Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2007

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

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

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: 000-13372

 


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)

 


167 SAMSEONG-DONG, GANGNAM-GU, SEOUL 135-791, KOREA

(Address of principal executive offices)

 


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
* Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of American depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

4.25% Notes due September 12, 2007

 


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 this 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   x    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  x

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  x    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  x                    Accelerated filer  ¨                    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:

Item 17  ¨    Item 18  x

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  x

(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

   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
         Selected Financial Data    2
         Risk Factors    5
  ITEM 4.    INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY    13
         History And Development    13
         Business Overview    16
         Property, Plant and Equipment    52
  ITEM 5.    OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS    53
         Operating Results    53
         Liquidity And Capital Resources    61
         Research And Development, Patents And Licenses, Etc.    74
         Trend Information    74
  ITEM 6.    DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES    75
         Directors And Senior Management    75
         Employees    79
         Corporate Governance    80
  ITEM 7.    MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS    84
         Major Shareholders    84
         Related Party Transactions    84
  ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION    86
         Consolidated Statements And Other Financial Information    86
  ITEM 9.    THE OFFER AND LISTING    87
  ITEM 10.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    94
         Articles of Incorporation    94
         Exchange Controls    100
         Taxation    104
         Documents On Display    114
  ITEM 11.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    115
  ITEM 12.    DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES    119

PART II

   120
  ITEM 13.    DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES    120
  ITEM 14.    MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS    120
  ITEM 15.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    120
  ITEM 16A.    AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT    122
  ITEM 16B.    CODE OF ETHICS    122
  ITEM 16C.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES    122
  ITEM 16D.    EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE    123
  ITEM 16E.    PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS    123

PART III

   124
  ITEM 17.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    124
  ITEM 18.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    124
  ITEM 19.    EXHIBITS    124


Table of Contents

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

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 “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 Government Invested Enterprises 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.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes future expectations, projections or “forward-looking statements” (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and similar words 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 have been 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 3. Key Information—Risk Factors” and elsewhere, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, or 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.

 

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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

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth certain selected consolidated financial data of us. The selected consolidated financial data in the table have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2006. The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 have been audited by Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Deloitte Anjin LLC is a Korean independent registered public accounting firm. The consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been audited by KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., a Korean corporation, which is a member of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative, our current independent registered public accounting firm. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006.

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act, the accounting regulations for Government-invested enterprises and Korean GAAP, which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Statement of Earnings Data

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2002    2003    2004    2005    2006
     (in billions of Won and millions of US$, except per share data)

Amounts in Accordance with Korean GAAP(1):

                 

Operating revenues

   (Won) 21,366    (Won) 22,775    (Won) 23,956    (Won) 25,445    (Won) 27,409    $ 29,472

Operating expenses

     16,319      17,551      19,488      21,523      24,014      25,821

Operating income

     5,047      5,224      4,467      3,922      3,395      3,650

Income before income taxes and minority interest

     5,171      4,110      4,700      3,832      3,389      3,644

Income taxes

     2,104      1,763      1,795      1,399      1,143      1,229

Net income

     3,048      2,323      2,883      2,408      2,226      2,393

Earnings per share

                 

Basic

     4,770      3,686      4,576      3,790      3,488      3.75

Diluted

     4,770      3,677      4,510      3,766      3,389      3.64

Earnings per ADS

                 

Basic

     2,385      1,843      2,288      1,895      1,744      1.88

Diluted

     2,385      1,839      2,255      1,883      1,695      1.82

Dividends per share

     800      1,050      1,150      1,150      1,000      1.08

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

                 

Operating revenue(3)

   (Won) 21,373    (Won) 22,781    (Won) 23,995    (Won) 25,445    (Won) 27,408    $ 29,471

Operating income

     5,835      6,373      4,860      4,382      3,727      4,008

Net income

     3,573      4,552      3,535      2,970      2,645      2,844

Earnings per share

                 

Basic

     5,591      7,221      5,612      4,675      4,146      4.46

Diluted

     5,591      7,204      5,529      4,645      4,028      4.33

Earnings per ADS

                 

Basic

     2,796      3,611      2,806      2,338      2,073      2.23

Diluted

     2,796      3,602      2,765      2,323      2,014      2.17

Other Data:

                 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4):

                 

Korean GAAP

     4.2      4.1      4.6      4.8      3.8      3.8

U.S. GAAP(2)

     4.8      6.0      5.0      5.3      4.2      4.0

 

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Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

 

     As of December 31,
     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006
     (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) (5,192 )   (Won) (4,056 )   (Won) (2,291 )   (Won) (130 )   (Won) 171    $ 183

Property, plant and equipment, net

     53,527       51,820       55,809       56,651       56,874      61,154

Construction in progress

     7,777       9,551       7,517       7,355       8,393      9,025

Total assets

     70,512       71,727       73,654       74,737       77,435      83,264

Total stockholders’ equity

     35,562       37,782       40,602       42,338       43,235      46,490

Common stock

     3,201       3,204       3,204       3,208       3,208      3,449

Long-term debt (excluding current portion)

     17,671       15,814       15,073       15,494       15,428      16,589

Other long term liabilities

     7,173       7,992       9,719       9,767       10,152      10,916

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

             

Total assets

     62,297       65,380       65,310       66,864       70,708    $ 76,030

Total stockholders’ equity

     27,291       31,163       33,747       35,972       37,912      40,765

(1) See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—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 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
(3) For discussion of significant differences in revenue recognition under Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 33(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”, “$”, “U.S.$” 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)930.00 to US$1.00, which was the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in Won per US$1.00 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon Buying Rate”) on December 31, 2006. On June 15, 2007, the Noon Buying Rate was (Won)927.6 to US$1.00. 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.

 

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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)

2001

   1,313.50    1,292.00    1,369.00    1,234.00

2002

   1,186.30    1,250.40    1,332.00    1,160.60

2003

   1,192.00    1,192.10    1,262.00    1,146.00

2004

   1,035.10    1,139.30    1,195.10    1,035.10

2005

   1,010.00    1,023.75    1,059.80    997.00

2006

   930.00    954.32    1,002.90    913.70

2007 (through June 15)

   927.60    934.36    949.10    922.30

January

   941.00    936.76    942.20    925.40

February

   942.30    936.90    942.30    932.50

March

   941.10    942.88    949.10    937.20

April

   931.00    930.69    937.00    926.10

May

   930.80    927.57    934.00    922.30

June (through June 15)

   927.60    928.93    932.30    926.50

Note:

(1) The average of the Noon Buying Rates over the relevant period.

 

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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

The Government’s plan related to the electricity industry in Korea and its restructuring may have a material adverse effect on us.

On January 21, 1999, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, or the MOCIE, announced a restructuring plan for the electricity industry in Korea, or a Restructuring Plan. For a detailed description of the Restructuring Plan, see Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea”.

The Government promulgated the Law on Promotion of Restructuring of Electricity Industry and amended the Electricity Business Law on December 23, 2000, which allowed us to implement the Restructuring Plan. Pursuant to the Law on Promotion of Restructuring of Electricity Industry, in April 2001, the Government established the Korea Power Exchange to deal with the sale of electricity and to work out regulations governing the electricity industry to allow for electricity distribution through a competitive bidding process, a competitive bidding pool system for the sale and purchase of electricity and the Korean Electricity Commission to regulate the restructured Korean electricity industry and to ensure fair competition.

In February, 2001, our board of directors approved a plan to split our non-nuclear and non-hydroelectric generation unit into five wholly-owned generation subsidiaries and convert our nuclear and hydroelectric generation unit into a separate wholly-owned generation subsidiary. In March, 2001, our shareholders approved the plan to establish the generation subsidiaries and allocate our assets and liabilities to such generation subsidiaries, effective as of April 2, 2001. In September 2003, the Tripartite Commission, which included, among others, representatives from the Government, the leading businesses and labor unions in Korea, established the Joint Study Group on Reforming Electricity Distribution Network to propose a methodology of introducing competition within the industry for distribution of electricity. 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 the distribution subsidiaries, and in lieu thereof, creating independent business divisions within us, namely, the “strategy business units”, as way of improving operational efficiency and internal competition among the business divisions. This resolution was adopted by the MOCIE in June 2004, and we subsequently commissioned a third party consultant to conduct a study on implementing plans related to the creation of the strategy business units and solicited comments on the study from various parties, including labor unions and the Government. Based on this study and the related comments, on September 25, 2006, we established nine strategy business units having a separate management structure with limited autonomy and separate financial accounting and performance evaluation criteria. The performance of these units is currently under evaluation for two years, and based on such evaluation, we may expand the use of strategic units or otherwise reformulate the structure of our business divisions. We cannot assure that the strategic business units will successfully achieve their intended goals of improving operational efficiency and internal competition among the business divisions.

In December 2006, the Government announced the third Basic Plan. The third Basic Plan focuses on, among other things, (1) establishing an optimal level and mix of generating capacity based on fuel types and the operational efficiency of each generation unit, (2) equilibrating the supply and demand of electricity at the regional-level through region-specific planning for capacity expansion, (3) giving greater weight to environmental issues by proactively addressing some of the concerns identified under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, (4) improving the accuracy of electricity supply forecast by adopting as its basis the effective supply reserve ratio, which takes into account only those generation units that are capable of generating electricity at times of peak demand, rather than the overall supply

 

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reserve ratio, which has been traditionally used and takes into account the supply capability of all generation units regardless of whether they are actually capable of generating electricity at times of peak demand, and (5) improving the transparency and the level of specializing 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 third 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.

Further changes in law and regulation relating to the electricity industry in Korea and the Government’s plan, including any amendments thereto, for the electricity industry in Korea or its restructuring may have a material adverse effect on our business, growth prospects, financial condition and results of operation.

Failure to successfully implement the revised restructuring plan could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Restructuring Plan contemplates that we eventually dispose of our interests in our generation subsidiaries (excluding our nuclear and hydroelectric power generation subsidiary). In April 2002, the MOCIE released the basic privatization plan for five of our generation subsidiaries, other than our nuclear and hydroelectric power generation subsidiary. In 2002, we commenced the sale of Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd., or KOSEP, one of our non-nuclear generation subsidiaries. According to the original plan, the sale of KOSEP 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.

KOSEP submitted its application for a preliminary screening review to the Korea Exchange in November 2003, which was approved in December 2003. However, in June 2004, KOSEP requested the Korea Exchange to delay the listing of its stock due to unfavorable stock market conditions at that time. We intend to resume KOSEP’s stock-listing process in due course, after taking into consideration the overall stock market situation and other pertinent matters. The aggregate foreign ownership of our generation subsidiaries is currently limited to 30% of total power generation capacity in Korea. We cannot assure you as to the timing or the extent to which our divestiture will occur. In addition, it is possible that Korean law relating to anti-competitive practices as in effect at a given time may affect the manner in which we conduct our business through our generation subsidiaries.

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 Commerce, Industry and Energy 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. As of March 31, 2007, one district is using this system and 20 other districts are preparing to launch it. As the government is fostering further competition in the power market, we expect that this system will be widely adopted by 2008. Once widely adopted, this system will erode our market position in the generation and distribution of electricity in Korea, which has been virtually monopolistic to-date. Unless we become more operationally efficient so as to keep the loss of our market share to the minimum, this system may have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, revenues and profitability.

 

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Increases in fuel prices will adversely affect our results of operations and profitability.

Fuel costs constituted 32.6% and 37.2% of our operating revenues and operating expenses, respectively, in 2006. 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. In addition, our generation subsidiaries purchase a significant portion of their fuel requirements under contracts with limited quantity and duration. For instance, most of the bituminous coal requirements are imported from Australia, Indonesia and China, which accounted for approximately 35.4%, 37.6% and 18.5%, respectively, of the annual bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries in 2006. Approximately 81.5% of the bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries in 2006 were purchased under long-term contracts and the remaining 18.5% from the spot market. Pursuant to the terms of our long-term supply contracts, prices are adjusted annually in light of market conditions. See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Fuel”. In recent years, the prices of bituminous coal, oil and liquefied natural gas, or LNG, have increased significantly, resulting in higher fuel cost. As a result of such price increases, our generation subsidiaries are unlikely to secure their respective fuel requirements at prices comparable to those of prior periods. In addition, any significant interruption or delay in the supply of fuel from any of the 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. The prices of oil and LNG are substantially dependent on the price of crude oil. According to Bloomberg (Bloomberg Ticker: PGCRDUBA), the average daily spot price of Dubai crude oil was US$61.525 per barrel in 2006 compared to US$49.445 per barrel in 2005 and was US$59.623 per barrel as of June 15, 2007. Because the Government regulates the rates we charge for electricity we sell (see Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Rates”), our ability to pass on such cost increases to our customers is limited. We estimate that the recent increase in fuel prices has had a material adverse effect on our results of operations and profitability in 2007 to date. Fuel prices may remain high throughout 2007 and thereafter. Accordingly, we expect our operating income and net income may be adversely impacted.

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

In recent years, the Won has considerably appreciated against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies. At this time, it is difficult to predict whether and to what extent Won will continue to appreciate. The appreciation of Won against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies may have an adverse impact on us by negatively impacting Korea’s ability to export its products to other countries, on which the overall production level of the Korean economy significantly depends.

We also cannot assure you that the Won will not significantly depreciate against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies. The depreciation of Won against the 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. In contrast, as of December 31, 2006, approximately 30.2% of our long-term debt (including the current portion thereof) was denominated in foreign currencies, principally in U.S. dollars and Yen. 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 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 the Won against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies will have a material adverse effect on our profitability, our results of operations.

Labor unrest may adversely affect our operations.

As of December 31, 2006, approximately 62.7% of the employees of our generation subsidiaries were members of the Korean Power Plant Industry 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 belong have opposed the Restructuring Plan from its very inception. In particular, the prospect of privatizing some of

 

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our core assets has raised concerns among some of our employees. On February 25, 2002, employees belonging to labor unions of our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries began a six-week strike to protest the Government’s plans to privatize our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the second largest confederation of labor unions in Korea with over 600,000 members as of December 31, 2006, 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.

On June 24, 2005, the Korean 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 is scheduled to be relocated to Naju in Jolla Province, which is approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul. 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 this policy, there can be no assurance that our labor union and those of our subsidiaries will not oppose such relocation. We cannot assure you that a large-scale strike will not occur again in the future, including, among others, as a result of the Government’s policy to move our headquarters out of the Seoul metropolitan areas, or that any such labor unrest will be satisfactorily resolved. A large-scale strike may adversely affect our results of operations, including by severely disrupting the power supply as well as substantially hindering the implementation of our strategies and management policies.

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 Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., or KHNP, our wholly-owned nuclear subsidiary, we currently operate 19 units out of 20 nuclear-fuel generation units due to the end of intended life of Kori 1 unit on June 18, 2007. 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 and lowest cost structure among the fuel types that comprise the base load and is the largest source of Korea’s electricity supply accounting for 39.3% of electricity generated in Korea in 2006. Due to significantly lower fuel costs as compared with conventional power plants, our nuclear power plants are generally operated at full capacity with only routine shutdowns for check-up and overhaul lasting 30 to 40 days. In December 2003, in response to concerns of potential exposure to radioactive materials arising from a release incident, we shut down Younggwang-5, one of our nuclear power plants for assessment, inspection and overhaul. This nuclear power plant resumed its operations in April 2004. In November 2003, we shut down Younggwang-6, another of our nuclear power plants for planned overhaul, during which a mechanical problem was discovered giving rise to concerns as to its safety. After the overhaul, this nuclear power plant resumed its operations in April 2004. 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 2006, our nuclear generation units accounted for 39.0% of the electricity generated in Korea. In recent years, we have encountered increasing social and political opposition to the construction and operation of nuclear generation units. Although the Government and we have undertaken various community programs to address concerns of residents of areas near our nuclear units, 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

 

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material adverse impact on our business and results of operation. See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Power Generation—Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.”, “—Business Overview—Community Programs” and “—Business Overview—Insurance”.

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

Substantial liability may result from the operation of our nuclear generation units, the use and handling of nuclear fuel and possible radioactive emissions associated with such nuclear fuel. While KHNP carries insurance for its generation units and nuclear fuel transportation and is the beneficiary of a certain Government indemnity with respect to such risks, such insurance is limited in terms of amounts and scope of coverage and does not cover all types or amounts of loss which could arise in connection with the ownership and operation of nuclear plants. Accordingly, material adverse financial consequences could result from a significant accident.

In addition, our non-nuclear generation subsidiaries carry insurance covering against 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, as well as directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. These insurance and indemnity, however, cover only a portion of the assets that 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 power plants. 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 significant accident to the extent uninsured.

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 4 “Information on the Company—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 through the coming years in order to refinance existing debt and to 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 raised through foreign currency borrowings and issuance of securities in international capital markets. The cost of such financing may not be acceptable to us.

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 own directly, or through Korea Development Bank (a statutory banking institution wholly-owned by the Government), at least 51% of our issued capital stock. As of June 15, 2007, the Government, directly or through Korea Development Bank, owned 51.07% 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

Adverse developments in Korea may adversely affect us.

Our financial condition and results of operations are subject to political, economic, legal and regulatory risks specific to Korea. From early 1997 until 1999, Korea experienced a significant financial and economic downturn, from which it is widely believed the country has now recovered to a large extent, despite mixed signs of recovery and uncertainty at times. However, future recovery or growth of the economy is subject to many factors beyond our control. Events related to terrorist attacks, developments in the Middle East, higher oil prices, the general weakness of the global economy and the outbreak of endemics such as SARS or the H5N1 avian flu

 

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in Asia and other parts of the world have increased and continue to increase the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and may continue to adversely affect the Korean economy. Any future deterioration of the Korean economy could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Developments that could hurt Korea’s economy in the future include:

 

   

financial and other problems related to chaebols (Korean conglomerates) or their suppliers, and their potential adverse impact on the Korean economy;

 

   

loss of investor confidence arising from corporate accounting irregularities and corporate governance issues at certain companies or introduction of new Government policies or regulations adverse to foreign investment;

 

   

a slowdown in consumer spending, a rising level of household debt and the resulting slowdown in the overall economy;

 

   

adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including an increase in coal, oil and LNG prices), exchange rates (including depreciation of the U.S. dollar or the Yen or revaluation of the Chinese Renminbi), interest rates and stock markets;

 

   

adverse developments in the economies in other markets, including countries that are important export markets for Korea, such as the United States, Japan and China, or in emerging 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 benefits relating to it (such as increased exports to China) are outweighed costs relating to it (such as competition in export markets or for foreign investment and the relocation of the manufacturing base from Korea to China);

 

   

social and labor unrest;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea and uncertainty related to the presidential election in the second half of 2007;

 

   

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

 

   

an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or North Korea, and Korea and/or the United States.

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

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense over Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between Korea and North Korea has fluctuated and may increase or change abruptly as a result of current and future events, including ongoing contacts at the highest levels of the governments of Korea and North Korea and the relationship between North Korea and the United States. In December 2002, North Korea removed the seals and surveillance equipment from its Yongbyon nuclear power plant and evicted inspectors from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, and has reportedly resumed activity at its Yongbyon power plant. In January 2003, North Korea announced its intention to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, demanding that the United States sign a non-aggression pact as a condition to North Korea dismantling its nuclear program. During July 2003 and February 2004, Korea, North Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia held the first two rounds of multilateral talks in an effort to resolve issues relating to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. In June 2004, a third round of talks was held, resulting in an agreement to hold further

 

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talks in September 2004. In February 2005, North Korea announced that it possesses nuclear weapons and pulled out of the six-party disarmament talks. In July 2005, North Korea returned to the six-party talks and held bilateral talks with the United States to discuss the issue of nuclear weapons. In a joint statement in September 2005, North Korea agreed to abandon all nuclear weapons and programs and rejoin the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In return, the other five nations participating in the talks, Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States, expressed a willingness to provide North Korea with energy assistance and other economic support. However, on September 20, 2005, one day after the joint statement was released, North Korea announced that it would not dismantle its nuclear weapons program unless the United States agreed to provide civilian nuclear reactors in return, a demand that the Untied States rejected. Representatives of the six nations reconvened in Beijing in November 2005 for the first phase of the fifth-round of six-party talks, which ended without further progress being made with respect to the implementation of the joint statement.

In July 2006, North Korea conducted several missile tests, which increased tensions in the region and raised strong objections from Japan and the United States. In response, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution condemning such missile tests and banning any United Nations member state from conducting transactions with North Korea in connection with material or technology related to missile development or weapons of mass destruction. On October 9, 2006, North Korea announced that it had successfully conducted a nuclear test, which increased tensions in the region and raised strong objections from Korea, the United States, Japan, China and other nations worldwide. In response, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution which prohibits any United Nations member state from conducting transactions with North Korea in connection with any large-scale arms and material or technology related to missile development or weapons of mass destruction, providing luxury goods to North Korea, and imposes freezing of assets and an international travel ban on persons associated with North Korea’s weapons programs, and calls upon all United Nations member states to take cooperative action, including through inspection of cargo to or from North Korea. In February 2007, the six parties entered a new accord whereby North Korea would begin to disable its nuclear facilities in return for fuel oil and aid. We cannot assure you that these recent events constitute a final agreement on North Korea’s nuclear program, including critical details such as implementation, timing and verification, or that North Korea will fulfill its obligations under such accord.

In October 2004, the United States proposed plans to withdraw approximately one-third of the 37,500 troops then stationed in Korea by the end of 2008 in three phases. Under these plans, the United States withdrew 5,000 troops from Korea by the end of 2004 and is expected to withdraw another 5,000 troops by the end of 2006 and another 2,500 troops by the end of 2008. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there were 28,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea as of February 23, 2007, and the number is expected to decrease to 25,000 by the end of 2008. Any further increase in tensions, resulting for example from a break-down in contacts or an outbreak in military hostilities, could hurt our business, results of operations and financial condition and could lead to a decline in the price of our common stock and our American depositary shares.

