

Equity income of affiliates(*2)

    (132,914   (110,871   (52,516     (45,130

Scope of equity method (Note 38(s))

    —        —        17,788        15,286   

Credit valuation adjustment (Note 38(p))

    —        (15,698   13,719        11,790   

Classification differences in the consolidated statements of income(*1)

    157,762      25,807      3,113        2,675   

INCOME TAX EXPENSES

       

Deferred income taxes

    (120,192   (198,222   (336,739     (289,382

Change in enacted tax rates (Note 38(h))

    —        6,366      —          —     

FIN48 Liabilities (Note 38(i))

    (2,876   (178   6,449        5,542   

Tax effect of gain on disposal of subsidiaries (Note 38(n))

    (16,264   —        —          —     

Tax effect of equity income of affiliates(*2)

    24,944      17,492      2,624        2,254   

EQUITY INCOME OF AFFILIATES, NET OF
TAX(*2)

    107,970      93,379      49,892        42,875   
                           

NET INCOME (LOSS) UNDER U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 1,876,184      (3,777,865   1,151,290      $ 989,378   
                           

CONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 1,835,473      (3,819,165   1,102,306      $ 947,283   

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER
U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 40,711      41,300      48,984      $ 42,095   

 

(*1) Certain donations and gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment are recorded in other income or expenses under Korean GAAP while recorded in operating expenses under U.S. GAAP. This reclassification does not affect the net income under U.S. GAAP.

 

(*2) Under Korean GAAP, equity income of affiliates is presented as other income, while it is shown after income tax expense under U.S. GAAP.

 

F-87


Table of Contents
     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
   2008     2009     2009  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY UNDER KOREAN GAAP ADJUSTMENTS:

   (Won) 41,274,814      41,403,807      $ 35,580,980   

Current Asset

      

Account Receivables

      

Revenue recognition (Note 38(a))

     1,069,171      1,256,543        1,079,829   

UTILITY PLANT

      

Asset revaluation (Note 38(b))

     (6,425,196   (6,138,447     (5,275,166

Capitalized asset retirement costs (Note 38(j))

     (866,658   (825,000     (708,976

Construction in progress (Note 38(g))

     300,000      —          —     

Capitalized foreign currency translation (Note 38(f))

     (1,046,947   (929,493     (798,774

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates (Note 38(e))

     107,918      99,454        85,467   

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

      

Future radioactive wastes repository sites usage rights (Note 38(g))

     (300,000   —          —     

Research and development cost (Note 38(g))

     (48,978   (33,843     (29,083

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

      

Asset revaluation (Note 38(b))

     (36,446   (24,189     (20,787

Available-for-sale securities (Note 38(o))

     6,266      10,873        9,344   

Scope of equity method (Note 38(s))

     —        20,575        17,681   

FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES

      

Credit valuation adjustments (Note 38(p))

     (85,759   (20,387     (17,520

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     1,358,236      1,007,101        865,467   

LIABILITIES

      

Liabilities for decommissioning costs (Note 38(j))

     1,397,480      1,410,014        1,211,716   

Regulated operation (Note 38(d))

     (573,917   (406,360     (349,212

Reserve for self-insurance (Note 38(m))

     115,268      121,416        104,341   

Convertible bonds (Note 38(k))

     (687,261   (27,856     (23,938

FIN48 Liabilities (Note 38(i))

     (16,231   (8,200     (7,047

Credit valuation adjustments (Note 38(p))

     1,356      558        480   
                      

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY UNDER U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 35,543,116      36,916,566      $ 31,724,802   
                      

CONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER U.S. GAAP

     35,230,171      36,539,993        31,401,188   

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST UNDER U.S. GAAP

     312,945      376,573        323,614   

 

F-88


Table of Contents

The reconciliation of operating income from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
     2007     2008     2009     2009  

Operating income (loss) under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 2,821,675      (2,798,073   1,714,822      $ 1,473,658   

Asset revaluation

     330,115      341,605      286,749        246,422   

Special depreciation

     (5,328   (2,776   —          —     

Regulated operation

     (2,135   157,423      167,557        143,993   

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     151,088      134,714      123,738        106,336   

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     (1,461   (7,631   (8,464     (7,274

Asset retirement obligation

     81,335      (844,988   54,192        46,571   

Reserve for self-insurance

     5,331      5,995      6,148        5,283   

Revenue recognition

     52,057      73,784      187,372        161,021   

Research and development cost

     (44,013   (4,965   15,135        13,006   

Classification differences in the consolidated statements of income

     (157,762   (25,807   (3,113     (2,675
                            

Operating income (loss) under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 3,230,902      (2,970,719   2,544,136      $ 2,186,341   
                            

The reconciliation of utility plant from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2008 and 2009 is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
     2008     2009     2009  

Utility plant, net under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 69,795,285      74,033,431      $ 63,621,733   