Unemployment and labor unrest in Korea may adversely affect us.

The economic downturn in Korea in 1997 and 1998 and the increase in the number of corporate reorganizations and bankruptcies thereafter caused layoffs and increasing unemployment in Korea, and a similar economic downturn in the future could lead to further layoffs. These factors could lead to social unrest and substantially increase government expenditures for unemployment compensation and other costs for social programs. During 1998 and 1999, there were large-scale protests and labor strikes in Korea. According to statistics from Korea National Statistical Office, the unemployment rate generally increased from 3.3% as of December 31, 2002, to 3.6% as of December 31, 2003, to 3.7% as of December 31, 2004 and to 3.7% as of December 31, 2005 and 3.5% as of December 31, 2006. An increase in unemployment or labor unrest in Korea could adversely affect our operations and the financial conditions of Korean companies in general, depressing the price of securities on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange, and the value of the Won relative to other currencies. These developments would likely have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock and our American depositary shares.

 

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Financial instability in Korea and other countries, particularly emerging market countries, may adversely affect us.

The Korean market and the Korean economy are influenced by economic and market conditions in other countries, including emerging market countries. Financial turmoil in Asia and elsewhere in the world in the past has adversely affected the Korean economy. Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reactions to developments in one country, such as Argentina or Brazil, could have adverse effects on the price of securities of companies in other countries, including Korea. A loss of investor confidence in the financial systems of emerging and other markets may cause increased volatility in Korean financial markets. We cannot assure you that financial events of the type that occurred in emerging markets in Asia in 1997 and 1998 will not happen again or will not have a material adverse effect on our business.

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

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting regulations applicable to Government-invested companies 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 asset and liability to offset the impact of foreign exchange translation losses and gains on our income statement, deferred income taxes and reserves for self-insurance.

See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

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 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. 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.

 

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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

General Information

We were established by the Government on December 31, 1981 as the successor to Korea Electric Company and, until 1989, were wholly owned by the Government. Our registered office is located at 167 Samseong-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, Korea, and our telephone number is 82-2-3456-4264. Our website address is www.kepco.co.kr.

In 1989, the Government sold 21% of our common stock as part of a planned partial privatization. Such partial privatization was one of several sales undertaken by the Government with respect to shares of Government-owned companies. In 1994, the Government sold 1.2% of our outstanding shares in a global offering. In 1995, the Government sold 1.1% of our shares in another global offering. From November 1997 to February 1998, the Government contributed our shares as a capital injection into Korea Development Bank, The Export-Import Bank of Korea, Korea First Bank and Seoul Bank to support the financial condition of those financial institutions. In March 1999, the Government sold 5% of our shares in a global offering. As a result, as of December 31, 2000, the Government owned, directly or indirectly, 54% of our issued common stock (including treasury stock). On June 20, 2001, the Government transferred 127,086,334 shares of our common stock, which represented 19.85% of our outstanding capital held by it, to Korea Development Bank, and on April 30, 2004, the Government transferred 34,511,869 shares of our common stock, which represented 5.39% of our outstanding capital, to Korea Development Bank, in each case to strengthen the capital base of Korea Development Bank, which is wholly-owned by the Government. On December 30, 2004, the Government sold 19,592,000 shares (or 3.06% of total outstanding shares) of our common stock to Korea Development Bank through the over-the-counter market at (Won)27,100 per share. As a result, the Government’s direct ownership in us decreased to 23.97% from 27.03% and Korea Development Bank’s direct ownership in us increased to 29.99% from 26.93%. As a result of such transfer, the Government and Korea Development Bank owned 23.97% and 29.99%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the end of April 2004. In December 2005, the Ministry of Defense of Korea made an in-kind contribution of certain electric distribution facilities, which had previously been managed by the Ministry of Defense, in return for 819,139 newly issued shares of our common stock, which were issued in December 2005. Following such issuance, the Government directly owned 24.07% and, through Korea Development Bank, an additional 29.95%, of the outstanding shares of our common stock. On November 21 2006, we purchased 18,900,000 of common shares, or 2.95% of our total outstanding common stock held by the Government and held in treasury. Currently, the Government and Korea Development Bank own 21.12% and 29.95% of our common shares, respectively. See the table setting forth certain information relating to certain owners of our capital stock as of December 31, 2006 in Item 7 “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders”.

Under relevant laws, the Government is required to own, directly or through Korea Development Bank, at least 51% 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 which require a stockholders’ resolution, including approval of dividends. The rights of the Government and Korea Development Bank as holders of our common stock are exercised by the MOCIE based on the Government’s ownership of our common stock and a proxy received from Korea Development Bank in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, or the MOFE.

We operate under the general supervision of the MOCIE. The MOCIE, in consultation with the MOFE, is responsible for approving the electric power rates we charge after review by the Korean Electricity Commission. See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Rates”. We furnish reports to officials of the MOCIE, the MOFE and other Government agencies and regularly consult with such officials on matters relating to our business and affairs. See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation”.

 

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Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, our directors are classified into two categories: standing directors and non-standing directors. There currently may not be more than seven standing directors, including our president, or 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 Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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 MOCIE 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. The non-standing directors must be appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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 performance.

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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Pursuant to our amended articles of incorporation, we have three auditors, consisting of one standing auditor and two non-standing auditors. The standing auditor must be appointed by the President of the Republic upon the motion of the Minister of Planning and Budget of Korea from a pool of candidates recommended by the director nomination committee and approved by the Public Agencies Operating Committee, following a resolution at the general meeting of our shareholders. The non-standing auditors must be appointed by the President of Korea upon the motion of the Minister of Planning and Budget of Korea from a pool of candidates recommended by the director nomination committee and approved by the Public Agencies Operating Committee. Each of our auditors is severally responsible for performance of its duties required under the Commercial Code of Korea and other applicable laws of Korea. In addition, these auditors perform the roles and responsibilities required of an audit committee under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act through a board of auditors consisting of all of these auditors. The auditors may attend board meetings but are not our directors and do not have the right to vote at board meetings. 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. However, if the term of the auditor has not expired at the time of such designation, a market-oriented public enterprise is required to establish an audit committee at the end of such term. We plan to amend our articles of incorporation to allow establishment of an audit committee following July 5, 2008, when the term of our current auditor expires. 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 that we currently have. However, if the term of the auditor has not expired at the time of such designation, a market-oriented enterprise is required to establish an audit committee at the end of such term. We plan to amend the articles of incorporation to allow establishment of an audit committee following July 5, 2008, when the term of our current auditor expires. See Item 6 “Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors and Senior Management—Board of Auditors”.

We play an important role in the implementation of the Government’s national energy policy, which is established in consultation with us. As an entity formed to serve public policy goals of the Government, we seek to maintain an overall level of profitability which allows us to strengthen our equity base in order to support the growth in our business.

Our electricity rates are established pursuant to procedures that take into account, among other things, our needs to recover the costs of operations, to make capital investments and to provide a fair return to our security holders.

See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Rates”.

 

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Recent Developments

The Third Basic Plan

In December 2006, the Government announced the Third Basic Plan on Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand Plan. The Third Basic Plan focuses on, among other things, (1) establishing an optimal level and mix of generating capacity based on fuel types and the operational efficiency of each generation unit, (2) equilibrating the supply and demand of electricity at the regional-level through region-specific planning for capacity expansion, (3) giving greater weight to environmental issues by proactively addressing some of the concerns identified under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, (4) improving the accuracy of electricity supply forecast by adopting as its basis the effective supply reserve ratio, which takes into account only those generation units that are capable of generating electricity at times of peak demand, rather than the overall supply reserve ratio, which has been traditionally used and takes into account the supply capability of all generation units regardless of whether they are actually capable of generating electricity at times of peak demand, and (5) improving the transparency and the level of specializing 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 Third 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.

 

Improvements to the Cost-Based Pool System for Power Purchase

In December 2006, based a study commissioned by the Korea Power Exchange, in which the Electricity Commission, the Korea Power Exchange, us and our generation subsidiaries also participated, further improvements on the cost-based pool system was adopted through amendments to the Electricity Market Codes December 2006 as follows:

 

   

The base load marginal price, which had been in effect until December 31, 2006, was abolished and new price caps with respect to the base load units as discussed above were introduced at a level substantially higher than the pre-existing base load marginal price. Following the abolition of the base load marginal price, a single capacity price for base load and non-base load was introduced at (Won)7.61/kWh in order to avoid potentially excessive losses for KEPCO in its purchase of base load electricity. The base load marginal price in 2006 was (Won)18.95/kWh compared to the new price caps of (Won)32.20/kWh for nuclear fuels and (Won)32.68/kWh for coals. The base load capacity price and the non-base load capacity price were (Won)20.49/kWh and (Won)7.17/kWh, respectively, in 2006.

 

   

A regionally differentiated capacity price system was introduced by setting a standard capacity reserve ratio in the range between 12% and 20% 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 the amended system, generation units in a region that does not meet the standard capacity reserve ratio (which indicates that in such region available capacity is not sufficient to meet electricity demand), will receive increased capacity price. On the other hand, generation units in a region that exceeds the standard capacity reserve ratio (which indicates that in such region available capacity exceeds electricity demand) will receive reduced capacity price.

See “Business Overview—Power Purchase—Cost-based Pool System” for more details.

Adjustments to the Tariff

On January 15, 2007, the MOCIE adjusted our rate schedule by increasing the industrial rates and street-lighting rates by 4.2% and 4.2%, respectively, while making no changes to other rates. As a result of this rate adjustment, our average rate increased by 2.1%. See Item 4 “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Rates” for more details.

 

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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 newly enacted Public Agencies Management Act took effect. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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 has a number of implications for our corporate governances and requires a number of changes in the appointment process for our executive officers. In light of the Public Agencies Management Act, in the second half of 2007 the Government plans to submit to the National Assembly amendments to the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act and other laws that conflict with or conform to the Public Agencies Management Act. We plan to amend our articles of incorporation to reflect the relevant provisions of the Public Agencies Management Act at an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders resolution in the second half of 2007. We also plan to revise our internal regulations as necessary to comply with the Public Agencies Management Act. See Item 6 “Corporate Governance—The Public Agencies Management Act.”

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Introduction

We are an integrated electric utility company which is engaged in the transmission and distribution of substantially all of the electricity in Korea. Through our six consolidated generation subsidiaries, we also generate substantially all of the electricity produced in Korea. As of December 31, 2006, we and our generation subsidiaries owned approximately 88.7% of the total electricity generating capacity in Korea (excluding plants generating electricity primarily for private or emergency use). In 2006, we sold 349 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. Of the 365 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity we purchased in 2006, 39.3% was generated by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., our wholly-owned nuclear and hydroelectric power generation subsidiary. We also wholly own our five non-nuclear generation subsidiaries, 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.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, we had consolidated operating revenues of (Won)27,409 billion (US$29,472 million) and consolidated net income of (Won)2,226 billion (US$2,393 million) and for the year ended December 31, 2005, we had consolidated operating revenues of (Won)25,445 billion and consolidated net income of (Won)2,408 billion. Our operating revenues increased primarily as a result of a 4.9% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold in 2006. The increase in electricity sold was primarily attributable to a 4.6% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the industrial sector, a 5.6% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the commercial sector and a 4.6% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the residential sector. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results.

Demand for electricity in Korea grew at a compounded average rate of 6.2% per annum for the five years ended December 31, 2006 compared to real gross domestic product, GDP, compounded growth rates of approximately 4.7% for the same period according to The Bank of Korea. The GDP growth rate was 5.0% for 2006 as compared to 4.0% in 2005. Demand for electricity in Korea increased by 4.9% from 2005 to 2006.

Historically, we have made substantial expenditures for construction of generation plants and other facilities to meet increased demand for electric power. Subject to the Restructuring Plan as discussed in “—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea” below, we and our generation subsidiaries plan to continue to make substantial expenditures to expand and enhance our generation, transmission and distribution system in the future. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Requirements”.

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

 

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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 had acquired all of the outstanding shares of Korea Electric Company, Korea Electric Company dissolved and we were incorporated in 1981, assuming 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 15, 2007, the Government owned 51.07% (including indirect holdings by Korea Development Bank, which is wholly-owned by the Government) of the outstanding share of out common stock.

Prior to the corporate reorganization effected on April 2, 2001, which created six generation subsidiaries wholly-owned by us, we were the principal electricity generation company in Korea. We continue to be the principal electricity transmission and distribution company in Korea, subject to the implementation of the Restructuring Plan.

Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea

On January 21, 1999, the MOCIE published the Restructuring Plan. The overall objectives of the Restructuring Plan are to:

 

   

introduce competition and thereby increase efficiency in the Korean electricity industry,

 

   

ensure a long-term, inexpensive and stable electricity supply, and

 

   

promote consumer convenience through the expansion of consumer choice.

The KEPCO Act requires that the Government own at least 51% of our capital stock. Direct or indirect ownership of more than 50% 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 Development Bank as holders of our common stock are exercised by the MOCIE in consultation with the MOFE. The Government currently has no plan to cease to own directly or indirectly at least 51% of our outstanding common stock.

The following is a description of the Restructuring Plan and the Government’s position relating to the Restructuring Plan as of the date of this report.

Phase I

During Phase I, which was the preparation stage for Phase II and ran from January 1, 1999 to April 2, 2001, we continued to be the principal electricity generator, with a few independent power producers supplying electricity to us under existing power purchase agreements. On February 23, 2001, our board of directors approved a plan to split our non-nuclear and non-hydroelectric generating capacity into five separate wholly-owned generation subsidiaries, namely, KOMIPO, KOSEP, KOWEPO, KOSPO and EWP, each with its own management structure, assets and liabilities. Our hydroelectric and nuclear generating capacity was transferred into a separate wholly-owned generation subsidiary, KHNP. On March 16, 2001, our shareholders approved the plan to establish the generation subsidiaries effective as of April 2, 2001.

The Government’s objectives in dividing the power generation capacity into separate generation subsidiaries were principally to:

 

   

introduce competition and thereby increase efficiency in the electricity generation industry in Korea, and

 

   

ensure the stable supply of electricity in Korea.

Following the implementation of Phase I, we have retained our monopoly position with respect to transmission and distribution of electricity in Korea.

 

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While our ownership percentage of the non-nuclear and non-hydroelectric generation subsidiaries will depend on the ultimate form of the Restructuring Plan approved by the Government, we plan to continue to retain 100% ownership of both KHNP and the transmission and distribution business.

Phase II

Phase II, which is the current phase, began on April 2, 2001. For Phase II, the Government introduced a competitive or bidding pool system under which we purchase power from the generation subsidiaries and other companies for transmission and distribution to customers. Such competitive bidding pool system was established on April 2, 2001 and is a cost-based system. For a further description of the pool system, see “—Power Purchase—Cost-based Pool System” below.

Pursuant to the Electricity Business Law amended on December 23, 2000, the Government established the Korea Power Exchange on April 2, 2001 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 on April 27, 2001 to regulate the restructured Korean electricity industry and to ensure fair competition. As part of this process, 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 MOCIE’s approval.

The Korea Electricity Commission’s main functions include implementation of necessary standards and measures 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 disputes involving utility rates and participants in the Korean electricity industry and consumers and investigates illegal or deceptive activities of the participants in the Korean electricity industry.

Privatization of Non-nuclear Generation Subsidiaries

In April 2002, the MOCIE released the basic privatization plan for five of our generation subsidiaries other than our nuclear and hydroelectric power generation subsidiary. Pursuant to this plan, we commenced the process for selling Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd., or 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 intend to 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% 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 sales, with a view to encouraging competition and assuring adequate electricity supply and debt service capability.

Suspension of the Plan to Form and Privatize Distribution Subsidiaries

In September 2003, the Tripartite Commission, which included, among others, representatives from the Government, the leading businesses and labor unions in Korea, established the Joint Study Group on Reforming Electricity Distribution Network to propose a methodology of introducing competition within the industry for distribution of electricity. 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 the distribution subsidiaries, and in lieu thereof, creating independent business divisions within us, namely, the “strategy business units”, as way of improving operational efficiency and internal competition among the business divisions. This resolution was adopted by the MOCIE in June 2004, and we subsequently commissioned a third party consultant to conduct a study on implementing plans related to the creation of the strategy business units and solicited

 

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comments on the study from various parties, including labor unions and the Government. Based on this study and the related comments, on September 25, 2006, we established nine strategy business units having a separate management structure with limited autonomy and separate financial accounting and performance evaluation criteria. The performance of these units is currently under evaluation for two years, and based on such evaluation, we may expand the use of strategic units or otherwise reformulate the structure of our business divisions. We cannot assure that the strategic business units will successfully achieve their intended goals of improving operational efficiency and internal competition among the business divisions.

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, which is responsible 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 62 as of December 31, 2006. We distribute electricity purchased through the Korea Power Exchange to the end users.

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. In order to stabilize the cost of generating electricity against external factors such as movements in fuel costs and currency exchange rates as well as to ensure a fair rate of return for the generating companies, the cost-based pool system uses two-tiered pricing structures, namely the “base load” pricing for electricity generated from nuclear fuels and coal and the “non-base load” pricing for electricity generated from liquefied natural gas, or LNG, oil and hydroelectric power. The base-load fuels on average are substantially less expensive than the non-base load fuels. Under the cost-based pool system, the price of electricity has two principal components, namely the marginal price and the capacity 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 marginal price is determined as the variable cost of the generation unit with the highest variable cost among the generation units that participate in the bidding and are selected to meet electricity demand for a given time slot. The selection is based on the merit of the price in the bids submitted. However, in order to prevent a generation company from reaping excessive profit as well as to maintain a balance in the respective profit margins of the generation companies and that of us who purchase electricity from them, price caps, known as “regulated market prices”, have been adopted as of January 1, 2007, with respect to the base load pricing. Currently, the price cap for electricity from nuclear fuels is (Won)32.20/kWh and that for electricity from coal is (Won)32.68/kWh. These price caps are subject to review every six months. There are currently no price caps with respect to non-base load pricing.

The primary purpose of the capacity price is to compensate the generation companies for the costs of constructing generation facilities and to properly incentivize 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. Currently, the capacity price is (Won)7.61/kWh, which applies equally to base-load and non-base load generation units as of January 1, 2007.

The current power trading system is a result of continued efforts on the part of the participants in the Korean electricity industry to make it more efficient in light of the realities of generating and distributing electricity. In 2005, the Korea Power Exchange commissioned the Korea Development Institute to conduct a study for further improvements of the Korean electricity market. Based on this study, in which the Electricity Commission, the Korea Power Exchange, us and our generation subsidiaries also participated, further improvements on the cost-based pool system was adopted through amendments to the Electricity Market Codes December 2006 as follows:

 

   

The base load marginal price, which had been in effect until December 31, 2006, was abolished and new price caps with respect to the base load units as discussed above were introduced at a level

 

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substantially higher than the pre-existing base load marginal price. Following the abolition of the base load marginal price, a single capacity price for base load and non-base load was introduced at (Won)7.61/kWh in order to avoid potentially excessive losses for KEPCO in its purchase of base load electricity. The base load marginal price in 2006 was (Won)18.95/kWh compared to the new price caps of (Won)32.20/kWh for nuclear fuels and (Won)32.68/kWh for coals. The base load capacity price and the non-base load capacity price were (Won)20.49/kWh and (Won)7.17/kWh, respectively, in 2006.

 

   

A regionally differentiated capacity price system was introduced by setting a standard capacity reserve ratio in the range between 12% and 20% 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 the amended system, generation units in a region that does not meet the standard capacity reserve ratio (which indicates that in such region available capacity is not sufficient to meet electricity demand), will receive increased capacity price. On the other hand, generation units in a region that exceeds the standard capacity reserve ratio (which indicates that in such region available capacity exceeds electricity demand) will receive reduced capacity price.

In connection with the plan to form and privatize the distribution subsidiaries has been suspended (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 based on bidding by a pool of generating companies on the supply side and a pool of retail distributors (rather than us as the distributor of substantially all of electricity in Korea) on the demand side. However, we believe that due to the indefinite suspension of the restructuring plan, the two-way bidding pool system will not be adopted in the near future absent any unexpected change in government policy.

Power Trading Results

 

    

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006

    

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    143,249    40.4 %   5,555    29.2 %   38.78
  

KOMIPO

   37,611    10.6     2,481    13.0     65.98
  

KOSEP

   41,516    11.7     1,973    10.4     47.52
  

KOWEPO

   37,046    10.4     2,417    12.7     65.24
  

KOSPO

   46,819    13.2     3,306    17.3     70.61
  

EWP

   40,515    11.4     2,512    13.2     62.00
  

Others (1)

   8,110    2.3     804    4.2     99.14
                             
  

Total

   354,866    100.0 %   19,048    100.0 %   53.68
                             

Energy Sources

   Nuclear    142,115    40.1     5,456    28.6     38.39
  

Bituminous coal

   129,296    36.4     4,985    26.2     38.55
  

Anthracite coal

   5,184    1.5     286    1.5     55.11
  

Oil

   15,307    4.3     1,764    9.3     115.22
  

LNG

   2,511    0.7     333    1.7     132.45
  

Combined cycle

   54,738    15.4     5,601    29.4     102.32
  

Hydro

   3,106    0.9     261    1.4     84.03
  

Pumped storage

   1,740    0.5     261    1.4     150.13
  

Others

   869    0.2     101    0.5     116.22
                             
  

Total

   354,866    100.0 %   19,048    100.0 %   53.68
                             

Load

   Base load    275,531    77.6     10,642    55.9     38.62
  

Non-base load

   79,335    22.4     8,406    44.1     105.95
                             
  

Total

   354,866    100.0 %   19,048    100.0 %   53.68
                             

 

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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 with Power Purchasing Agreements

In 2006, we also purchased an aggregate of 10,370 gigawatt hours of electricity generated by independent power producers under existing power purchase agreements, outside of the cost-based pool system of power trading. We purchased the entire power output of a privately-owned combined cycle unit, a number of hydroelectric units owned by the Government-owned Korea Water Resources Corporation and certain other small hydroelectric and other units owned by private businesses. These independent power producers had an aggregate capacity of 3,750 megawatts as of December 31, 2006.

Power Generation

The electricity generating systems of our generation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 consisted of a total of 380 generation units, including nuclear, thermal, hydro and internal combustion units, which had an aggregate installed generating capacity of 58,142 megawatts as of December 31, 2006. 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. In addition to the generating facilities that our generation subsidiaries own, we purchase power from several generating plants not owned by our generation subsidiaries.

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, the number of units, installed capacity and the average capacity factor for each type of generating facility that our generation subsidiaries own.

 

    

Number

of Units

  

Installed

Capacity(1)

  

Average Capacity

Factor(2)

          (Megawatts)    (Percent)

KEPCO facilities:

        

Nuclear

   20    17,716    92.3
              

Thermal:

        

Coal

   40    18,465    86.9

Oil

   18    4,388    37.3

LNG

   6    1,538    9.3
              

Total thermal

   64    24,391    73.1
              

Internal combustion

   146    297    26.1

Combined cycle

   90    11,288    54.8
              

Hydro

   49    4,438    9.0
              

Wind

   6    9    30.9
              

Solar

   5    2    10.4
              

Total KEPCO facilities

   380    58,142    71.6
              

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 period divided by the total number of kilowatt hours that would have been generated assuming continuous operation of generation units at installed capacity expressed as a percentage.

 

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The useful life of units of each type without substantial renovation is approximately as follows: nuclear and thermal, over 30 years; internal combustion, over 25 years; and hydroelectric, over 30 years. Substantial renovation can extend the useful life of thermal units by up to 20 years.

We attempt to achieve efficient use of generating resources and diversification of generating capacity by fuel types. We have in the past 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 per cost output. 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 electric energy, we seek to maintain nuclear power production capacity at approximately the level at which demand for electricity is continuously stable. For production during those times when actual demand exceeds the level of continuous demand, we rely on units fired by fossil fuel and hydroelectric units, which can be started and shut down more efficiently than nuclear units. Bituminous coal is currently the cheapest thermal fuel per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced, and therefore we have sought 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-up and shutdown, and therefore we have used 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 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. Such units may be completed more quickly than new nuclear units.

The table below sets forth for each of the five years ended December 31, 2006 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.

 

    2002   2003   2004   2005   2006  

% of 2006

Gross

Generation(1)

    (million kilowatt hours and percent)

Electricity generated by generation subsidiaries:

           

Nuclear

  119,103   129,671   130,715   146,779   148,749   39.0

Thermal:

           

Coal

  119,665   121,931   128,547   134,892   140,346   36.8

Oil

  17,493   16,664   16,084   15,529   14,307   3.8

LNG

  1,771   1,674   733   786   1,258   0.3
                       

Total thermal

  138,929   140,269   145,364   151,207   155,911   40.9

Internal combustion

  353   370   407   575   677   0.2

Combined cycle

  30,535   33,075   47,652   48,311   54,174   14.2
                       

Hydro

  3,262   3,479   3,042   2,867   2,914   0.8
                       

Wind

  —     —     11   19   21   0.0
                       

Solar

        —     1   0.0

Total generation

  292,182   306,866   327,191   349,758   362,447   95.1

Electricity purchased from others:

           

Thermal

  12,242   12,178   12,137   12,559   16,429   4.3

Hydro

  2,049   3,408   2,820   2,322   2,305   0.6
                       

Total purchased

  14,291   15,586   14,957   14,881   18,734   4.9

Gross generation

  306,474   322,452   342,148   364,639   381,181   100.0

Auxiliary use(2)

  13,728   14,226   15,268   16,452   15,812   4.1

Pumping storage(3)

  2,688   2,581   1,994   1,980   2,315   0.6
                       

Total net generation(4)

  290,058   305,645   324,886   346,207   363,054   95.2
                       

Transmission and distribution losses

  12,994   13,539   14,490   15,615   14,587   4.0

 

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Notes:

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

The table below sets forth our total capacity at the end of each period (including units generating electricity primarily for sale to us) and peak and average load in each of the five years ended December 31, 2006.

 

     2002    2003    2004    2005    2006
     (Megawatts)

Total capacity

   53,801    56,053    59,961    62,258    65,514

Peak load

   45,773    47,385    51,264    54,631    58,994

Average load

   34,986    36,810    39,058    41,625    43,514

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

We commenced nuclear power generation activities in 1978 when our first nuclear generation unit, Kori-1, began commercial operations. On April 2, 2001, we transferred all of our nuclear and hydroelectric power generation assets and liabilities to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd, or 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.

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, the number of units, installed capacity and the average capacity factor for the two types of generating facility.

 

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

Nuclear

   20    17,716    92.3

Hydroelectric

   27    534    24.6
            

Total

   47    18,250   
            

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 period divided by the total number of kilowatt hours that would have been generated assuming continuous operation of generation units at installed capacity expressed as a percentage.

In April 2005, the Ulchin-6 nuclear generation unit commenced its operations. We are currently building four additional nuclear generation units, each with a 1,000-megawatt capacity at the Shin Kori and Shin Wolsong sites. We expect to complete these units between 2010 and 2012. In addition, we plan to build four additional nuclear units, each with a 1,400 megawatt capacity, at the Shin Kori and Shin Ulchin sites.

 

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Nuclear

The table below sets forth certain information with respect to the nuclear generation units KHNP owned as of December 31, 2006.

 

Unit

  

Reactor

Type(1)

  

Reactor

Design(2)

  

Turbine and

Generation(3)

  

Commencement

of operations

  

Installed

Capacity

                         (Megawatts)

Kori-1

   PWR    W    GEC    1978    587

Kori-2

   PWR    W    GEC    1983    650

Kori-3

   PWR    W    GEC    1985    950

Kori-4

   PWR    W    GEC    1986    950

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    1986    950

Yonggwang-2

   PWR    W    W    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.

The table below sets forth certain information for 2006 with respect to each nuclear generation unit KHNP owned. In 2006, the fuel cost was (Won)5.8 per kilowatt hour.

 

Unit

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

Kori-1

   90.2 %   (Won) 5.9

Kori-2

   91.4       6.0

Kori-3

   88.4       5.4

Kori-4

   88.8       5.5

Wolsong-1

   91.4       8.5

Wolsong-2

   99.7       7.4

Wolsong-3

   94.0       7.6

Wolsong-4

   100.4       7.6

Yonggwang-1

   91.1       5.5

 

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Table of Contents

Unit

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

Yonggwang-2

   99.6       5.2

Yonggwang-3

   87.5       5.9

Yonggwang-4

   99.9       5.3

Yonggwang-5

   88.9       5.8

Yonggwang-6

   91.8       4.9

Ulchin-1

   87.7       5.0

Ulchin-2

   96.0       5.0

Ulchin-3

   96.8       4.9

Ulchin-4

   90.7       5.1

Ulchin-5

   90.6       5.6

Ulchin-6

   85.2       6.1
            

Total nuclear

   92.3 %   (Won) 5.8
            

The average capacity factor of all of our nuclear units in aggregate has been maintained at 87.3% or more in each year since 1995.

Under extended cycle operations, nuclear units can be run continuously for periods longer than the conventional 12-month period between shutdowns for refueling and maintenance. This operational strategy of extended cycle has been adopted for all of our pressurized light water reactor units since 1987 and will spread to newly commenced units. Average shutdown periods for routine fuel replacement and maintenance varied from 30 to 40 days.

KHNP’s nuclear units experienced an average of 0.55 unplanned shutdowns per unit in 2006. In the ordinary course of operation, KHNP’s nuclear units routinely experienced damage and wear and tear and were 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 operations in 1978. See Item 3 “Key Information—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”.

Hydroelectric

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 certain information regarding each hydroelectric plant.

 

Name (Number of Plants)

  

Classification

   Year Built    Installed Capacity    Average Capacity
Factor for the twelve
months ended
December 31, 2006
 
               (Megawatts)    (Percent)  

Hwacheon (4)

   Dam waterway    1944    108.00    16.8 %

Chuncheon (2)

   Dam    1965    57.60    19.4  

Euiam (2)

   Dam    1967    45.00    34.0  

Cheongpyung (3)

   Dam    1943    79.60    33.7  

Paldang (4)

   Dam    1973    120.00    35.0  

Seomjingang (3)

   Basin deviation    1945    34.80    41.5  

Boseonggang (2)

   Basin deviation    1937    4.50    60.7  

Kwoesan (2)

   Dam    1957    2.60    35.8  

Anheung (3)

   Dam waterway    1978    0.48    24.3  

Kangreung (2)

   Basin deviation    1991    82.00     
                 

Total hydroelectric

         534.58    24.6 %
                 

 

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The Government-owned Korea Water Resources Corporation assumes full control of multi-purpose dams, while KHNP maintains the dams used for power generation. Existing hydroelectric power plants have exploited most of the water resources in the Republic available for commercially viable hydroelectric power generation. Consequently, KHNP expects 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 periods.

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

As of December 31, 2006, Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd., or KOSEP, had 12 thermal units, including ten coal-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 5,165 megawatts and two oil-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 530 megawatts. KOSEP also had combined cycle and internal combustion units with aggregate installed capacity of 900 megawatts and pumped storage units with aggregate installed capacity of 600 megawatts. KOSEP had a total installed capacity of 7,195 megawatts.

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the thermal units KOSEP owned based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

  

Average Fuel

Cost
per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)     

Bituminous:

           

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

   15    3,240    86.48    (Won) 20.90

Yong Hung #1, 2

   2    1,600    83.10      20.75

Anthracite:

           

Yongdong #1, 2

   30    325    54.59      63.90

Oil-fired:

           

Yosu #1, 2

   30    529    29.88      85.67
                     

Total thermal

   14    5,694    78.46    (Won) 24.81
                     

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor, and average fuel cost of the combined cycle and internal combustion units and pumped storage units KOSEP owned based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost
per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Combined Cycle and Internal Combustion:

          

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

   13    900    52.17 %   (Won) 105.38

Pumped storage(1):

          

Muju #1, 2

   12    600    6.87       50.06

Note:

 

(1) During periods of low energy usage, these 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.

 

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Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

As of December 31, 2006, Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd., or KOMIPO, had 19 thermal units, including eight coal-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 3,400 megawatts, five oil-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 255 megawatts and six LNG-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 1,537.5 megawatts, constituting a total installed capacity of 5,192.5 megawatts for its thermal units. KOMIPO also had 15 combined cycle and internal combustion units with aggregate installed capacity of 2,303.5 megawatts, two wind-power units with aggregate installed capacity of three megawatts, four pumped storage units with an aggregate installed capacity of 1,000 megawatts and two hydroelectric units with installed capacity of 1.4 megawatt.

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the thermal units KOMIPO owned based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Bituminous:

          

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

   16.5    3,000    89.0 %   (Won) 20.6

Anthracite:

          

Seocheon #1, 2

   23.6    400    58.3       77.2

Oil-fired:

          

Jeju #1, 2, 3, 4, 5

   11.3    255    59.1       104.0

LNG-fired:

          

Seoul #4, 5

   36.1    387.5    55.2       133.6

Incheon #1, 2, 3, 4

   31.2    1,150    2.1       195.7
                      

Total thermal

   21.2    5,192.5    52.7 %   (Won) 33.8
                      

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the combined cycle and internal combustion units KOMIPO owned.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Combined cycle and internal combustion:

          

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

   7.3    1,800    53.2 %   (Won) 82.9

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

   1.7    503.5    81.6       75.7
                      

Total combined cycle and internal combustion

   4.3    2,303.5    59.4 %   (Won) 80.5
                      

Wind-powered:

          

Yangyang #1, 2

   0.7    3    14.7 %    

Pumped storage:

          

Yangyang #1, 2, 3, 4

   0.9    1,000    41.7 %   (Won) 56.0

Hydroelectric:

          

Yangyang

   1.4    1.4    27.0 %    

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

As of December 31, 2006, Korea Western Power Co., Ltd., or KOWEPO, had ten thermal units, including six coal-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 3,000 megawatts and four oil-fired units with aggregate

 

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Table of Contents

installed capacity of 1,400megawatts, constituting a total installed capacity of 4,400 megawatts for its thermal units. KOWEPO also had 21 combined cycle units with aggregate installed capacity of 2,280 megawatts and four pumped storage units with aggregate installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts and one photovoltaic units with aggregate installed capacity of 0.12 megawatts.

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel costs of the thermal units KOWEPO owned based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Bituminous:

          

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

   8.6    3,000    90.1 %   (Won) 21.00

Oil-fired:

          

Pyeongtaek #1, 2, 3, 4

   25.1    1,400    39.7 %   (Won) 85.71
                      

Total thermal

   13.8    4,400    74.1 %   (Won) 32.04
                      

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the combined cycle units KOWEPO owned based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Combined cycle:

          

Pyeongtaek combined cycle

   13.8    480    12.0 %   (Won) 101.64

West Incheon combined cycle

   14.5    1,800    56.0 %   (Won) 81.81
                      

Total combined cycle

   14.4    2,280    46.7 %   (Won) 82.88
                      

Pumped storage:

          

Samryangjin #1,#2

   21.1    600    6.4 %   (Won) 50.93

Cheongsong #1,#2

   0.1    600    4.9 %   (Won) 46.00
                      

Total Pumped storage

   10.6    1,200    6.2 %   (Won) 50.16
                      

Photovoltaic power generation:

          

Taean site

   1.4    0.12    11.9 %   (Won) —  
                      

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

As of December 31, 2006, Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd., or KOSPO, had eleven thermal units, including six coal-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 3,000 megawatts and five oil-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 520 megawatts, constituting a total installed capacity of 3,520 megawatts for its thermal units. KOSPO also had 27 combined cycle and four internal combustion units with aggregate installed capacity of 3,745 megawatts and two pumped storage units with aggregate installed capacity of 400 megawatts and four wind power units with aggregate installed capacity of six megawatts.

 

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Table of Contents

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the thermal units KOSPO owned based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Bituminous:

          

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

   8.0    3,000    91.9 %   (Won) 19.18

Oil-fired:

          

Youngnam#1, 2

   35.2    400    20.9       98.31

Nam Jeju #1, 2, 3

   4.8    120    49.7       87.63
                      

Total thermal

   11.0    3,520    82.4 %   (Won) 21.95
                      

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the combined cycle and internal combustion units and pumped storage units and wind power units KOSPO owns based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

  

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)     

Combined cycle and internal combustion:

           

Shin Incheon combined cycle #3, 4

   10.3    1,800    77.2    (Won) 80.5

Busan combined cycle #1, 2

   3.3    1,800    67.7    (Won) 79.4

Hallim combined cycle

   10.6    105    19.4    (Won) 205.8

Nam Jeju internal combustion

   15.8    40    71.7    (Won) 87.6
                     

Total combined cycle and internal combustion

   7.2    3,745    70.9    (Won) 81 0
                     

Cheongpyeong Pumped storage

   27.2    400    3.4    (Won) 45.8

Hankyung Wind

   2.9    6    33.6    (Won) —  

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

As of December 31, 2006, Korea East-West Power, Co., Ltd., or EWP, had 16 thermal units, including ten coal-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 3,900 megawatts and six oil-fired units with aggregate installed capacity of 1,800megawatts, constituting a total installed capacity of 5,700 megawatts for its thermal units. EWP also had 17 combined cycle with aggregate installed capacity of 2,100 megawatts and two pumping storage units with aggregate installed capacity of 700 megawatts.

 

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Table of Contents

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the thermal units EWP owns based upon the net amount of electricity generated.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Bituminous:

          

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

   4.8    3,000    90.77 %   (Won) 20.66

Honam #1, 2

   33.7    500    83.98       28.70

Anthracite:

          

Donghae #1, 2

   7.8    400    63.42       56.78

Oil-fired:

          

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

   30.8    1,800    38.18       89.17
                      

Total thermal

   15.3    5,700    71.23 %   (Won) 35.43
                      

The table below sets forth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, for each plant location, the weighted average age, installed capacity, average capacity factor and average fuel cost of the combined and pumping storage units EWP owned.

 

     Weighted
Average Age
of Units
   Installed
Capacity
  

Average
Capacity

Factor

   

Average Fuel

Cost per kWh

     (Years)    (Megawatts)    (Percent)      

Combined cycle:

          

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

   11.8    1,200    34.82 %   (Won) 86.04

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

   12.8    900    39.11       109.36
                      

Total combined cycle and internal combustion

   12.2    2,100    36.66 %   (Won) 96.70
                      

Pumped storage:

          

Sancheong #1, 2

   5.2    700    7.98 %   (Won) 50.37

The high average age of the oil-fired thermal units owned by our generation subsidiaries is attributable to our historic reliance on oil-fired thermal units as our primary means of electricity generation. Since the mid-1970’s we have diversified our fuel sources and constructed fewer oil-fired thermal units than units of other fuel types.

 

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Power Plant Remodeling and Recommissioning

We have supplemented in the past, and our generation subsidiaries will continue to supplement, our power generation capacity through remodeling or recommissioning of the thermal units. The recommissioning includes installation of anti-pollution devices, modification of control systems and overall rehabilitation of existing equipment.

Power Plant Recommissioning

 

Power Plant

  

Capacity

  

Completed, in year

   Extension    Company

Taean #1~6

  

3,000MW

(500MW×6)

  

FGD(1): 1998 to 2002

SCR(2): 2005 to 2007

EP(3): 1995 to 2002

LNCS(4):1995 to 2002

   Anti-pollution    KOWEPO

Pyeongtaek #1-4

  

1,400 MW

(350×4)

  

FGD(1): 2005

SCR(2): 2006 to 2007

EP(3): 1992

   Anti-pollution    KOWEPO

Seoincheon CC

  

1,800 MW

(GT 150 MW ×8)

(ST 75 MW ×8)

  

Gas Turbine upgrade

(2003 to 2006)

   Efficiency
improvement
   KOWEPO

Honam #1

   250MW    1998    13 years    EWP

Honam #2

   250MW    1999    13 years    EWP

Hadong #1~6

  

3,000 MW

(500×6)

   SCR: 2005 to 2007    Anti-pollution    KOSPO

Boryeong #3-6

  

2,000 MW

(500×4)

  

FGD: 1996 to 1999

SCR: 2006 to 2007

   Anti-pollution    KOMIPO

Incheon #1-4

  

1,150 MW

(250×2,)

(325×2)

   SCR: 2002 to 2005    Anti-pollution    KOMIPO

Seoul #4,5

  

287.5MW

(137.5×1)

(250×1)

   SCR: 2001 to 2002    Anti-pollution    KOMIPO

Seocheon #1,2

  

400MW

(200×2)

   FGD: 1998    Anti-pollution    KOMIPO

Incheon #1,2

  

500MW

(250×2)

  

1996(#1)

2002(#2)

   10 years    KOMIPO

Yosu #2

   340MW    2010    25 years    KOSEP

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 are 21 electricity suppliers that are licensed to distribute electricity in 21 districts of Korea as of March 31, 2007. 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

 

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the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act. We also transmit and distribute electricity to these districts. Currently, one district is using this system and 20 other districts are preparing to launch it. The percentage of electricity supplied by the supplier in that one district accounts for less than 1% of the total electricity supplied in Korea. The generation capacity installed or under construction of the electricity suppliers in the 21 districts amounted to approximately 1.5% of the generation capacity of our generation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006.

As of December 31, 2006, our transmission system consisted of approximately 29,276 circuit kilometers of lines of 765 kilovolts and others including high voltage direct currents, and we had in operation 646 substations with an aggregate installed transformer capacity of 216,277 megavolt-amperes

Our distribution system consists of 88,265 megavolt-amperes of transformer capacity and 7.6 million units of support with a total line length of 393,304 circuit kilometers.

In recent years, we have made substantial investments in our transmission and distribution systems to increase capacity and improve efficiency. Our current projects include increasing transmission capability of the existing transmission lines. Our transmission and distribution loss factor was 4.02% in 2006.

As we anticipate making substantial additions to our generating capacity in the near term, we will need to make significant investments in expanding our transmission and distribution facilities. We will need to make additional capital expenditures to improve existing facilities, strengthen our nationwide power grids and increase the proportion of underground distribution lines.

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 have generally been renewed at expiration.

Fuel

Nuclear

All uranium ore concentrates are imported from, and conversion and enrichment of such concentrates are provided by, sources outside Korea (including the United States, United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, France, Russia, Canada and Australia) 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 of fuels on spot markets.

In 2006, KHNP purchased 100%, or 3,732 tons, of its uranium concentrates 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 provide the conversion and enrichment of uranium concentrates and Korean suppliers 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 long-term and medium-term contracts and, in part, through spot market purchases.

Coal

As of December 31, 2006, 29.8% and 1.9% of our total installed generating capacity was represented by plants burning bituminous coal and anthracite coal, respectively.

In 2006, our generation subsidiaries purchased 50.6 million tons of bituminous coal, of which approximately 37.6%, 35.4%, 18.5%, 6.2%, and 2.4% were imported from Indonesia, Australia, China, Russia and others, respectively. Approximately 81.5% of the bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries in 2006 were purchased under long-term contracts with the remaining 18.5% purchased from 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 was approximately (Won)48,923 in 2006. In recent years, the price of bituminous

 

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coal has increased significantly. 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 3 “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO— Increase in fuel prices will adversely affect our results of operations and profitability”.

In 2006, our generation subsidiaries purchased 2.3 million tons of anthracite coal. Our generation subsidiaries purchase 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. 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 approximately (Won)91,895 in 2006.