Asset revaluation

     (6,425,196   (6,138,447     (5,275,166

Capitalized asset retirement costs

     (866,658   (825,000     (708,976

Construction in-progress

     300,000      —          —     

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     (1,046,947   (929,493     (798,774

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     107,918      99,454        85,467   
                      

Utility plant, net under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 61,864,402      66,239,945      $ 56,924,284   
                      

The reconciliation of total assets from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2008 and 2009 is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
     2008     2009     2009  

Total assets under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 88,198,610      93,208,031      $ 80,099,713   

Adjustments:

      

Account Receivables

     1,069,171      1,256,543        1,079,829   

Utility Plant

     (7,930,883   (7,793,486     (6,697,449

Intangible assets

     (348,978   (33,843     (29,083

Investment securities

     (30,180   7,259        6,238   

Financial derivatives

     (85,759   (20,387     (17,520

Deferred income taxes

     1,358,236      1,007,101        865,467   
                      

Total assets under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 82,230,217      87,631,218       75,307,195  
                      

 

F-89


Table of Contents

The tax effects of temporary differences that resulted in significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2009, computed under U.S. GAAP, and the description of the financial statement items that created these differences are as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S.  dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
     2008     2009     2009  

Deferred tax assets adjustments:

      

Asset revaluation

   (Won) 1,240,849      1,178,901      $ 1,013,106   

Convertible bond

     151,197      6,128        5,266   

Regulated operation

     126,262      89,399        76,827   

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     230,328      204,488        175,730   

Research and development cost

     10,775      7,445        6,398   

FIN48 Liabilities

     6,256      4,674        4,016   

Scope of equity method

     —        14,119        12,133   

Credit valuation adjustments

     18,867      4,485        3,854   
                      

Total deferred tax assets adjustments

     1,784,534      1,509,639        1,297,330   
                      

Deferred tax liabilities adjustments:

      

Asset retirement obligation, net

     (116,781   (128,703     (110,603

Reserve for self insurance

     (25,359   (26,712     (22,955

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     (23,742   (21,880     (18,803

Revenue Recognition

     (258,739   (304,083     (261,318

Available-for-sale securities

     (1,379   (2,392     (2,055

Scope of equity method

     —        (18,645     (16,023

Credit valuation adjustments

     (298   (123     (106
                      

Total deferred tax liabilities adjustments

   (Won) (426,298   (502,538   $ (431,863
                      

Net deferred tax assets adjustments:

     1,358,236      1,007,101      $ 865,467   
                      

Net deferred tax assets under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 1,318,849      1,052,854      $ 904,786   
                      

Net deferred tax assets under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,677,085      2,059,955      $ 1,770,254   
                      

 

F-90


Table of Contents

Basic earnings (loss) per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 under U.S. GAAP are as follows:

 

     Korean Won
(in millions, except per share data)
   Translation into
U.S.  dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands,
except per share data)
     2007    2008     2009    2009

Controlling interest under U.S. GAAP (a)

   (Won) 1,835,473    (3,819,165   1,102,306    $ 947,283
                        

Effect of dilutive securities

     24,283    —        77      67
                        

Adjusted net income (b)

   (Won) 1,859,756    (3,819,165   1,102,383    $ 947,350
                        

Weighted-average shares (c)

     621,717,622    622,637,717      622,637,717      622,637,717

Effect dilutive securities

     9,497,722    —        498,802      498,802
                        

Adjusted weighted average shares (d)

     631,215,344    622,637,717      623,136,519      623,136,519
                        

Basic earnings (loss) per share under U.S. GAAP (a)/(c)

   (Won) 2,952    (6,134   1,770    $ 1.52
                        

Diluted earnings (loss) per share under U.S. GAAP (b)/(d)(*)

   (Won) 2,946    (6,134   1,769    $ 1.52
                        

Basic earnings (loss) per ADS under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 1,476    (3,067   885    $ 0.76
                        

Diluted earnings (loss) per ADS under U.S. GAAP(*)

   (Won) 1,473    (3,067   884    $ 0.76
                        

 

(*) In 2008, Euro and JPY denominated exchangeable bonds issued on November 21, 2006 that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because those would have been antidilutive.

 

F-91


Table of Contents

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

  1.1    Articles of Incorporation, as amended on March 19, 2010 (in English)
  2.1    Form of Deposit Agreement*
  8.1    List of Subsidiaries
12.1    Certifications of our Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (Certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
12.2    Certifications of our Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (Certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
13.1    Certifications of our Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) (Certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
13.2    Certifications of our Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) (Certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
15.1    The Korea Electric Power Corporation Act (in English)**
15.2    Enforcement Decree of the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act (in Korean and English)***
15.3    Government-Invested Enterprise Management Basic Act of 1983, as amended (in Korean and English)***
15.4    Enforcement Decree of the Government-Invested Enterprise Management Basic Act of 1983, as amended (in Korean and English)***

 

* Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-6 with respect to the ADSs, registered under Registration No. 33-84612.
** Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
*** Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed on March 8, 2000, registered under Registration No. 333-9180.

 

E-1