Oil

In 2006, our generation subsidiaries purchased approximately 23.4 million barrels of fuel oil (including gasoline for internal combustion), of which 31.4% was purchased through competitive open bidding among five Korean refiners for a three-month terms of supply and the remainder was purchased through international open bidding (including local refineries and traders) for individual cargoes. Purchase prices are based on the spot market price in Singapore. The average cost per barrel was approximately (Won)56,840 in 2006.

LNG

In 2006, we purchased approximately 7.9 million tons of LNG from Korea Gas Corporation, a Korean corporation of which we own 24.5%. We entered into a 20-year LNG supply contract with Korea Gas Corporation expiring in November 2006. Under the terms of the LNG contract, 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. Our generation subsidiaries are under a “take-or-pay” obligation to Korea Gas Corporation to the extent of our annual minimum purchase quantity. The annual purchase price for LNG is determined by our negotiation with Korea Gas Corporation, subject to approval by the MOCIE. 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 such contract was approximately (Won)590,033 in 2006.

The LNG supply contract with Korea Gas Corporation was renewed for an additional 20-year term from January 2007 through December 2026. Under the renewed 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 8.2 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 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.

Hydroelectric

The availability of water for hydroelectric power depends on rainfall and competing uses for available water supplies, including domestic and industrial consumption, agriculture and irrigation. Pumped storage enables us to increase available supplies of water for use during periods of peak demand.

Sales and Customers

Our results of operations, sales in particular, are dependent upon demand for electricity in Korea and the rates we charge for the electricity we sell.

 

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Demand for electricity in Korea grew at a compounded average rate of 6.2% per annum for the five years ended December 31, 2006. According to The Bank of Korea, the real gross domestic product, or GDP, compounded growth rate was approximately 4.7% for the same period. The GDP growth rate was 4.0% in 2005 and 5.0% for 2006.

The rapid growth in Korea’s economy since the early 1960s has resulted in substantial growth in the demand for electricity. While the worldwide economic recession of the early 1980s slowed economic growth in Korea, in the latter half of the 1980s, Korean economy resumed its rapid growth and resulted in a substantial increase in demand for electricity. Following the Asian financial crisis in 1998, electricity demand contracted in Korea for several years, but resumed stable growth in the early 2000s with an annual growth rate between 5% and 8%. Demand for electricity increased by 8.0% from 2001 to 2002, by 5.4% from 2002 to 2003, by 6.3% from 2003 to 2004, by 6.5% from 2004 to 2005, and by 4.9% from 2005 to 2006. In 2006, demand for electricity grew at a rate slightly lower than the GDP, which grew by 5.0% over the same period, primarily due to a slight decrease in demand for electricity from the industrial sector related to the continued overseas transfer of manufacturing facilities and a downturn in business cycle. Demand for electricity from the industrial section grew by 5.2% in 2005 compared to 2004 and 4.6% in 2006 compared to 2005, and represented 52.6% and 52.5% of the total demand for electricity in 2005 and 2006, respectively. We cannot assure you that demand for electricity will grow at an equal or faster rate than the GDP growth in the future.

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).

 

     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006  

Growth in GDP (at 2000 constant prices)

   7.0 %   3.1 %   4.6 %   4.0 %   5.0 %

Growth in electricity consumption

   8.0 %   5.4 %   6.3 %   6.5 %   4.9 %

Electricity demand in Korea varies within each year for a variety of reasons other than the general growth in 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 heating, electricity demand is higher during the winter than during any other season. Variation in weather conditions may also cause significant variation in electricity demand.

Demand by the Type of Usage

The table below sets forth the consumption of electric power by the type of usage for the periods indicated.

 

    2002  

Yoy

growth

%

  2003  

Yoy

growth

%

  2004  

Yoy

growth

%

  2005  

Yoy

growth

%

  2006  

Yoy

growth

%

 

% of

Total

2006

Residential

  58,469   11.8   62,432   6.8   65,490   4.9   69,555   6.2   72,730   4.6   20.9

Commercial

  57,428   9.1   61,626   7.3   67,476   9.5   73,716   9.2   77,809   5.6   22.3

Educational

  2,954   11.9   3,351   13.5   3,774   12.6   4,309   14.2   4,790   11.2   1.4

Industrial

  151,196   6.4   157,812   4.4   166,223   5.3   174,945   5.2   183,067   4.6   52.5

Agricultural

  6,328   3.0   6,147   -2.9   6,766   10.1   7,318   8.2   7,636   4.3   2.2

Street lighting

  2,076   10.6   2,197   5.8   2,367   7.7   2,570   8.6   2,687   4.6   0.8
                                           

Total

  278,451   8.0   293,566   5.4   312,096   6.3   332,413   6.5   348,719   4.9   100.0
                                           

Demand for electricity increased by 3.0% to 93,771 million kilowatt hours from the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2007.

The industrial sector 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

 

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expansion in Korea, it has gradually declined as a percentage of total demand from 60.5% of total demand in 1997 to 52.5% in 2006. Demand from the industrial sector increased by 4.6% to 183,067 million kilowatt hours in 2006 as compared to 2005.

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 5.6% to 77,809 million kilowatt hours in 2006 as compared to 2005.

In 2006, we provided electricity to 12 million households, or almost all of the households in Korea. Continuing increase in demand from the residential sector is due primarily to an increase in population and increased use of air conditioners and other electrical appliances. Demand from the residential sector increased by 4.6% to 72,730 million kilowatt hours in 2006 as compared to 2005.

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 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.

 

     2002    2003    2004    2005    2006

Facility reserve ratio

   15.3    18.4    15.3    13.0    9.8

Supply reserve ratio

   13.9    17.1    12.2    11.3    10.5

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 so that higher tariffs are charged at the time of peak demand; we apply a progressive rate structure for the residential use of electricity. Other incentives to curtail electricity consumption includes a subsidy to consumers of electricity from a public fund for peak load reduction and adjusting vacation or repair schedules for average load reduction during summer peak hours. In addition, the Government implements various energy-saving programs such as having certain policy banks provide loans on favorable terms for installation of energy-efficient air conditioners in new buildings.

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 recommendations for revisions of rates or changes in the rate structure to the MOCIE. The MOCIE then reviews these recommendations and, upon consultation with the Electricity Rates Expert Committee of the MOCIE and the MOFE, makes a final determination. Under the Electricity Business Law, the Korea Electricity Commission must review our recommendations prior to the MOCIE’s final determination.

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 the purposes of rate approval, operating costs are the sum of our operating expenses plus our adjusted income taxes.

 

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Fair investment return is equal to the rate base times 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 was 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 proportionate 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 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, or KOSPI, a Korean equity market index, and the correlation of the stock price of our company with KOSPI. In 2005, the approved rate of return on the debt component of the rate base was 2.9% while the approved rate of return on the equity component of the rate was 7.1%. As a result of such approved rates of returns, the fair rate of return in 2005 was determined as 6.1%.

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 rate levels. These other factors include consumer welfare, our projected capital requirements, the effect of electricity rates on inflation in Korea and the effect of rates 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 rate approvals principally as a result of declining fuel costs and a higher than expected growth in demand. As a result, the rates were reduced by an average of 7.6% in 1987, 7.6% in 1988, 7.0% in 1989 and 3.7% in 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 rates were increased by an average of 4.9% in June

1991, 6.0% in February 1992 and 4.2% in May 1995. More recently, in order to compensate for the Won depreciation which caused our fuel expenditure to increase, rates were increased by 5.9% in July 1997, 6.1% in January 1998, 5.3% in November 1999 and 4.0% in November 2000. From 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.

The rates we charge for electricity vary among the different classes of consumers, which principally consist of industrial, commercial, residential, educational and agricultural consumers. The rates also vary 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 with the first six months of 1995, we adjusted seasonal rate 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.

 

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Our current rate schedule, which was last revised on January 15,2007 is summarized below by the type of consumer:

Industrial. The basic charge varies from (Won)4,100 per kilowatt to (Won)5,520 per kilowatt depending on the type of contract, the voltage used and the option of rate. Energy usage charge varies from (Won)30.40 per kilowatt hour to (Won)129.10 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)5,320 per kilowatt to (Won)6,300 per kilowatt depending on the type of contract, the voltage used and the option of rate. Energy usage charge varies from (Won)37.00 per kilowatt hour to (Won)152.30 per kilowatt hour depending on the type of contract, the voltage used, the season, the time of day and the rate option.

Residential. Residential rates 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 rates also include an energy usage charge ranging from (Won)52.40 to (Won)643.90 per kilowatt hour for electricity usage depending on the amount of usage and voltage.

Educational. The basic charge varies from (Won)4,090 per kilowatt to (Won)4,970 per kilowatt depending on the voltage used and the option of rate. Energy usage charge varies from (Won)43.10 per kilowatt hour to (Won)73.00 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)20.60 per kilowatt-hour to (Won)36.40 per kilowatt hour depending on the type of usage.

Street-lighting. The basic charge is (Won)4,030 per kilowatt and the energy usage charge is (Won)55.30 per kilowatt hour. For electricity capacity of less than 1 kilowatt or for places where the installation of the electricity meter is difficult, the fixed rate of (Won)24.10 per watt applies, with the minimum charge per month of (Won)780.

The MOCIE adjusts the rate schedule from time to time. In particular, residential tariff structure has undergone significant changes over time. Following the oil crisis of 1973 as a way of encouraging reasonable and economical usage of energy, including electricity, our rate structure for residential electricity usage has been progressive since 1974, with seven different rates applying progressively depending on the average amount of electricity used. When the average residential electricity rates increased by 3.3% in November 2000, rates for electricity usage below 300 kilowatt hours did not increase, but the rates were further increased by 20% for electricity usage between 301 kilowatt hours and 400 kilowatt hours and by 40% for electricity usage over 400 kilowatt hours. As a result of the continuing increase in electricity usage of the average household, however, effective June 1, 2002, the previous base amount of 300 kilowatt hours for the application of progressive rates was raised to 400 kilowatt hours. In addition, effective June 1, 2002, residential high-voltage rates were also established by taking into account the gap between the costs of high-voltage and low-voltage electricity.

On January 1, 2003, as part of a plan to improve the rate structure, the MOCIE adjusted the rates among the various types of consumers by increasing the industrial rates by 2.5% while decreasing the residential and commercial rates by 2.2% and 2.0%, respectively.

On March 1, 2004, the MOCIE adjusted our rate schedule, which resulted in a 1.5% reduction in our average rate with a decrease in residential, commercial and educational rates by 2.8%, 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively, and no change in the industrial rates.

On December 28, 2005, in light of increases in fuel prices and our liquidity requirement, the MOCIE adjusted our rate schedule which increased the industrial, residential, commercial and agricultural rates by 3.3%, 2.4%, 2.8% and 0.9%, respectively, and decreased the educational rates by 15.3%. As a result of this rate adjustment, our average rate increased by 2.8%.

 

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On January 15, 2007, the MOCIE further adjusted our rate schedule by increasing the industrial rates and street-lighting rates by 4.2% and 4.2%, respectively, while making no changes to other rates. As a result of this rate adjustment, our average rate increased by 2.1%.

In April 2001, as part of implementing the Restructuring Plan, the MOCIE established the Electric Power Industry Basis Fund to enable the Government to take over the public services previously performed by KEPCO. Since the establishment of this fund to April 1, 2001, 4.591% of the tariff we collected from our customers was transferred to this fund prior to our recognizing sales revenue. This percentage was reduced to 3.700% effective December 28, 2005.

As of January 15, 2007, no discussion on future tariff adjustment is officially underway between the Government and us.

Power Development Strategy

The Government typically announces a Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand Basic Plan, or a Basic Plan, every two years to reflect demand growth 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 2006, the Government announced the third Basic Plan in December 2006. The third Basic Plan focuses on, among other things, (1) establishing an optimal level and mix of generating capacity based on fuel types and the operational efficiency of each generation unit, (2) equilibrating the supply and demand of electricity at the regional-level through region-specific planning for capacity expansion, (3) giving greater weight to environmental issues by proactively addressing some of the concerns identified under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, (4) improving the accuracy of electricity supply forecast by adopting as its basis the effective supply reserve ratio, which takes into account only those generation units that are capable of generating electricity at times of peak demand, rather than the overall supply reserve ratio, which has been traditionally used and takes into account the supply capability of all generation units regardless of whether they are actually capable of generating electricity at times of peak demand, and (5) improving the transparency and the level of specializing 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 third 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.

Capital Investment Program

The table below sets forth, for each of the three years ended December 31, 2006, the amounts of capital expenditures (including capitalized interest) for the construction of generating, transmission and distribution facilities:

 

    2004    

       2005            2006    
(In billions of Won)

(Won) 6,287

   (Won) 6,719    (Won) 7,469

In accordance with the third Basic Plan, our generation subsidiaries currently intend to add new installed capacity of 19,288 megawatts during the period from 2007 to 2020 by newly constructing of eight nuclear units, 15 coal-fired units, two oil-fired units, seven LNG-combined units, and two pumped storage hydroelectric units and others. According to the third Basic Plan, the total capacity of all generating facilities at the end of 2020 will be 77,325 megawatts, of which nuclear power plants will account for 29.0% of the total capacity, coal-fired plants 27.0%, LNG combined plants 28.0%, oil-fired plants 2.0% and hydroelectric and other plants 14.0%.

 

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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 Basic Plan in each year through the year 2010.

 

Year

   Number of Units    Type of Units    Total Installed Capacity
               (Megawatts)

2007

   3    Coal-fired    1,500
   1    Oil-fired    100

2008

   5    Coal-fired    2,870

2009

   2    Coal-fired    1,370
   1    Oil-fired    40
   2    LNG-combined    1,200

2010

   1    Nuclear power    1,000
   2    LNG-combined    900

In the years between 2011 and 2020, our generation subsidiaries plan to complete seven nuclear units with an aggregate installed capacity of 8,600 megawatts, five coal-fired unit with an aggregate installed capacity of 4,040 megawatts, three LNG-combined units with an aggregate installed capacity of 1,700 megawatts and two pumped storage hydroelectric units with an aggregate installed capacity of 800 megawatts.

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

The actual number and capacity of generation units and transmission and distribution facilities we and our generation subsidiaries 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 2007 to 2010, the budgeted amounts of capital expenditures (including capitalized interest) for the construction of generation and transmission and distribution facilities pursuant to our generation subsidiaries’ and our capital investment program. The budgeted amounts may vary from the actual amounts of our generation subsidiaries’ capital expenditures for a variety of reasons, including, among others, the implementation of the Restructuring 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.

 

     2007    2008    2009    2010    Total
     (in billions of Korean won)

Generation:

              

Nuclear

   (Won) 3,010    (Won) 3,548    (Won) 3,947    (Won) 3,928    (Won) 14,433

Thermal

     3,164      2,451      1,890      1,615      9,120
                                  

Sub-total

     6,174      5,999      5,837      5,543      23,553

Transmission and Distribution:

              

Transmission

     1,806      2,139      1,757      1,581      7,283

Distribution

     1,951      1,997      2,132      2,378      8,458

Others

     765      590      751      961      3,067
                                  

Sub-total

     4,522      4,726      4,640      4,920      18,808
                                  

Total

   (Won) 10,696    (Won) 10,725    (Won) 10,477    (Won) 10,463    (Won) 42,361
                                  

 

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Environmental Programs

The Environment 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 acts 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 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 addition, we plan to establish a team to jointly coordinate our activities and those of our generation subsidiaries in respect of environmental compliance with the foregoing and anticipated future international agreements which previously were implemented separately.

In 2005, we became the first Korean 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 environmental and social policy. As part of our involvement with such initiative, in September 2005, we issued our first “Sustainability Report” to disclose our activities from the perspectives of economy, environment, society and humanity, in accordance with the reporting guidelines launched by the Global Reporting Initiative, the official collaborating center of the United Nations Environment Programme that works in cooperation with United Nations Secretary General.

Atmospheric emissions from generating plants burning fossil fuels include, among others, sulphur 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, 2006.

 

     KOSEP    KOMIPO    KOWEPO    KOSPO    EWP

Flue Gas Desulphurization System

   10    7    6    9    9

Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction System

   —      —      —      8    2

Selective Catalytic Reduction System

   4    10    4    9    8

Electrostatic Precipitation System

   12    12    6    14    16

Low NO2 Combustion System

   8    20    6    24    6

Total

   34    49    22    64    41

The table below sets forth the amount of annual emission from all generating facilities of our generation subsidiaries except for KHNP.

 

Year

  

Sox

(g/MWh)

  

NOx

(g/MWh)

  

Dust

(g/MWh)

  

CO2

(kg/MWh)

2004

   309    483    13    433

2005

   214    414    12    429

2006

   186    315    9    423

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

 

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2004, we and our generation subsidiaries reached an agreement with the Ministry of Environment and civic organizations to completely remove polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), 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 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 instance, by using more environmentally friendly technologies and hardware. In addition, we also undertake measures to minimize the transmission and distribution loss factor by making our power distribution network more energy-efficient in terms of loss of power and using such highly parts and components, as well as to minimize consumption of energy, water and other natural resources.

Such measures we take, including the use of environmentally friendly but more expensive parts and equipment and budgeting capital expenditures for 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 upon 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 requirement in the future in relation to the environment.

Renewable Energy

Some of the generation facilities owned by us and our generation subsidiaries 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 the total generating capacity or the 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 2006 of the generation facilities owned by us and our generation subsidiaries that are powered by renewable energy sources.

 

    

Generating Capacity

(megawatts)

   

Generation Volume

(gigawatt-hours)

 

Hydraulic Power

   538.2     1,160.3  

Wind Power

   9.0     19.6  

Solar Energy

   2.2     1.9  

Fuel Cells

   0.3     0.3  

Subtotal

   549.7     1,182.1  

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.

 

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In July 2005, we and our generation subsidiaries entered into an agreement with the Government to invest (Won)852 billion for construction of generating facilities using alternative energy sources and spend (Won)201 billion in research and development related to the development of renewable energy over the next three years. The Government has committed to provide a significant amount of subsidy to this project. The table below sets forth the capital expenditures we and our generation subsidiaries are committed to make pursuant to such agreement.

 

     Generating facilities    Research and development
    

Generation capacity

(megawatts)

  

Capital expenditures

(billions of Won)

  

Capital expenditures

(billions of Won)

Solar energy

   14    140    10

Wind power

   186    380    3

Hydraulic power

   19    86    —  

Fuel cells(1)

   2    24    29

Tidal power

   96    209    96

Others(2)

   1    13    63
              

Total

   316    852    201
              

Notes:

(1) Consists of molten carbonate fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells.
(2) Consists of bioenergy, hydrogen energy, geothermal energy, energy from integrated gasification combined cycles and energy from recycling waste.

Community Programs

Building goodwill with local communities has been important for us and our generation subsidiaries in light of concerns among 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 to 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 was funded only by the Electric Power Industry Basis Fund, or EPIBF. See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Rates”. Following amendments to this Act in July 2005, however, such activities are currently required to be funded partly from the EPIBF and partly from KHNP’s revenues. KHNP is required to make annual contributions to the affected local communities in an amount equal to 0.25 Won per kilowatt of electricity generated by its nuclear generation units during the one-year period before the immediately preceding fiscal year.

In addition, under a Korean tax law amendment in December 2005, which levied a new local tax on nuclear generation units, KHNP is required to pay such tax starting in 2006 in an amount equal to 0.50 Won/kWh of its generation volume in the affected areas.

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 proposed measures to address the problems identified must be submitted to and approved by the Ministry of Environment prior to construction of the unit. Our generation subsidiaries are then required to implement the measures reflected in the approved report.

Despite these activities, 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 results of operations and cash flows.

 

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Nuclear Safety

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

KHNP instituted its corporate code of ethics in September 2002 and declared its strong commitment 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. This review has been completed for Kori units 1, 2, 3 and 4, Younggwang units 1, 2, 3 and 4, Ulchin units 1, 2 and Wolsong unit 1.

KHNP developed the Risk Monitoring System, or RIMS, for Kori units 3 and 4 in June 2003 and also for Yonggwang units 3, 4, 5 and 6 and Ulchin units 3, 4, 5 and 6 in December 2006. KHNP currently plans to complete the development of RIMS for the remaining nuclear power plants such as Yonggwang units 1 and 2, Kori units 1 and 2 and Wolsong units 1, 2, 3 and 4 by the end of 2007. The RIMS is expected to help ensure safety of nuclear plants. In addition, the Severe Accident Management Guidelines, or SAMG, for operating nuclear power plants have been developed to manage severe accidents beyond the designed basis for all nuclear units except for Ulchin units 1 and 2 and four pressurized heavy water reactors in Wolsong. The SAMG for Ulchin units 1 and 2 and the pressurized heavy water reactors units are currently under development.

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, consisting of former employees of KHNP and outside experts. KHNP has a close relationship with international nuclear organizations to enhance nuclear safety. In particular, KHNP invites international safety review teams such as the World Association of Nuclear Operations (“WANO”) Peer Review Team, the International Atomic Energy Agency (“IAEA”), the Operational Safety Review Team (“OSART”) and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (“INPO”) Technical Exchange Visit Team, to its nuclear plants for purposes of meeting international standards for independent review of its facilities. Yonggwang Units 5 and 6 received the OSART Review in April 2007 and were assessed as one of the best plants in the world. Wolsong Units 3 and 4 are scheduled for a WANO Peer Review in November 2007. KHNP actively exchanges relevant operational information and technical expertise with its peers in other countries.

Following the operational reforms and upgrades implemented in 1992, the average level of radiation dose per unit has continuously decreased to 0.55 man-Sv in 2006, which is substantially lower than the global average of 0.88 man-Sv/year as reported in the WANO performance indicator report.

Low and intermediate level waste, or LILW, and spent fuels are stored in temporary storage facilities at each nuclear site. The temporary LILW storage facilities at Ulchin, Wolsong, Yonggwang and Kori are expected to reach their full capacity by 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2014, respectively.

On November 3, 2005, the Government designated Gyeongju City, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as the site for a permanent storage facility for LILW. KHNP commenced the process of constructing the LILW permanent storage facility in January 2006. In order to determine the disposal type, KHNP organized the “Disposal Method Selection Committee,” which consists of experts and representatives from local government and communities. KHNP estimates that construction of this facility will cost approximately (Won)1,522 billion, including the one-time cash contribution of (Won)300 billion made on May 9, 2006 by KHNP to Gyeongju

 

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City pursuant to the Act. KHNP submitted an application to MOCIE for the approval of project implementation plan on January 11, 2007 and to the Ministry of Science and Technology, or MOST, for construction permit and operating licenses on January 15, 2007. As of the date hereof, these applications are under review by the MOCIE and the MOST. Upon the approval of the project implementation plan, which is currently expected to be obtained by the end of 2007, KHNP plans to start the site grading and infrastructure construction of the facility. In addition, upon obtaining a permit for construction and operation, which is currently expected to be obtained by the end of 2007, KHNP plans to start the construction of LILW disposal facility. KHNP intends to complete the construction by 2009 and start the operation of the facilities by 2010.

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, KHNP expects 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 International Atomic Energy Agency (“IAEA”).

Since submission of our annual report in 2006, 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 has adopted a dismantling strategy under which dismantling would take five to ten years to commence after unit closure. Kori-1 unit, the first nuclear power plant in Korea, commenced its operation in 1978 and reached the end of its intended life on June 18, 2007. KHNP applied to the Ministry of Science & Technology (“MOST”) to extend the term of operation for Kori-1 unit for another 10 years. The MOST is expected to decide on the application by the end of 2007, and upon approval, we plan to re-commence the operation of the Kori-1 unit.

KHNP retains financial responsibility for decommissioning its units although it does not carry a cash reserve for its decommissioning liability. 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. During 2003, KHNP obtained a new engineering study from a third party and updated its estimate of the expected decommissioning dates for its nuclear power plants. During 2004, KHNP obtained a new engineering study provided by another third party. As a result, the new study in 2004 revised certain essential factors such as timing of cash outflows. For the accounting treatment of decommissioning costs, see Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies—Decommissioning Costs”.

Research and Development

We maintain a research and development program concentrated on developing self-reliant core technology and leading national technology advancement programs in the electric power business.

In order to achieve the goal of bringing our electric technologies up to international standards by the first half of the 21st century, we have adopted the “Electric Technology Development Plan toward 2010” which is expected to be modified in the near future to reflect the “2015 Mid- and Long-term Strategic Management Plan” that we announced in May 2005. 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 made a “Technology Roadmap” to develop technologies in the area of thermal and nuclear generation.

 

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The basic goal of our research and development program for the year 2006 was obtaining the most advanced electric power technology to become a global leader in the electric power industry. To promote research and development for enhancing economical efficiency and to provide a reliable supply of electric power, we invested, in 2006, (Won)154.9 billion in research and development, (Won)17.9 billion in technological development and (Won)64.3 billion in building up infrastructure for the education of human resources and the development of computer equipment.

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, environment-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 “Life Time Management for Nuclear Power Plant” 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.

The corporate vision and long-term plan of KHNP, known as “KHNP Vision 2015”, was recently revised to reflect the change in business environment. As a way of achieving KHNP Vision 2015, KHNP established the “Mid- and Long-term Technology Development Plan” to strategically implement research and development. KHNP primarily focuses on the technology of enhancing nuclear safety and improving the performance of nuclear plant.

KHNP’s investment in research and development amounted to approximately (Won)41 billion and (Won)42 billion in 2005 and 2006, respectively, and its investment in the education of human resources and the development of computer equipment amounted to approximately (Won)30 billion in 2005 and (Won)50 billion in 2006. Also, pursuant to relevant law, KHNP contributed approximately (Won)155 billion and (Won)175 billion in 2005 and 2006, respectively, to the Nuclear R&D Fund, which is operated by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

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

Concurrently with carrying on the electric power business, we are committed to developing environment-friendly technologies and are focused on developing technologies for environmental protection and new sources of energy.

We invested approximately (Won)155 billion in 2002, (Won)178 billion in 2003, (Won)213 billion in 2004, (Won)217 billion in 2005 and (Won)237 billion in 2006 on research and development. We had approximately 496 employees engaged in research and development activities as of December 31, 2006.

In addition, we have been cooperating closely with many foreign electric utilities and research institutes on a diverse range of projects.

The Government has launched several long-term research and development projects to achieve a self-reliant capability in the field of power generation. We are taking a leading role in this national research and development program which includes the “Korean Next Generation Nuclear Power Plant”, “Flue Gas Desulphurization and Denitrification”, “Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Technologies” and “Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell” development projects.

 

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As a result of our research over the past three years, the number of our applications for intellectual property rights and grants has increased. Approximately 770 applications were submitted in Korea and abroad from 2003 to 2006.

We also try to market the technologies we have developed by identifying key items that had market potential in light of intellectual property, overseas market condition 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.

Overseas and Other Activities

In January 2000, we established a telecommunication company, LG Powercom Corporation (formerly known as PowerComm), for purposes of (i) disposing of our non-core business and (ii) ensuring fair usage and competition through the efficient use of our telecommunication network. We have transferred approximately (Won)713 billion of our fiber optic network assets as well as approximately (Won)36 billion of cash to LG Powercom Corporation. As LG Powercom Corporation has obtained a telecommunications license from the Government, it is capable of operating its telecommunication business independently. In July 2000 we sold 10.5% of our equity interest in LG Powercom Corporation; in December 2002, we further sold approximately 45.5% of our equity interest, including our management rights in LG Powercom Corporation for (Won)819 billion; and in April 2003 we further sold 1,299,000 shares of LG Powercom Corporation, representing 0.87% of LG Powercom Corporation’s total issued and outstanding shares of common stock to LG Powercom Corporation’s employee stock ownership association. Following such sales, our current ownership interest in LG Powercom Corporation is 43.1%. Depending on market conditions, we expect to dispose of our remaining equity interest in LG Powercom Corporation in domestic and foreign markets. See “—Proposed Sale by Us of Certain Power Plants and Equity Interests”.

Based on our operational experience and the full range of services, power plant construction, specialized engineering and maintenance services that we and our subsidiaries offer, we have been pursuing international power-related projects in overseas markets including the Philippines, China and the Middle East. Currently, we are engaged in (i) two major power projects in the Philippines, (ii) a 650-megawatt oil-fired power plant in Malaya, construction of which began in June 1998 and is expected to be completed in September 2010, and (iii) a “build, operate and transfer” 1,200-megawatt combined-cycle power plant project in Ilijan, construction of which began in November 1997 and was 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. We were also awarded a 100-megawatt CFBC plant in Wuzhi, China in August 2003 and a 49.3-megawatt wind power plant in Yumen, China in September 2005, both of which are in operation. In February 2006, we acquired 40% of the total outstanding capital stock of Salcon Power Corporation, an independent power producer operating a 260 megawatt Naga power complex in Cebu, the Philippines.

Since September 2005, we have also provided consulting services on power transmission and distribution system in Libya. In addition, since February 2006, we have been operating and providing maintenance services for combined cycle power plants in Lebanon with an aggregate installed capacity of 870 megawatts.

In August 2005, the Korean Consortium for the Upstream Project, consisting of KEPCO, Korea National Oil Corporation and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, won a bid from the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to explore, develop and operate two oil prospects in Nigeria. The Korean Consortium is expected to carry out this project, together with other partners (together with the Korean Consortium, the “Group”). The Korean Consortium controls 60% of the equity interest of the Group and we hold approximately a 15% equity interest in the Korean Consortium. In March 2006, the Group entered into a contract with the government of Nigeria to explore, develop and operate such oil prospects. Exploration of these prospects is estimated to take ten years and, if successful in finding oil following the exploration, the Group will develop and operate the related facilities for 20 years thereafter. Our portion of investment in the exploration phase of the project is expected to be approximately US$39 million in the next five years. In addition, under the contract, another consortium, the Korean Consortium for the Downstream Project, consisting of KEPCO, Korea National Oil Corporation and POSCO E&C, should reach an agreement with the government of Nigeria within 18 months

 

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of the date of contract (which deadline has been extended until January 2008 and may be further extended in the future by mutual agreement between the Korean Consortium and the government of Nigeria) as to the plan of constructing a combined-cycle gas-fired power plant with a generating capacity of approximately 2,250 megawatts and gas pipelines with a length of approximately 1,200 kilometers in Nigeria. Otherwise, we are obligated to pay US$34.7 million to the government of Nigeria. In July 2006, the Korean Consortium commenced a feasibility study on the construction of the power plant and gas pipelines.

We intend to expand our operations internationally, including in Asia, through selective investments. For example, 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 of this is 18,490MW and our estimated equity ownership in the partnership is 34%, representing 3,174 megawatts in installed capacity. In addition, in September 2005 we and China Datang Corporation formed a joint venture to construct four wind-powered generation projects in China, consisting of three units in Inner Mongolia with total capacity of 139.4 megawatts and a unit in the Yumen province with total capacity of 49.3 megawatts. We hold a 40% equity interest in the joint venture while China Datang Corporation holds the remaining 60%. The joint venture was capitalized with RMB 1,912 million, one-third of which was funded with equity contribution and the remaining two-thirds with debt. These projects are currently scheduled to be fully commissioned in the first half of 2007 and are expected to generate further revenue in the form of clean development mechanism, or CDM, business. We are China Datang Corporation currently plan to build additional wind-power generation units in Inner Mongolia.

We cannot provide any assurance that our international expansion plan will be profitable or that we can recoup the costs related to such investments.

The table set below summarizes our overseas project that we are currently engaged in pursuant to signed contracts.

 

Region

  

Project Period

  

Project Description

Malaya, Philippines

   September 1995 to September 2010    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    260-megawatt power plant (ROMM)(1)

Wuzhi, China

   September 2004 to August 2027    100-megawatt CFBC cogeneration plant (BOO(3))

Yumen, China

   September 2005 to August 2026    49.3-megawatt wind power plant (BOO)(3)

Inner Mongolia, China

   May 2007 to April 2027    139.4 megawatt wind power plant (BOO)(3)

Lebanon

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

Libya

   September 2005 to January 2008    Power transmission and distribution service

Nigeria

   March 2006 to February 2011    Exploration of oil and gas for two offshore blocks

Notes:

 

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

 

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In March 2005, we began providing 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 cheap labor of North Korea. The size of this industrial complex is expected to be increased in a number of phases with the first phase of development measuring 3.3 million square-meters, which will ultimately be increased to 66 million square-meters. To date, 15 companies of the Republic have been authorized to set up facilities in a pilot zone measuring 92,500 square-meters. In May 2004, we were selected as electricity supplier for the phase one development by the Ministry of Reunification. In December 2004, a memorandum of understanding between the two Koreas for electricity supply was reached, enabling us to design, build and operate all of the electricity supply facilities in and connecting to the Kaesong complex. We currently supply electricity to the pilot zone through a 22.9 kilovolt distribution network. In the first phase of development, we plan to build a 154 kilovolt transmission line connecting to the Kaesong complex. No assurance can be given that we will not experience any material losses from this project as a result of, among other things, project suspension or failure of the project as a result of a breakdown in the relationship between the Republic and North Korea. See Item 3 “Key Information—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 the Notes”.

We currently believe that the business and revenues of our overseas activities are not in the aggregate material to us.

The Light Water Reactor Project

A key stipulation of the Agreed Framework signed by the United States and North Korea in October 1994 was that a United States-led international consortium would construct two commercial light water reactors in North Korea in return for certain nuclear non-proliferation steps to be taken by North Korea. The Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, or KEDO, was chartered in March 1995 as the international consortium stipulated by the Agreed Framework and signed an agreement with North Korea in December 1995 to supply the light water reactors. Kumho, North Korea was selected as the site for such light water reactors and KEDO designated us as its prime contractor to build two units of pressurized light water reactors with a total capacity of 2,000 megawatts. We entered into a fixed price turnkey contract with KEDO, which became effective on February 3, 2000. The contract amount was US$4,182 million and remains subject to adjustment to cover any changes in pricing.

In November 2002, amid suspicions that North Korea was engaged in an undeclared program to enrich uranium, KEDO suspended the supply of heavy fuel oil to North Korea, which was part of the Agreed Framework. Subsequently, North Korea withdrew from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in January 2003 and resumed operations at the Yongbyon facility, a nuclear facility whose operations had been frozen under the Agreed Framework. Several diplomatic initiatives were taken to resolve these issues, but currently to no avail.

In December 2003, asserting that North Korea had not met the conditions required for the continuation of the project, KEDO suspended the construction of the project for one year, which suspension was extended until November 30, 2005. However, we continued to perform maintenance for the project during 2004 and 2005. In December 2005, KEDO sent a delegation to North Korea to discuss the issues regarding the project’s termination and demobilization. During the meeting, North Korea requested KEDO to withdraw all of its personnel. On January 8, 2006, KEDO completed the withdrawal of all workers from the project site.

The Executive Board of KEDO decided to terminate the light water reactor project as of May 31, 2006. KEDO notified us of the termination of the project and the related turnkey contract between KEDO and us. On December 12, 2006, we entered into the termination agreement with KEDO, under which KEDO transferred to us substantially all of the rights and obligations related to the light water reactor supplements outside of North Korea . In exchange, we waived the right to claim any expenses incurred and any probable claims by

 

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subcontractors to KEDO. As of December 31, 2006, we offset the existing accounts receivables from KEDO, which it surrendered under the termination agreement, against an advance received. As a result, we recorded in other non-current assets the estimated fair value of assets received amounting to (Won)94 billion, of which the proceeds from its disposal will be applied to existing and future obligations, which will also offset existing advances received and recorded in current and non-current liabilities. In addition, we recorded in other long-term liabilities, estimated claims by coordinated contractors, to the extent they are currently reasonably estimable, in the amount of (Won)47 billion. Final settlement of ultimate gains or losses from the project is contingent upon the full disposal of related assets and the settlement of obligations.

Insurance

We maintain casualty and liability insurance against risks related to our business to the extent we consider appropriate and otherwise self-insure against such risks to the extent permitted by law.

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

These insurance and indemnity, however, cover only a portion of the assets that 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.

Risks of substantial liability 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 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, approximately US$456 million, at the rate of 1 SDR = US$1.52083 as posted on the Internet homepage of the International Monetary Fund on May 2, 2007 per single accident; provided that such limitation will not apply where KHNP intentionally caused the harm or knowingly failed 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 liability. The amounts and coverage of these insurance and indemnity are limited and do not cover all types or amounts of loss which could arise in connection with the ownership and operation of nuclear plants, and material and adverse financial consequences could result from a significant accident.

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

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

 

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Affiliated Companies

We have six principal affiliates, which are defined as companies in which we hold at least 20% and not more than 50% 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, 2006.

 

     Year of
Incorporation
  

Ownership

(Percent)

  

Principal Activities

Korea Gas Corporation

   1983    24.5    Sales of liquefied natural gas

Korea District Heating Co. Ltd.

   1985    26.1    Provision of heat

LG Powercom Corporation.

   2000    43.1    Communication line leasing

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

   1990    49.0   

Disposal of power-plant ash and electric meter reading

YTN(1)

   1993    21.4    Broadcasting

Gansu Datang Yumen Windpower Co., Ltd.

   2005    40.0   

Construction and operation of utility plant

Salcon Power Corporation

   2006    40.0    Operation of utility plant

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

   2006    40.0    Construction and operation of utility plant

Note:

 

(1) KEPCO Data Network Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of KEPCO, owns the 21.4% equity interest in YTN.

Competition

We currently transmit and distribute substantially all of the electricity in Korea. In addition to us, there are 21 electricity suppliers that are licensed to distribute electricity in Korea as of March 31, 2007. 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 Commerce, Industry and Energy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act. We also transmit and distribute electricity to these districts. Currently, one district is using this system and the percentage of the electricity supplied by the supplier in that district accounts for less than 1% of the total electricity supplied in Korea. The generation capacity installed or under construction of the electricity suppliers in the 21 districts amounted to approximately 1.5% of the generation capacity of our generation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006.

The power generation industry is in the process of liberalization, beginning with the establishment of our power generation subsidiaries in April 2001, in accordance with the Restructuring Plan.

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.

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. 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.

 

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Regulation

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 contemplates that we will engage in the following activities:

 

   

development of electric power resources;

 

   

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

 

   

related investment, research and technology development;

 

   

business incidental to the foregoing; and

 

   

any other business activities entrusted to us 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 20% 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.

According to our consolidated financial results as of December 31, 2006, the legal reserve was (Won)1,604 billion, the reserve for business expansion was (Won)16,589 billion and the reserve for investment of social overhead capital was (Won)5,217 billion.

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

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. 62 other companies have received a license solely for power generation. See “Business Overview—Power Generation—Cost-based Pool System”. Each of our six generation subsidiaries holds an electricity generation license. We and 21 other suppliers of electricity under the Community Energy System authorized by the Korea Electricity Commission and approved by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy in accordance with the Electricity Business Act have a license for the distribution of electricity. See “Business Overview—Transmission and Distribution” above. The Electricity Business Act also governs the formulation and approval of electricity rates in Korea. See “—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

In July 1998, the Government announced a plan to privatize Government-invested companies to increase their efficiency and to induce foreign investment in Korea. In accordance with this plan, we intend to sell all or

 

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part of our 26.1% equity interest in Korea District Heating Co., Ltd. and our 24.5% equity interest in KGC at an appropriate time in the future. See “—Affiliated Companies”. In March 2003, as part of our privatization plan we sold 51% of our total equity interest in, which represented in effect control of, Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd. for (Won)64.7 billion. In July 2000, we sold 15,757,000 shares of LG Powercom Corporation, our wholly-owned telecommunications subsidiary, representing approximately 10.5% of LG Powercom Corporation’s total issued and outstanding shares of common stock. In December 2002, we sold 68,250,000 shares of LG Powercom Corporation, representing approximately 45.5% of LG Powercom Corporation’s total issued and outstanding shares of common stock and in April 2003, we sold 1,299,000 shares of LG Powercom Corporation, representing 0.87% of LG Powercom Corporation’s total issued and outstanding shares of common stock to LG Powercom Corporation’s employee stock ownership association. Following such sales, our current ownership interest in LG Powercom Corporation is 43.1%. In November 2003, we issued in the international capital markets US$250 million in principal amount of exchangeable bonds with a 5-year maturity, exchangeable into LG Powercom Corporation shares that we own. The number of LG Powercom Corporation shares to be delivered upon exercise of the exchange right by the holders of these exchangeable bonds depends on the exchange price to be determined as 120% of the future initial public offering price of LG Powercom Corporation shares. LG Powercom Corporation is not required to complete a qualifying public offering, which means the first listing on the Korea Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ meeting certain requirements, prior to the maturity of these exchangeable bonds. In addition, we do not guarantee the qualifying public offering of LG Powercom Corporation. In November 2006, the holders of the exchangeable bonds exercised its right of early redemption as to US$191 million of the outstanding principal amount of the exchangeable bonds. We plan to sell our remaining interest in LG Powercom Corporation.

Set forth below is our plan of selling certain assets as currently contemplated. The completion of our plans, however, is subject to, among other considerations, Government policies relating to us and market conditions.

 

Subsidiaries

 

Primary business

 

Book value

as of
December 31,
2006

 

Ownership

percentage

as of
December 31,
2006

   

Ownership

percentage

to be sold

        (in billions of Won)

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

  Electricity generation   2,035   100.0 %   100.0%

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

  Generating and distributing electricity and heat   184   26.1     Not determined

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

  Electricity metering   48   49.0     Not determined

LG Powercom Corporation

  Leasing telecommunication lines and providing internet access   382   43.1     33.1

Korea Gas Corporation

  Importing and wholesaling LNG   860   24.5     Not determined

Korea Plant Services & Engineering Co., Ltd.

 

 

Overhauling and repairing power plants

  305   100.0     100.0

Korea Power Engineering Co., Ltd.

 

 

Designing and engineering power plants

  41   97.9     Not determined

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Our property consists mainly of power generation, transmission and distribution equipment and facilities in Korea. See “—Business Overview—Power Generation”, “—Transmission and Distribution” and “—Capital Investment Program”. In addition, we own our corporate headquarters building complex at 167 Samseong-dong, 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, 2006, the net book value of our property was (Won)65,267 billion. No significant amount of our properties is leased.

 

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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 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Restructuring of the Electricity Industry in Korea” and Item 3 “Key Information—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”.

OPERATING RESULTS

Overview

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, we had consolidated operating revenues of (Won)23,956 billion, (Won)25,445 billion and (Won)27,409 billion (US$29,472 million), 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. However, 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.

Demand for Electricity and Rates

Our results of operations, sales in particular, are dependent upon 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 6.2% per annum for the five years ended December 31, 2006. According to The Bank of Korea, real gross domestic product, or GDP, compounded growth rates was approximately 4.7% for the same period. The GDP growth rate was 5.0% for 2006 as compared to 4.0% in 2005. 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. See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Rates”. The following describes the demand for electricity by the nature of its usage:

 

   

The industrial usage currently represents the largest segment of electricity consumption in Korea. While the industrial usage (including the agricultural usage) has increased steadily as a result of economic growth in Korea, it has gradually declined as a percentage of total consumption from 58.0% in 1997 to 50.1% in 2006. In addition, demand from the industrial usage (including the agricultural usage) increased by 4.7% to 174,661 million kilowatt hours in 2006 as compared to 2005.

 

   

The commercial usage accounted for 30.6% of electricity consumed in 2006 in Korea. The commercial usage has increased in recent years, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of total demand. The commercial usage has shown the highest rate of growth in demand since 1980 and increased by 5.9% to 121,535 million kilowatt hours in 2006 as compared to 2005.

 

   

The residential usage increased by 3.2% to 52,523 million kilowatt hours in 2006 as compared to 2005.

The rapid growth in Korean economy since the early 1960s has resulted in substantial growth in demand for electricity. While the worldwide economic recession of the early 1980s slowed economic growth in Korea, in the latter half of the 1980s, Korean economy resumed rapid growth and resulted in a substantial increase in demand for electricity. The slow economic growth in Korea in the early 1990s resulted in a slight decline in the growth of demand for electricity. Following the Asian financial crisis in 1998, electricity demand contracted in Korea for several years, but resumed stable growth in the early 2000s with an annual growth rate between 5% and 8%. However, consumption, particularly during periods of peak demand, continues to press the limits of available

 

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supply. Accordingly, we anticipate that demand for electricity will continue to increase in 2007. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the annual rate of growth in Korea’s gross domestic product and the annual rate of growth in electricity demand (measured in total annual electricity consumption).

 

         2002             2003             2004             2005             2006      

Growth in GDP (at 2000 constant prices)

   7.0 %   3.1 %   4.6 %   4.0 %   5.0 %

Growth in electricity consumption

   8.0 %   5.4 %   6.3 %   6.5 %   4.9 %

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

The Electricity Business Law and the Price Stabilization Act prescribe the procedures for the approval and establishment of rates charged for the electricity we sell. In order to revise the rates we charge or change the electricity rate structure, we submit our recommendations, which are then reviewed by the MOCIE, which then makes a final determination following consultation with the Electricity Rates Expert Committee of the MOCIE and the MOFE. Under the recently amended Electricity Business Law, the Korean Electricity Commission must review these recommendations prior to the final determination by the MOCIE. On January 1, 2003, as part of a plan to improve the rate structure, the MOCIE adjusted the rates among the various types of consumers. As a result of this rate adjustment, industrial rates increased by 2.5% while residential and commercial rates decreased by 2.2% and 2.0%, respectively. On March 1, 2004, the MOCIE revised our rate schedule, which resulted in a 1.5% reduction of our average rates, with a decrease in residential, commercial and educational rates by 2.8%, 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively, and no change in the industrial rates. On December 28, 2005, the MOCIE adjusted our rate schedule which resulted in a 2.8% increase of our average rates, with an increase in industrial, residential, commercial and agricultural rates by 3.3%, 2.4%, 2.8% and 0.9%, respectively, and a decrease in educational rates by 15.3%. On January 15, 2007, the MOCIE adjusted our rate schedule by increasing the industrial rates and street-lighting rates by 4.2% and 4.2%, respectively, while making no changes to other rates. As a result of this rate adjustment, our average rate increased by 2.1%. See “Business Overview—Sales and Customers—Rates”.

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 Commerce, Industry and Energy 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. As of March 31, 2007, one district is using this system and 20 other districts are preparing to launch it. The percentage of electricity supplied by the supplier in that one district accounts for less than 1% of the total electricity supplied by Korea. The generation capacity installed or under construction of the electricity suppliers in the 21 districts amounted to approximately 1.5% of the generation capacity of our generation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006. However, as the government is fostering further competition in the power market, we expect that this system will be widely adopted in the future. Once widely adopted, this system will erode our market position in the generation and distribution of electricity in Korea, which has been virtually monopolistic to-date. Unless we become more operationally efficient so as to keep the loss of our market share to the minimum, this system is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, revenues and profitability.

The table below sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 and as of March 31, 2007, 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

(in thousands)

  

Generating Capacity

(Megawatts)

December 31, 2005

   9    73    373

December 31, 2006

   11    112    466

March 31, 2007

   1    3    6

Total

   21    188    845

 

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Increase in Fuel Cost

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

Fuel costs accounted for 27.6%, 29.7%, and 32.6% of our operating revenues and 33.9%, 35.2%, and 37.2% of our operating expenses in 2004, 2005 and 2006, 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 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Fuel”.

Uranium accounted for 40.0%, 42.0% and 41.0% of our fuel requirements in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Coal accounted for 39.3%, 38.6% and 38.7% of our fuel requirements in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Oil (including diesel for internal combustion) accounted for 5.0%, 4.6% and 4.1% of our fuel requirements in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. LNG accounted for 14.8%, 14.0% and 15.3% of our fuel requirements in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. In each case, the fuel requirements are measured by the amount of electricity generated and does 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.

In recent years, the price of bituminous coal has substantially increased. See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Fuel”. In 2006, approximately 81.5% of the combined bituminous coal requirements of our generation subsidiaries are purchased under long-term contracts and 18.5% purchased on the spot market. The average “free on board” Newcastle coal price index in 2006 was US$48.87 per ton. In March 2007, the average “free on board” Newcastle coal price index was US$52.52 per ton. If bituminous coal price continues to be at its current level or higher, our generation subsidiaries will be unable to secure their respective bituminous coal supply at prices comparable to those of prior periods. 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 our fuel cost. In addition, 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 regulates the rates we charge for electricity we sell as described in “—Demand for Electricity and Rates” above, our ability to pass such cost increases to our customers is limited. We estimate that the continued increase in fuel prices has had a material adverse effect on our results of operations and profitability in 2007 to date. We expect fuel prices to remain at record high levels throughout 2007. Accordingly, we expect our operating income and net income may decrease significantly in 2007 and beyond compared to prior periods. See Item 3 “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to KEPCO—Increases in fuel prices will adversely affect our results of operations and profitability”.

Nuclear power has a stable and low cost structure and forms a significant portion of the base load of Korean electricity supply. 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 December 2003, in response to concerns of potential exposure to radioactive materials arising from a release incident, we shut down Younggwang-5, one of our nuclear power plants, for assessment, inspection and overhaul. This nuclear power plant resumed its operations in April 2004. In November 2003, we shut down Younggwang-6, another of our nuclear power plants, for planned overhaul, during which a mechanical problem was discovered giving rise to concerns over its safety. After the overhaul, this nuclear power plant resumed its operations in April 2004. Kori-1 unit, the first nuclear power plant in Korea, commenced its operation in 1978 and reached the end of its intended life on June 18, 2007. KHNP applied to the Ministry of Science & Technology (“MOST”) to extend the term of operation for Kori-1 unit for another 10 years. The MOST is expected to decide on the application by the end of 2007, and upon approval, we plan to re-commence the operation of the Kori-1 unit.

 

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We made up for the shortage in electricity generation resulting from stoppages of these nuclear power plants with power generated by our coal-fired power plants. Because coal-fired power plants carry higher fuel costs, our fuel cost increased further in 2004 as compared to 2003.

Movements of the Won against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies

Due to adverse economic conditions and reduced liquidity, the value of the Won in relation to the U.S. dollar and other major foreign currencies declined substantially in 1997 but since then has risen substantially, except for a modest decline in 2000 and 2001. Recently, the Won has appreciated to its record high since the financial crisis of late 1997. For fluctuations in exchange rates, see Item 3 “Key Information—Selected Financial Data—Currency Translations and Exchange Rates”. Depreciation of the Won in the past has had a material effect on the cost of servicing our foreign currency debt and the cost of fuel materials and equipment we purchase from overseas sources. As of December 31, 2006, approximately 30.9% of our debt was denominated in foreign currencies, principally in the U.S. dollars and Yen. 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 through the conversion of Won to effect such purchases or service such debt. As a result, any significant depreciation of the Won against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies will result in foreign exchange transaction or translation losses and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. See Item 3 “Key Information—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

Investment Securities under the Equity Method of Accounting

Prior to January 1, 2005, in accordance with Korean GAAP, we did not record our share of losses of investee when such losses would make our investment in such entity less than zero. Effective January 1, 2005, we adopted SKAS No. 15, “Investments in Associates.” Under this standard, if we hold other investments such as preferred stock or loans issued by the investee, our share of loss of the investee continues to be recorded until such other investments are reduced to zero.

In addition, prior to January 1, 2005, gains and losses arising from sales by us to our affiliates were eliminated entirely. Effective January 1, 2005, unrealized gains and losses multiplied by our ownership percentage are eliminated in accordance with SKAS No. 15.

Income Taxes

Prior to January 1, 2005, we recorded all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. Effective January 1, 2005, we adopted SKAS No. 16, “Income Taxes.” In accordance with the statement, deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting or the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. The deferred tax amounts are presented as a net current asset or liability and a net non-current asset or liability. However, deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2004 were not reclassified based on the transitional clause of SKAS No. 16.

In addition, prior to January 1, 2005, deferred taxes were not recognized for temporary differences related to unrealized gains and losses on investment securities. However, effective January 1, 2005, deferred taxes are recognized on the temporary differences related to unrealized gains and losses on investment securities that are reported as a separate component of capital adjustments. As a result of such change, as of January 1, 2005, capital adjustments decreased and deferred income tax liabilities increased by (Won)23,795 million.

SKAS No. 11 and SKAS No. 21 through No. 24 are effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2006. The adoption of such accounting standards will not have an effect on the financial position and the ordinary income and net income of the Company. Details of primary change due to such adoption of SKAS are as follows: Pursuant to adoption of SKAS No. 21, “Preparation and Presentation of Financial

 

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Statements”, unrealized gain/loss on available-for-sale securities, equity in capital adjustments of affiliates and gain/loss on valuation of derivative instruments, which were classified as capital adjustments through 2006, will be classified as accumulated other comprehensive income.

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 US GAAP, SFAS No. 71—“Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation” differs in certain respects from the application of GAAP by non-regulated businesses. 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 SFAS No. 71, 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, 2006, the consolidated balance sheet included regulatory assets of (Won)726 billion and regulatory liabilities of (Won)1,455 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, 2006, we do not have any allowances or reserves related to regulatory assets.

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.

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.

Under Korean GAAP, until December 31, 2003, we recorded a liability for the estimated decommissioning costs of nuclear facilities based on engineering studies and the expected decommissioning dates of the nuclear power plant. Additions to the liability were in amounts such that the current costs would be fully accrued for at estimated dates of decommissioning on a straight-line basis.

 

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During 2004, we adopted SKAS No. 17, “Provision and Contingent Liability & Asset”. Under this standard, we record the fair value of the liabilities for 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 would 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.

As of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, we recorded a liability of (Won)6,259 billion, (Won)6,915 billion and (Won)7,543 billion, respectively, as the cost of dismantling and decontaminating existing nuclear power plants. During 2003, we updated our engineering study on the estimated decommissioning costs of our nuclear facilities and applied the amount prospectively. As a result of this change in estimate, the provisioning for decommissioning costs increased by (Won)72,888 million in 2003 under Korean GAAP. In addition, during 2004, we updated the 2003 study and estimates for its liability for decommissioning costs based on new engineering studies provided by other third parties. Major revisions made in this study related to increases in dismantling cost per power plant, cask maintenance costs for spent fuel and maintenance cost after closedown of interim storage and operating costs for radioactive wastes. In addition, the 2004 study revised the timing of cash outflows. As required by SKAS No. 17, the change in accounting included the revised factors from the 2004 study since these factors were our best estimates at the time we elected to adopt SKAS No. 17. With the adoption of SKAS No. 17, we re-measured the liability for decommissioning costs and reflected the cumulative effect of a change in accounting including the effect of the change in estimate up to prior year into the beginning balance of retained earnings.

Under U.S. GAAP, we adopted SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” on January 1, 2003. Under this Statement, the fair value of liabilities for an asset retirement obligations for all existing long-lived assets is to be recognized in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The corresponding amount is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and expensed using a systematic and rational method over the asset’s useful life.

In addition, as a result of change in estimate based on an engineering study conducted during 2003, the liability for decommissioning costs and the related net asset increased by (Won)732 billion and (Won)851 billion, respectively, in 2003. As a result of this change in estimate, under U.S. GAAP, net income increased by (Won)119 billion in 2003. In addition, as described above, during 2004 we updated the 2003 study. Under U.S. GAAP, since we already adopted SFAS No. 143 in 2003, the impact from the 2004 study is considered as a change in estimate. As a result of this change in estimate, under U.S. GAAP, the liability for decommissioning costs and the related net asset decreased by (Won)633 billion and (Won)1,078 billion, respectively, in 2004. Also, net income decreased by (Won)455 billion in 2004.

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, 2006. 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

 

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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: (1) 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 (2) 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, 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, 2006, totaled (Won)65,267 billion (US$70,179million) representing more than 84% 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.

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 (inclued in nuclear fuel)

   30

Loaded nuclear fuel

   —  

Capitalized asset retirement cost of nuclear power plants

   30~40

Capitalized asset retirement costs of loaded nuclear fuel

   —  

Others

   4~9

Generally, useful lives are estimated at the time the asset is acquired and are based on historical experience with similar assets, and take 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: (1) if an indicator of impairment has occurred, (2) how assets should be grouped, (3) the forecast of undiscounted

 

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expected future cash flow over the asset’s estimated useful life to determine if an impairment exists, and (4) 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.

Results of Operations

2006 Compared to 2005

In 2006, our revenues from the sale of electric power, the principal component of our operating revenues, increased by 7.4% to (Won)26,590 billion from (Won)24,769 billion in 2005, reflecting primarily a 4.9% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold in 2006 and a 2.8% average effective tariff increase in December 2005 which resulted in higher revenues in 2006. The increase in electricity sold was primarily attributable to a 4.6% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the industrial sector, a 5.6% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the commercial sector and a 4.6% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the residential sector.

Operating expenses increased by 11.6% to (Won)24,014 billion in 2006 from (Won)21,523 billion in 2005, primarily due to a 11.6% increase in power generation, transmission, and distribution expenses, which accounted for 83.2% of the total operating expenses in 2006, to (Won)19,985 billion in 2006 from (Won)17,915 billion in 2005. The increase was primarily due to a 18.1% increase in fuel costs from (Won)7,568 billion in 2005 to (Won)8,938 billion in 2006 as a result of an increase in unit fuel costs, particularly oil and LNG, and increased power generation. Purchased power, which accounted for 8.6% of the total operating expenses in 2006, increased by 17.0% to (Won)2,073 billion in 2006 from (Won)1,772 billion in 2005, primarily due to the increase of unit fuel costs as well as a 4.9% increase in demand for electricity. Selling and administrative expenses increased by 3.8% to (Won)1,576 billion in 2006 from (Won)1,519 billion in 2005, primarily due to a 1.6% increase in labor cost and a 4.6% increase in expenses for sales commissions mainly related to the electricity metering service

As a result of the foregoing, our operating income for 2006 decreased by 13.4% to (Won)3,395 billion in 2006 from (Won)3,922 billion in 2005.

Net non-operating loss significantly decreased to (Won)6 billion in 2006 from (Won)90 billion in 2005, primarily due to the effect of recording net valuation loss on currency and interest rate swaps in the amount of (Won)173 billion in 2006 compared to net valuation gain on currency and interest rate swaps in the amount of (Won)167 billion in 2005, which resulted main from the Won appreciation against U.S. dollar in 2006, which was partially offset by a 40.4% increase in net gain on foreign currency transactions and translation to (Won)417 billion in 2006 from (Won)297 billion in 2005, which, in each case, resulted from the Won appreciation against U.S. dollar in 2006, and further offset by prior year error correction in the aggregate amount of (Won)110 billion in 2006 related to the liability of nuclear decommission costs and the reversal of accumulated deferred tax liabilities regarding dividends received from equity method investees and a significant increase in other net expense to (Won)288 billion in 2006 from (Won)92 billion in 2005.

Our effective tax rate decreased to 33.74% in 2006 from 36.52% in 2005, due primarily to a decrease in income taxes to (Won)1,143 billion in 2006 from (Won)1,399 billion in 2005, primarily as a result of tax adjustments to increased dividend income from our affiliates.

As a cumulative result of the above factors, our net income decreased by 7.6% to (Won)2,226 billion in 2006 from (Won)2,408 billion in 2005.

2005 Compared to 2004

In 2005, our revenues from the sale of electric power, the principal component of our operating revenues, increased by 6.1% to (Won)24,769 billion from (Won)23,347 billion in 2004, reflecting primarily a 6.5 % increase in

 

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kilowatt hours of electricity sold in 2005. The increase in electricity sold was primarily attributable to a 5.2% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the industrial sector, a 9.2% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the commercial sector and a 5.1% increase in kilowatt hours of electricity sold to the residential sector.

Operating expenses increased by 10.4% to (Won)21,523 billion in 2005 from (Won)19,488 billion in 2004. Of the operating expenses, our power generation, transmission, and distribution expenses, the principal component of our operating expenses, increased by 8.4% to (Won)17,915 billion in 2005 from (Won)16,534 billion in 2004 primarily due to a 14.7% increase in fuel costs from (Won)6,599 billion in 2004 to (Won)7,568 billion in 2005 as a result of an increase in unit fuel cost to 21.64 Won/kWh in 2005 and from 20.17 Won/kWh in 2004, primarily resulting from the increase in fuel prices globally, and increased power generation.

Our selling and administrative expenses increased by 17.4% to (Won)1,519 billion in 2005 from (Won)1,294 billion in 2004, primarily due to a 15.8% increase in sales commission to (Won)345 billion in 2005 from (Won)298 billion in 2004, a 9.1% increase in labor cost to (Won)538 billion in 2005 from (Won)493 billion in 2004.

As a result of these changes, our operating income for 2005 decreased by 12.2% to (Won)3,922 billion as compared to (Won)4,467 billion in 2004.

We recorded net non-operating loss of (Won)90 billion in 2005 as compared to net non-operating gain of (Won)232 billion in 2004, primarily as a result of a 65.7% decrease in net foreign currency transactions and translation gains to (Won)297 billion in 2005 from (Won)866 billion, which was mainly due to a relatively smaller appreciation of the Won against the U.S. dollar in 2005 as compared to 2004. This decrease in net currency transactions and translation gains was partially offset by a 12.9% decrease in interest expense to (Won)643 billion in 2005 from (Won)738 billion in 2004, and the recording of net valuation gain of (Won)167 billion in 2005 as compared to net valuation loss of (Won)169 billion in 2004.

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 36.5% in 2005 from 38.2% in 2004, due primarily to a decrease in the statutory corporate income tax rate from 29.7% in 2004 to 27.5% in 2005.

As a result of the above factors, our net income decreased by 16.5% to (Won)2,408 billion in 2005 as compared to (Won)2,883 billion in 2004.

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 3 “Key Information—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”.

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)8,150 billion in 2004, (Won)7,610 billion in 2005 and (Won)7,802 billion (US$8,389 million) in 2006. Total long-term debt as of December 31, 2006 (including the current portion and discount on debentures on and excluding premium on debentures) was (Won)19,649 billion (US$21,128 million), of which (Won)13,710 billion (US$14,742 million) was denominated in Won and an equivalent of (Won)5,939 billion (US$6,386 million) was denominated in foreign currencies, primarily U.S. dollars. Construction grants received were (Won)624 billion in 2004, (Won)680 billion in 2005 and (Won)801 billion (US$861 million) in 2006.

 

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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)6.3 trillion in 2004, (Won)6.7 trillion in 2005 (US$6.7 billion) and (Won)7.5 trillion (US$8.0 billion) in 2006 and under current plans, are estimated to be approximately (Won)10.7 trillion in 2007 and approximately (Won)10.7 trillion in 2008.

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, 2006 in 2006 to 2010 and thereafter are set forth in the table below:

 

Year ended

December 31

  

Local

currency

borrowings

  

Foreign

currency

borrowings

  

Domestic

debentures

  

Foreign

debentures

  

Exchangeable

bonds

   Total
     (in millions of Won)

2007

   1,434,557    36,428    1,625,010    1,127,150    —      4,223,145

2008

   1,560,566    72,645    2,230,000    677,418    10,642    4,551,271

2009

   1,969,401    34,837    1,960,000    1,108    —      3,965,346

2010

   735,509    34,837    1,290,000    306,594    —      2,366,940

2011

   259,888    34,837    460,000    372,785    1,040,796    2,168,306

Thereafter

   73,806    79,731    120,000    2,287,507    —      2,561,044
                             
   6,033,727    293,315    7,685,010    4,772,562    1,051,438    19,836,052
                             

We have incurred interest charges (including capitalized interest) of (Won)1,292 billion in 2004, (Won)1,014 billion in 2005 and (Won)1,191 billion (US$1,281 million) in 2006. 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 4.61% in 2004, 5.30% in 2005 and 5.17 % in 2006.

We paid dividends on our common stock of (Won)674 billion in 2004, (Won)729 billion in 2005 and (Won)738 billion (US$794 million) in 2006. We will pay dividends to holders of our common stock as of December 31, 2006 in the amount of (Won)621 billion during 2007.

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, 2006, our long-term debt, excluding the current portion thereof, as a percentage of stockholders’ equity was 35.7%. We incurred (Won)5,173 billion of long-term debt in 2004, (Won)4,098 billion in 2005, and (Won)4,918 billion (US$5,288 million) in 2006. As of December 31, 2006, the current portion of long-term debt was (Won)4,221 billion (US$4,539 million) as compared to (Won)3,283 billion as of December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2006, we had (Won)477 billion (US$513 million) of short-term borrowings as compared to (Won)335 billion as of December 31, 2005. See Note 16 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

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

 

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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)5,939 billion (US$6,386 million) as of December 31, 2006 from (Won)5,552 billion as of December 31, 2005.

Our ability to incur long-term debt in the future is subject to a variety of uncertainties including, among other things, 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 Development Bank Act, through Korea Development Bank, 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 3 “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Korea and the Global Economy—Adverse developments in Korea could adversely affect us”.

Our total stockholders’ equity increased from (Won)42,338 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)43,235 billion (US$46,490 million) as of December 31, 2006.

Liquidity

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. However, as of December 31, 2006, 30.2% of our long-term debt (including the current portion thereof) 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 swap 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 23 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 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.

 

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Our liquidity is also substantially affected by our construction expenditures and fuel purchases. Construction in progress increased from (Won)7,335 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)8,393 billion (US$9,025 million) as of December 31, 2006. Fuel costs represented 30.6% and 33.6% of revenues from sale of electric power in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

We had working capital deficit (defined as current liabilities minus current assets) of (Won)130 billion as of December 31, 2005 compared to working capital surplus (defined as current assets minus current liabilities) of (Won)171 billion (US$184 million) as of December 31, 2006, mainly due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents as well as an increase in the current portion of currency swaps. 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.

During 2005 and 2006, we declared and paid dividends of (Won)724 billion and (Won)732 billion related to income earned in 2004 and 2005, respectively. In April 2007, we paid a dividend of (Won)621 billion related to income earned in 2006.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2006.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following summarizes certain of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006, 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) 19,836    (Won) 4,223    (Won) 8,517    (Won) 4,535    (Won) 2,561

Interest payments on long-term debt(3)

     4,341      866      1,190      354      1,931

Short-term borrowings

     477      477      —        —        —  

Plant construction

     47,413      6,226      11,466      9,590      20,131

Accrual for retirement and severance benefits(6)

     554      40      97      133      284
                                  

Total

     72,621      11,832      21,270      14,612      24,907
                                  

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, 2006 were immaterial.
(2) Includes the current portion and excludes amortization of note discount and issue costs.
(3) As of December 31, 2006, a portion of our long-term debt carried a variable rate of interest. We used the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2006 for the variable rate of interest in calculating the interest payments on long-term debt for the periods indicated.
(4) Represents, as of December 31, 2006, 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 31 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We entered into a power purchasing agreement with GS EPS Co., Ltd., formerly LG Energy Co., Ltd., and other independent power producers, under which and in accordance with the Electricity Business Act of Korea

 

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we are required to purchase a minimum amount of power from these companies. Power we purchased from these companies amounted to (Won)1,020 billion, (Won)1,170 billion and (Won)1,299 billion for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, 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 31(h) 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 31(o) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further details of these contracts.

Under the rules on the Usage of Power Transmission Facilities approved by the MOCIE, which took effect on January 1, 2007, 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, we entered into an agreement with the Government to invest (Won)852 billion for the construction of generating facilities using alternative energy sources and spend (Won)201 billion in research and development related to the development of renewable energy by July 2008. As of December 31, 2006 the outstanding balance of major agreements related to development of renewable energy including wind, solar and small hydroelectric energy was (Won)219 billion.

We provide debt guarantees to our foreign subsidiaries, including KEPCO Ilijan Co., in an amount not exceeding US$102 million.

Payment guarantee and short-term credit facilities from financial instruments as of December 31, 2006 were as follows:

Payment guarantee

 

Description

  

Financial Institutions

   Credit Lines
          (In millions of Won
or thousands of US$)

Payment of import letter of credits

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    US$ 1,642,170

Payment of customs duties

   Korea Exchange Bank    (Won) 4,700

Inclusive credits

   Korea Exchange Bank    (Won) 130,300

Borrowings

   Woori Bank and others    US$ 60,000
      (Won) 200,000

Payment of foreign currency

   Korea Exchange Bank    US$ 2,080

Overdraft and Others

     

Description

  

Financial Institutions

   Credit Lines
          (In millions of Won
or thousands of US$)

Overdraft

   National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and others    US$ 125,000
      (Won) 1,643,000

Discount on promissory note

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 210,000

Commercial paper

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 845,000

Trade financing

   Shinhan Bank    US$ 2,000

Other

   Shinhan Bank and others    (Won) 92,000

 

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We provided a promissory note of (Won)1.8 billion to Hyundai Heavy Industry, Co., Ltd. as a guarantee for performance of contract. In the event we fail to perform, we may be required to fund the promissory note which will be repayable.

We provide performance guarantees to the Lebanon Electricity Agency in respect of the operation of the Lebanon power generation plant in the amount of US$17 million.

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 have entered into contracts with Doosan Industrial Co., Ltd. in the aggregate amount of (Won)3,650 billion (US$3,925 million) and with others in the aggregate amount of US$40 million as of December 31, 2006, for construction of power plant facilities and facility maintenance

In April 2005, we entered into an agreement to acquire 15% of Gangwon Wind Power Co., Ltd. for (Won)5.7 billion to develop renewable energy sources. In May 2005, we entered into a contingent funding support agreement with other shareholders of Gangwon Wind Power and financial institutions regarding the borrowings from financial institutions. Under this agreement, we are obligated to pay up to (Won)1.2 billion if the construction costs incurred by Gangwon Wind Power exceeds the estimated cost. Korea Midland Power’s shares in Gangwon Wind Power were provided as collateral to Industrial Bank of Korea and BNP Paribas.

Other than as described in this report and also in Note 31 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, 2006.

As of December 31, 2006, we were engaged in 325 lawsuits as a defendant and 55 lawsuits as a plaintiff. As of the same date, the total amount of damages claimed against us was (Won)409 billion, for which we have made a reserve of (Won)28 billion as of December 31, 2006, and the total amount claimed by us was (Won)30 billion. 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. For a description of our legal proceedings, see Item 8 “Financial Information—Legal Proceedings”.

We also have contingent liabilities under the termination agreement with the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization. See Note 31(e) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

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.

 

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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:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2004     2005     2006     2006  
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except
per share date)
 

Net income under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 2,882,522     (Won) 2,407,643     (Won) 2,225,560     $ 2,393,075  

Adjustments:

        

Operating income:

        

Asset revaluation

     430,694       438,382       389,184       418,477  

Special depreciation

     (18,370 )     (6,407 )     (5,389 )     (5,795 )

Regulated operations

     7,955       (14,227 )     (56,971 )     (61,259 )

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     200,811       183,850       171,462       184,368  

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     37,282       (12,518 )     (11,126 )     (11,963 )

Liabilities for decommissioning costs

     (108,522 )     94,913       26,273       28,251  

Reserve for self-insurance

     5,426       5,266       5,324       5,725  

Revenue recognition

     —         —         (488 )     (525 )

Other income (expenses):

        

Asset revaluation

     19,898       19,973       19,973       21,476  

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     44,115       41,877       40,341       43,377  

Convertible bonds

     24,298       26,738       (44 )     (47 )

Income tax expenses—Deferred income taxes (*)

     8,435       (215,515 )     (158,910 )     (170,871 )
                                

Net income as adjusted under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 3,534,544     (Won) 2,969,975     (Won) 2,645,189     $ 2,844,289  
                                

(*) Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the GAAP adjustments described above. See Note 33(r) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of changes in estimate Under U.S. GAAP.

Adjustments to Stockholders’ Equity:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005     2006     2006  
     (In millions of Won and thousands of US$)  

Stockholders’ equity under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 42,337,650     (Won) 43,235,487     $ 46,489,771  

Adjustments:

      

Current Asset

      

Account Receivables Revenue recognition

     —         943,330       1,014,333  

Utility plant

      

Asset revaluation

     (7,486,100 )     (7,096,916 )     (7,631,092 )

Capitalized asset retirement cost

     (946,148 )     (951,998 )     (1,023,654 )

Special depreciation

     13,495       8,104       8,714  

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     (1,546,068 )     (1,334,267 )     (1,434,696 )

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     128,135       117,010       125,817  

Investment securities:

      

Asset revaluation

     (82,106 )     (62,133 )     (66,810 )

Deferred income taxes

     2,045,883       1,649,469       1,773,623  

Liabilities:

      

Asset retirement obligation

     2,214,350       2,246,473       2,415,562  

Regulated operation

     (672,234 )     (729,205 )     (784,091 )

Reserve for self-insurance

     98,618       103,942       111,766  

Convertible bonds

     13,332       (66,879 )     (71,913 )

Minority interests

     (147,061 )     (150,740 )     (162,086 )
                        

Stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 35,971,746     (Won) 37,911,677     $ 40,765,244  
                        

 

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Note 33 of the notes 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 bills customers on a cycle basis. We do not accrue revenue for power sold to customers between the meter-reading date and balance sheet date but records the revenue in the subsequent period. Under Korean GAAP, such practice is consistent with the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises, which have been approved by 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, we recognize unbilled revenue representing the sale of power between the cycle meter-reading date and the balance sheet date. Prior to 2006, we did not recognize any difference for amounts recognized under Korean GAAP, and had concluded that such prior year uncorrected differences were quantitatively and qualitatively immaterial to the our prior year consolidated financial statements using the income statement approach.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 requires the use of the “dual approach” (both an income statement approach and a balance sheet approach) when evaluating whether an error is material to an entity’s financial statements, based on all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. The SEC issued SAB 108 to address what the SEC identified as diversity in practice whereby entities were using either an income statement approach or a balance sheet approach, but not both.

Effective December 31, 2006, we adopted SAB 108 and recorded the effects of prior year uncorrected differences which arose prior to January 1, 2006, as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 in accordance with the “dual approach” set forth in SAB 108. The impact of SAB 108 adoption at December 31, 2006 to beginning retained earnings is shown below.

 

     Korean Won (in millions)
     Accounts receivable    Current deferred income
tax assets(liabilities)
    Retained earnings

Balance as of December 31, 2005, as reported

   (Won) 2,162,747    (Won) 1,402,759     (Won) 27,365,456

Cumulated effect adjustment for adoption of SAB 108

   (Won) 943,818    (Won) (259,415 )   (Won) 684,268

Balance as of January 1, 2006, as adjusted

   (Won) 3,106,565    (Won) 1,143,209     (Won) 28,049,724

Translation into U.S. dollars (Note 2) (In thousand)

   $ 3,340,392    $ 1,229,257     $ 30,160,993

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. In connection with an asset revaluation, a new basis for the property, plant and equipment is established. Asset revaluations are not permitted after January 1, 2001.

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 included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. When revalued

 

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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, special depreciation allowed prior to 1994, which represents accelerated depreciation of certain facilities and equipment acquired for energy saving and anti-pollution purposes, is not recognized under 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.

Accounting for Regulation

U.S. GAAP, pursuant to Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 71 “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation” differs in certain respects from the application of U.S. GAAP by non-regulated businesses. As a result, 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.

The Government of the Republic of Korea approves the rates that we charge to our customers. Our utility rates are designed to recover our reasonable costs plus the fair investment return. We has monopoly in Korea as the provider of electricity and thus all costs incurred for supplying and distributing electricity are recoverable. However, 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 SFAS No. 71. Accordingly, since 2001, only our power transmission and distribution divisions have been subject to the criteria for the application of SFAS No. 71.

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.

In June 2001, the MOCIE announced the revised guidelines for utility rate setting, stating that non-operating expenses should be excluded from reasonable costs while income tax expense (including deferred income taxes), instead of income tax payables, should be included for rate-making purposes. As a result of this guideline change and the deregulation of the power generation subsidiaries, only the deferred income taxes caused by the difference between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP are subject to SFAS No. 71, to the extent that tax benefits or obligation will affect future allowable costs for rate making purpose.

The regulatory 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 us and our affiliated companies is eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The elimination is restricted to certain transactions prior to the corporate split of our generation subsidiaries in 2001. No elimination of such profit is required in accordance with 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. We meet both of these criteria, and no elimination of profit is necessary for reporting under U.S. GAAP.

 

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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 (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 are reversed into results of operations for the current period 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, so 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 balance sheet date, and the resulting foreign currency transaction gain or loss is included in the results of operations.

Deferred Income Taxes

Under Korean GAAP, prior to January 1, 2005, deferred taxes were not recognized for temporary differences related to the conversion right of the convertible bond issued, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, equity gains and losses on affiliates and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges that were reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Effective January 1, 2005, we adopted the Statement of Korea Accounting Standards, or SKAS, No. 16 “Income Taxes.” In accordance with this standard, deferred taxes are recognized on the temporary differences related to the conversion right of the convertible bond issued, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, equity gains and losses on affiliates and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (capital adjustment).

Under U.S. GAAP, deferred taxes are recognized on the temporary differences related to unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges and are included in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Liabilities for Decommissioning Costs

Prior to 2003

Under Korean GAAP, prior to January 1, 2003, we accrued for estimated decommissioning costs of nuclear facilities based on engineering studies and the expected decommissioning dates of the nuclear power plant. Annual additions to the reserve were in amounts such that the expected costs would be fully accrued for at the estimated dates of decommissioning on a straight-line basis.

Under U.S. GAAP, prior to January 1, 2003, accounting for liabilities for decommissioning costs was substantially the same as Korean GAAP.

2003

Under Korean GAAP, effective January 1, 2003, we adopted SKAS No. 5 “Tangible Assets.” Under this standard, we recorded the fair value of the liabilities for the decommissioning costs as a liability in the period in which we incurred a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. However, this standard was only applicable to new plants (with an associated asset retirement liability) put into service after

 

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January 1, 2003. For plants put into service before January 1, 2003, SKAS No. 5 did not apply and the previous Korean GAAP (as described above) was required. Since we did not put into service any assets with liabilities for decommissioning costs during 2003, SKAS No. 5 had no impact on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Under U.S. GAAP, effective January 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Costs” Under SFAS No. 143, we are required to recognize an estimated liability for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. We measure the liability at fair value when incurred and capitalize a corresponding amount as part of the book value of the related long-lived assets. The increase in the capitalized cost is included in determining depreciation expense over the estimated useful life of these assets. Since the fair value of the liabilities for decommissioning costs is determined using a present value approach, accretion of the liability due to the passage of time is recognized for each period as expense until the settlement of the liability. SFAS No. 143 applies to all existing long-lived assets including those acquired before January 1, 2003. As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 143, we recognized a pre-tax gain as a cumulative effect of accounting change of (Won)1,775 billion on January 1, 2003. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2003, we recorded accretion expense and depreciation expense under U.S. GAAP while reversing the provision for decommissioning costs recorded under Korean GAAP.

2004

In October 2004, the Korea Accounting Standard Board issued SKAS No. 17 “Provision and Contingent Liability & Asset”. In January 2005, we decided to early adopt SKAS No. 17. Under this Statement, we retrospectively adjust the liability for decommissioning costs at the estimated fair value using discounted cash flows (also 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. Under SKAS No. 17, the discount rate is set at the date of adoption and should be applied in all future periods. In addition, the discount rate in effect at the time of the commencement applies to any new plant use. 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. In addition, as required by SKAS No. 17, the cumulative effect of a change in accounting included any changes in estimate that took place during 2004. Due to the adoption of this standard, we re-measured the liability for decommissioning costs as of January 1, 2004 and reflected the cumulative effect of a change in accounting up to prior year into current year retained earnings.

Under U.S. GAAP, we continued to apply SFAS No. 143 during 2004, 2005 and 2006.

2005

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2005, Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP for recording the liabilities for decommissioning costs are substantially the same except for the following:

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, the discount rate for existing decommissioning liabilities was set when we adopted SFAS No. 143 (6.49% as of January 1, 2003). Under Korean GAAP, the discount rate for existing decommissioning liabilities was set when we adopted SKAS No. 17 (4.36% as of December 2004).

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, any changes that result in upward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows is 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. Under Korean GAAP, regardless of upward or downward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows, the historical discount rate will be applied in all future periods.

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of the undiscounted cash flows is reflected within current year accretion expense or adjustment to the asset

 

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retirement cost as a change in estimate. Under Korean GAAP, as required by SKAS No. 17, the cumulative effect of a change in accounting includes any changes in estimate that took place during 2004. Accordingly, the 2004 accretion expense under Korean GAAP does not include the change in estimate impact that is recorded within accretion expense under U.S. GAAP.

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, we recognized the obligation to pay (Won)300,000 million to the City of Gyeongju as part of the right to build our repository site as an asset retirement cost in accordance with SFAS No. 143. Such amount is amortized using the units-of-production amortization method. Under Korean GAAP, we recognized this obligation as an intangible asset and other long-term liabilities. Such intangible assets are amortized upon completion of the repository site using the units-of-production method over the estimated useful life.

In March 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset, Retirement Obligations—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” FIN 47 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. This interpretation did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Under U.S. GAAP, we also have asset retirement obligations related to certain transmission and distribution assets, such as transmission towers. We currently do not have sufficient information to estimate a reasonable range of expected retirement dates for any of these assets. Therefore, asset retirement costs for these assets were not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. We will record this obligation when sufficient information becomes available to determine a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the activities to be performed.

Convertible Bonds

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

Under U.S. GAAP, per SFAS No. 133, unless a conversion right is deemed as an embedded derivative instrument requiring bifurcation, no portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the convertible debt securities is attributed to the conversion feature. We have determined that the conversion feature embedded in our convertible debt should not be bifurcated. Also, our convertible bonds are subject to foreign currency translation because these convertible bonds were regarded as monetary foreign currency liabilities.

Principles of Consolidation

Under Korean GAAP, minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries are presented as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.

Under U.S. GAAP, minority interests are presented outside of the stockholders’ equity section in the consolidated balance sheet.

Reserve for Self-insurance

Under Korean GAAP, in accordance with the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises, 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.

 

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Right to Use Future Radioactive Wastes Repository Sites

We were obligated to pay (Won)300,000 million to the City of Gyeongju as part of the right to build our repository site. Under Korean GAAP, we recognized this obligation as an intangible asset and other long-term liabilities. Such intangible assets are amortized upon completion of the repository site using the units-of-production method over the estimated useful life.

Under U.S. GAAP, we recognized the obligation as an asset retirement cost in accordance with SFAS No. 143. Such amount is amortized using the units-of-production amortization method.

Significant Changes in U.S. GAAP

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a threshold of more-likely-than-not for recognition of tax benefits of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides related guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, and disclosure. FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. This interpretation will be effective for us on January 1, 2007, with any cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are in the process of assessing the impact of adopting FIN 48 on our results of operations and financial position.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 requires the use of the “dual approach” (both an income statement approach and a balance sheet approach) when evaluating whether an error is material to an entity’s financial statements, based on all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. The SEC issued SAB 108 to address what the SEC identified as diversity in practice whereby entities were using either an income statement approach or a balance sheet approach, but not both. SAB 108 became effective December 31, 2006, and we elected to record any material adjustments arising from the adoption of SAB 108 as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154 (“SFAS 154”), “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—A Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No.3.” SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS 154 also requires that retrospective application of a change in accounting principle be limited to the direct effects of the change. We adopted SFAS 154, effective as of January 1, 2006, which had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with earlier application encouraged. SFAS 157 is required to be applied prospectively, except for certain financial instruments. Any amounts recognized upon adoption as a cumulative effect adjustment will be recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. We do not expect SFAS 157 will have a material impact on our results from operations or financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued statement No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an Amendment to FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires, among other things, that a company (1) recognize a net liability or asset to report the funded status of their defined benefit pensions and other postretirement plans on its balance sheet,

 

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(2) measure benefit plan assets and benefit obligations as of the company’s balance sheet date and (3) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to FASB Statement No. 87, or No. 106. Under SFAS 158, the current portion of the retirement and severance benefits is (Won)39,909 million as of December 31, 2006. We adopted SFAS 158 as of December 31, 2006 and there was no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value in an attempt to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. 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 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation”.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.

See Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Research and Development”.

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 “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Board of Directors

Under the KEPCO Act, the Public Agencies Management Act, which was enacted on January 19, 2007 and took effect on April 1, 2007, and our articles of incorporation, our management is vested in the board of directors, which consists of not more than 15 directors, including the president.

We have two types of directors: standing directors and non-standing directors. The standing directors refer to our full-time employees who also serve as our directors, while the non-standing directors refer to our directors who do not hold an executive position with us. There currently may not be more than seven standing directors, including our president, or 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 Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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 MOCIE 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 from a pool of candidates recommended by our director nomination committee and upon the motion of our president with the approval at the general meeting of our shareholders. The non-standing directors must be appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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 performance.

One standing director currently remains vacant and another standing director’s term of office will be terminated in August 2007. Therefore, two standing directors are expected to be appointed in August 2007 by our president following a resolution at an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, which is currently scheduled for August 2007. The names, titles, and outside occupations, if any, of the directors as of June 15, 2007 and the respective years in which they took office are set forth below.

 

Name

   Age    

Title

  

Outside Occupation

  

Position Held Since

Lee, Won-Gul

   (58 )   President & CEO, Standing Director    None    March 31, 2007

Moon, Ho

   (56 )   Standing Director; Vice President and Director General of Planning & Coordination Division    None    August 11, 2006

Kwon, Oh-Hyung

   (56 )   Standing Director and Senior Vice President of the Management Support Division    None    June 13, 2005

Park, Jong-Hwak

   (57 )   Standing Director and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Service Division    None    August 11, 2006

 

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Name

   Age    

Title

  

Outside Occupation

  

Position Held Since

Byun, Gang

   (58 )   Standing Director and Senior Vice President of the Transmission Division    None    September 1, 2004

Chang, Myeong-Chul

   (56 )   Standing Director and Senior Vice President of the Overseas Business Division    None    August 11, 2006

Park, Chung-Boo

   (65 )   Non-Standing Director    Chairman, Sungto Accounting Corporation    September 8, 2004

Shin, Jae-Hyun

   (60 )   Non-Standing Director    Lawyer, Kim & Chang    September 8, 2004

Kang, Eung-Seon

   (57 )   Non-Standing Director    Visiting Professor, Korea University    April 22, 2005

Kim, Ju-Sub

   (56 )   Non-Standing Director    Professor Extraordinary, Catholic University of Daegu    April 22, 2005

Kwon, Oh-Sung

   (46 )   Non-Standing Director    President of O’gye Farm    April 22, 2005

Yoo, Jong-Geol

   (59 )   Non-Standing Director    None    August 2, 2005

Kwak, Bae-Hee

   (61 )   Non-Standing Director    President, Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations    April 21, 2006

Kim, Jae-Kyu

   (58 )   Non-Standing Director    Standing advisor of Natura Korea Inc.    October 12, 2006

Lee, Won-Gul has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 31, 2007. Mr. Lee previously served as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy and Deputy Minister of Energy and Resources Policy Office. Mr. Lee received a B.A. in public administration from Sungkyunkwan University.

Moon, Ho has been our Standing Director since August 11, 2006. Mr. Moon also currently serves as our Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President of Planning & Coordination Division and previously served as Director General of Choongnam District Head Office and Director General of Corporate Planning Department of KEPCO. Mr. Moon received a B.A. in economics from Konkuk University.

Kwon, Oh-Hyung has been our Standing Director since June 13, 2005. Mr. Kwon also currently serves as our Senior Vice President of the General Affairs Division and previously served as the general manager of the Transmission and Substation Department. Mr. Kwon received an M.S. in electrical engineering from Yonsei University.

Park, Jong-Hwak has been our Standing Director since August 11, 2006. Mr. Park also currently serves as our Senior Vice President of the Marketing and Service Division and previously served as the Director General of Secretariat of KEPCO. Mr. Park received a B.A. in law from Korea University.

Byun, Gang has been our Standing Director since September 1, 2004. Mr. Byun also currently serves as our Senior Vice President of the Transmission Division and previously served as the general manager of the Transmission and Substation Department. Mr. Byun received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Chosun University.

 

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Chang, Myeong-Chul has been our Standing Director since August 11, 2006. Mr. Chang also currently serves as our Senior Vice President of the Overseas Business Division and previously served as our Director General of Personnel & General Affairs Department. Mr. Chang received an M.B.A. from Korea University.

Park, Chung-Boo has been our Non-Standing Director since September 8, 2004. Mr. Park is currently the Chairman of Sungto Accounting Corporation. Mr. Park received a B.A. in economics from Seoul National University and an M.A. in Economics from State University of Tennessee.

Shin, Jae-Hyun has been our Non-standing Director since September 8, 2004. Mr. Shin is an attorney at Kim & Chang. Mr. Shin received a LL.B. from Seoul National University and an L.L.M. from New York University.

Kang, Eung-Seon has been our Non-Standing Director since April 22, 2005. Mr. Kang is a visiting professor at Korea University. Mr. Kang received a B.A. in economics from Seoul National University and an M.A. in economics from the University of Hawaii.

Kim, Ju-Sub has been our Non-Standing Director since April 22, 2005. Mr. Kim is a professor extraordinary at Catholic University of Daegu. Mr. Kim received a B.A. in business administration from Yeungnam University and an M.A. in public administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Kwon, Oh-Sung has been our Non-Standing Director since April 22, 2005. Mr. Kwon currently manages the O’gye farm in Gyeongsangnam-do. Mr. Kwon received a B.A. and an M.A. in agriculture from Kyungbook National University.

Yoo, Jong-Geol has been our Non-Standing Director since August 2, 2005. Mr. Yoo served formerly as the director of the bureau of national security investigation at National Intelligence Service. Mr. Yoo received a B.A. in natural resource engineering from Chonnam National University.

Kwak, Bae-Hee has been our Non-Standing Director since April 21, 2006. Ms. Kwak currently serves as the president of Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations. Ms. Kwak received an LL.B. and a Ph.D. in sociology from Ewha Womans University.

Kim, Jae-Kyu has been our Non-Standing Director since October 12, 2006. Mr. Kim currently serves as the standing advisor of Natura Korea Inc. Mr. Kim received a B.A. in trade from Pusan National University.

The presence at board meetings of a majority of the board members constitutes a voting quorum 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 in its duties, or otherwise is deemed to be significantly impeded in performing its official duties as chief executive officer, the board of directors may by resolution request the Minister of MOCIE 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 absent special circumstances, the chief executive officer must comply with such request.

The business address of our directors is 167 Samseong-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, Korea.

Board of Auditors

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. Pursuant to our amended articles of incorporation, we have three auditors, consisting of one standing auditor and two non-standing auditors. The standing auditor was appointed by the President of the Republic upon the motion of the Minister of Planning and Budget of the Republic from a pool of candidates recommended by the director nomination committee and approved by the Public Agencies Operating Committee,

 

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following a resolution at the general meeting of our shareholders. The non-standing auditors were appointed by the President of the Republic upon the motion of the Minister of Planning and Budget of the Republic from a pool of candidates recommended by the director nomination committee and approved by the Public Agencies Operating Committee. Each of our auditors is severally responsible for performance of its duties required under the Commercial Code of Korea and other applicable laws of Korea. In addition, these auditors perform the roles and responsibilities required of an audit committee under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act through a board of auditors consisting of all of these auditors. The auditors may attend board meetings but are not our directors and do not have the right to vote at board meetings.

The names, titles and outside occupations, if any, of our auditors as of June 15, 2007 and the respective years in which they took office are set forth below.

 

Name

   Age   

Title

  

Outside Occupation

  

Position Held Since

Kwak, Jin-Eob

   62    Standing Auditor    None    July 6, 2005

Hwang, Suk-Hee

   62    Non-Standing Auditor    None    July 6, 2005

Yang, Seung-Sook

   57    Non-Standing Auditor    None    July 6, 2005

Kwak, Jin-Eob is our Standing Auditor. He received a B.A. in politics and diplomacy from Korea University and an M.A. in economics from Yonsei University. Mr. Kwak previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of the Korean National Tax Service.

Hwang, Suk-Hee is our Non-Standing Auditor. Mr. Hwang previously served as the president of Woori Credit Card Company. Mr. Hwang received a B.A. in business administration from Korea University.

Yang, Seung-Sook is our Non-Standing Auditor. Ms. Yang previously served as the principal of Armed Forces Nursing Academy. Ms. Yang received a B.A. in nursing from Chonnam National University and an M.S. in nursing administration from Hanyang University.

Since July 13, 2005, when the first meeting of the Board of Auditors was held, the Board of Auditors have decided on 31 agenda through the end of June 2007, including, among others, appointment of financial experts, remuneration of our independent auditors and pre-approval of audit and non-audit services by independent auditors of us and our subsidiaries.

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 auditor that we currently have. However, if the term of the auditor has not expired at the time of such designation, a market-oriented public enterprise is required to establish an audit committee at the end of such term. We plan to amend our articles of incorporation to allow establishment of an audit committee following July 5, 2008, when the term of our current auditor expires.

Board Practices

The term of office for the current members of the board of directors (including the president) are three years. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, the term of office for executive officers 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 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.

The terms of office of our current directors (including the president) and the auditors are three years.

 

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Our board currently does not maintain a compensation committee. See “—Corporate Governance” below. However, we currently maintain a board of auditors, which is independent of our board or our management, to perform 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. Pursuant to the newly enacted Public Agencies Management Act, following the expiration of the term of our members of the board of auditors on July 5, 2008, we will establish an audit committee in lieu of a board of auditors.

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 terms for termination benefits for standing directors and the standing auditor are determined in accordance with our internal regulations for executive compensation. Standing directors and the standing auditor are only eligible for benefits upon termination of employment or death following one year of continuous service.

Compensation of Directors and Supervisors

For the year ended December 31, 2006, the aggregate amount of remuneration paid and accrued to the directors and executive officers (including the statutory auditors) as a group, was (Won)6,641 million. The aggregate amount we paid or accrued during the year ended December 31, 2006 to provide retirement and severance benefits for our directors and executive officers, including our statutory auditors, was (Won)863 million.

Share Ownership

None of our directors and members of our administrative, supervisory or management bodies owns more than 0.1% of our common stock.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2006, we had 37,490 regular employees, including the employees of our generation subsidiaries, almost all of whom are employed within the Republic. Approximately 8.5% 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, 2006.

 

     KEPCO     KHNP     KOSEP     KOMIPO     KOWEPO     EWP     KOSPO     Total  

Regular Employees

                

Administrative

   4,676     647     227     203     196     201     210     6,360  

Engineers

   9,865     5,620     1,407     1,683     1,382     1,667     1,381     23,005  

Others

   5,847     1,120     274     271     209     195     209     8,125  
                                                

Total

   20,388     7,387     1,908     2,157     1,787     2,063     1,800     37,490  
                                                

Head Office Employees

   1,249     835     213     225     244     203     214     3,183  

% of total

   6.1 %   11.3 %   10.9 %   10.9 %   13.7 %   9.8 %   11.9 %   8.5 %

Members of Labor Union

   15,294     4,333     1,264     1,449     1,139     1,370     1,161     26,010  

% of total

   75.0 %   58.7 %   66.2 %   67.2 %   63.7 %   66.4 %   64.5 %   69.4 %

We and each of our generation subsidiaries have separate labor unions. Approximately 69.4% 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

 

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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 have not been interrupted by any work stoppages or strikes until early 2002. Although our relations with our employees have been good, we have experienced labor unrest as a result of changes in our businesses according to the Restructuring Plan. We faced opposition from labor in late 2000 in connection with the Restructuring Plan. However, we experienced no significant difficulties with labor in the transfer of employees in our power generation division to the newly established generation subsidiaries on or prior to April 2, 2001 in line with the Restructuring Plan. As of April 2, 2001, we had transferred 14,492 employees to our generation subsidiaries, as a result of which we had 15,036 employees as of such date. Early in 2002, 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. See Item 3 “Key Information—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”. However, we did not experience any interruption of our businesses because non-union employees kept the non-nuclear generation facilities running. We cannot assure that we will not have any work stoppages or strikes or other labor problems in the future.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We complied throughout the year with the corporate governance provisions of the KEPCO Act, the Commercial Code of Korea, the Securities and Exchange 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 Commercial Code of Korea, except to the extent the KEPCO Act and the newly enacted Public Agencies Management Act otherwise require. In addition, as a listed company, we are subject to the Securities and Exchange Act of Korea, unless the Securities and Exchange 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 newly enacted 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 Planning and Budget 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 plan to incorporate in our amendment to our articles of incorporation. A senior non-standing director appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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 MOCIE 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 MOCIE. The non-standing directors must be appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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.

 

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The term of office for the current members of the board of directors (including the president) are three years. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, 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, 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 15 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. To enhance monitoring of the management for the shareholders, we are required to establish an audit committee at the end of the current auditors’ tenure, in lieu of a board of auditors. 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.

We are required to submit to the government by October 31, 2007 a report on our management goals for the next three fiscal years. 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 MOCIE, and following the review and resolution of the operation committee, the Minister of Planning and Budget 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 MOCIE must execute these plans and submit a performance report to the Minister of Planning and Budget.

In light of the Public Agencies Management Act, the Government plans to submit to the National Assembly in the second half of 2007 amendments to the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act and other laws that conflict with the Public Agencies Management Act. We plan to amend our articles of incorporation to reflect the relevant provisions of the Public Agencies Management Act at a general meeting of our shareholders resolution in the second half of 2007. We also plan to revise our internal regulations as necessary to comply with the Public Agencies Management Act.

Differences in Korean/New York Stock Exchange corporate governance practices

In November 2003, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved new corporate governance rules of the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, for listed companies. Under these new rules, as a NYSE-listed foreign private issuer, we must disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards. We believe the following to be the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to U.S. companies.

U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. The listing rules of the Korea Exchange require each company, at the time of its initial listing, to disclose information related to its corporate governance, such as its board of directors, internal audit, shareholder voting, and remuneration of officers and directors. The Korea Exchange, among other things, will review the corporate governance practices of the company in determining whether to approve such company for listing.

 

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Under the NYSE listing rules applicable to U.S. companies, independent directors must comprise a majority of the board of directors. 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. Under the Public Agencies Management Act, more than one-half of our directors must be non-standing directors. The Securities and Exchange 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 Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget 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. Governmental officials that are not part of the teaching staff in national and public schools are ineligible to become our non-standing directors.

Under the NYSE listing standards, companies are required to have an audit committee, with at least three members, composed entirely of independent directors. 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. 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 auditor. However, if the term of the auditor has not expired at the time of such designation, a market-oriented public enterprise is required to establish an audit committee at the end of such term. We plan to amend our articles of incorporation to allow establishment of an audit committee following July 5, 2008, when the term of our current auditor expires. Our board of auditors and our audit committee (upon its establishment) oversees or will oversee our financial reporting, business and legal compliance separately from the audit by the independent public accountants. 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.

Under the NYSE listing standards, companies are required to have a nominating/corporate governance committee, composed entirely of 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.

The NYSE listing standards require U.S. companies 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. Pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to our President & Chief Executive Officer and all other directors and executive officers including the Chief Financial Officer, which is available on www.kepco.co.kr.

Lastly, 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. In accordance with NYSE listing rules applicable to foreign private issuers, we are not required to provide the NYSE with this

 

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annual compliance certification. 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 after any executive officer becomes aware of any material non-compliance with the NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to us. Beginning in 2005, foreign private issuers, including us, were required to submit to the NYSE an annual written affirmation relating to compliance with Section 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. Beginning in 2006, foreign private issuers must submit the annual written affirmation within 30 days of the filing of its annual report of Form 20-F with the SEC. In 2006, we submitted our annual written affirmation to the NYSE on July 27, 2006.

 

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ITEM 7.    MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth certain information relating to certain owners of our capital stock as of December 31, 2006, 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 Development Bank    192,159,940    29.95%
   Sub Total    327,680,693    51.07%
   Resolution & Finance Corporation    32,210,933    5.02%
   National Pension Corporation    17,660,852    2.75%
   KEPCO (held in the form of treasury stock)    20,485,966    3.19%
   Employee Stock Ownership Association      
   Directors and executive officers as a group      
  

Public (non-Koreans)

      Underlying shares

      American depositary shares

   105,705,302
80,153,810
   16.48%
12.49%
   Sub Total    185,859,112    28.97%
   Public (Koreans)    57,670,156    9.00%
   Total    641,567,712    100%

Note:

 

(1) Percentages are based on issued shares of common stock (including treasury stock).

All of our shareholders have equal voting rights. See Item 10 “Additional Information—Articles of Incorporation—Description of Capital Stock—Voting Rights.”

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We from time to time have engaged in a variety of transactions with our affiliates. Our policy on transactions with affiliates is that these transactions will be conducted on terms substantially as favorable to us as we could obtain at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a person other than an affiliate.

For the purchase of electricity from the independent power producers and our generation subsidiaries, see Item 4 “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Cost-based Pool System”.

In 2003, we issued 647,697 shares with par value (Won)5,000 to the Government in return for certain fixed assets in the form of an in-kind contribution from the Ministry of Defense of Korea of certain electric distribution facilities then under the management of such Ministry. These fixed assets were recorded based on the fair value of the common stock at the date of the transaction. The value of these shares were recorded as common stock of (Won)3,239 million and paid-in capital in excess of par value of (Won)11,425 million. In addition, in 2005, we issued another 819,139 shares with par value (Won)5,000 to the Government in return for certain fixed assets related to a similar in-kind contribution from the Ministry of Defense. These fixed assets were recorded based on the fair value of the common stock at the date of the transaction, which was approximately equal to the Government’s carrying amount. The value of these shares were recorded as common stock of (Won)4,096 million and paid-in capital in excess of par value of (Won)23,846 million.

As of December 31, 2006, the balance of long-term borrowings from Korea Development Bank, one of our major shareholders, amounted to (Won)4,720 billion and the related interest expense amounted to approximately

 

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(Won)249 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2006 and for the year then ended, the balance of long-term borrowings from The Export-Import Bank of Korea amounted to (Won)36 billion and the related interest expense amounted to approximately (Won)3 billion. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, the balance of long-term borrowings from Industrial Bank of Korea amounted to (Won)70 billion and the related interest expense amounted to approximately (Won)3 billion. In addition, as of December 31, 2006 and for the year then ended, the balance of long-term borrowings from the Government amounted to (Won)50 billion and the related interest expense amounted to approximately (Won)2 billion.

Korea Development Bank has provided a repayment guarantee amounting to (Won)1,137 billion for some of our foreign currency debentures, which existed at the time of spin-off, but not redeemed as of December 31, 2006.

On behalf of our affiliates, KEPCO International Hong Kong Ltd., KEPCO Philippines Corp. and KEPCO Ilijan Corp., we have provided payment guarantees of US$254 million, US$114 million and US$102 million as of December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006 respectively, to Korea Development Bank and other banks.

 

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ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are set forth under Item 18 “Financial Statements”.

Legal Proceedings

As of December 31, 2006, we and our generation subsidiaries were defendants in 325 different court proceedings. As of that date, those proceedings included claims against us amounting in the aggregate of (Won)409 billion. While we are unable to predict the ultimate disposition of these claims, the ultimate disposition of these claims will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on us.

On September 20, 2006, we were served with process in connection with a complaint filed by Korea Land Corporation (“KLC”) with the Seoul Central District Court requesting damages of (Won)150.5 billion, representing a refund that KLC alleges that it is entitled to. Among the issues raised in the complaint is the alleged refund of installation costs for underground electric power cable facility. Under applicable laws and regulations in Korea, we are required to bear the cost of installing an overground electric power cable facility in connection with government-sponsored housing projects. However, under these laws and regulations, it is uncertain as to who should bear the cost of installing an “underground” electric power cable facility. As the cost of installing an underground facility is considerably greater than installing an overground facility, we have maintained that the project sponsors, such as KLC, Korea National Housing Corporations (“KNHC”) or local governments, should bear the difference in costs of installation if such project sponsors choose the underground installation over the overground installation and accordingly have collected payments from project sponsors representing such difference. KLC and other sponsors have maintained otherwise and have filed several lawsuits to obtain a judicial decision on this matter and to collect the portion of payments attributable to the cost of installation described above. In addition to the lawsuit covered by the complaint served on us on June 13, 2007, 13 other lawsuits had been previously filed by KLC, KNHC and local governments against us with similar fact patterns and alleging damages amounting to in the aggregate (Won)78.4 billion. Two similar lawsuits have been pending at the Supreme Court of Korea for over one year. We expect that the decision by the Supreme Court on these lawsuits may influence the outcome of the other pending lawsuits.

Our generation subsidiaries currently and from time to time are involved in lawsuits incidental to the conduct of their business. Most of such lawsuits are based on the claim that the construction and operation of the electric generation units owned by our generation subsidiaries in the neighborhood caused impairment of fish farms. Our generation subsidiaries normally pay compensation to and for the benefit of the members of the fisheries association near our power plant complex for expected losses and damages arising from the construction and operation of its power plant in the neighborhood in advance prior to the commencement of the construction and operation. 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 and 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. For additional information relating to these lawsuits, see “Annual Report on Form 20-F—Item 8. Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings”.

Dividend Policy

See Item 10 “Additional Information—Articles of Incorporation—Description of Capital Stock—Dividend Rights”. For a description of the tax consequences of dividends paid to our shareholders, see Item 10 “Additional Information—Taxation—Korean Taxes—Shares or ADSs—Dividends on the Shares of Common Stock or ADSs” and Item 10 “Additional Information—Taxation—U.S. Federal Income and Estate Tax Consideration for U.S. Persons—Tax Consequences with respect to Common Stock and ADRs—Distributions on Common Stock or ADRs”.

 

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ITEM 9.    THE OFFER AND LISTING

Notes

We have issued the following notes and debentures, which are traded principally in the over-the counter market:

 

   

4.25% Notes due 2007 (the “4.25% Notes”),

 

 

 

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”),

 

   

7.95% Zero-To-Full Debentures, due April 1, 2096 (the “7.95% 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 4.25% Notes, 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 4.25% Notes and 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 4.25% Notes and the 8 1/4% Notes.

Common Stock and ADSs

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”. The ADS ratio is one ADS representing one-half of one share of our common stock. As of December 31, 2006, the date we last closed our shareholders’ registry, 160,307,620 ADSs representing 12.49% shares of our common stock were outstanding.

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 Stock Market Division 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 May, 2007, the aggregate market value of equity securities listed on the KOSPI of the Korea Exchange was approximately (Won)835 trillion. The average daily trading volume of equity securities for 2006 was approximately 279 million shares with an average transaction value of (Won)3,435 trillion.

The Korea Exchange has the power in some circumstances to suspend trading in the 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, semiannually and quarterly and to release immediately all information that may affect trading in a security.

 

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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 offer publicly 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 Stock Market Division 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.

Movements in KOSPI are set out in the following table:

 

     Opening    High    Low    Closing

1980

   100.00    119.36    100.00    106.87

1981

   97.95    165.95    93.14    131.37

1982

   123.60    134.49    106.00    127.31

1983

   122.52    134.46    115.59    121.21

1984

   116.73    142.46    114.37    142.46

1985

   139.53    163.37    131.40    163.37

1986

   161.40    279.67    153.85    272.61

1987

   264.82    525.11    264.82    525.11

1988

   532.04    922.56    527.89    907.20

1989

   919.61    1,007.77    844.75    909.72

1990

   908.59    928.82    566.27    696.11

1991

   679.75    763.10    586.51    610.92

1992

   624.23    691.48    459.07    678.44

1993

   697.41    874.10    605.93    866.18

1994

   879.32    1,138.75    855.37    1,027.37

1995

   1,013.57    1,016.77    847.09    882.94

1996

   888.85    986.84    651.22    651.22

1997

   653.79    792.29    350.68    376.31

1998

   385.49    579.86    280.00    562.46

1999

   587.57    1,028.07    498.42    1,028.07

2000

   1,059.04    1,059.04    500.60    504.62

2001

   520.95    704.50    468.76    504.62

2002

   698.00    937.61    584.04    627.55

2003

   633.03    822.16    515.24    810.71

2004

   821.26    936.06    719.59    895.92

2005

   896.00    1,379.37    870.84    1,379.37

2006

   1,383.32    1,464.70    1,203.86    1,434.46

2007 (through May 31)

   1,435.26    1,700.91    1,355.79    1,700.91

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.

 

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With certain exceptions, principally to take account of a share being quoted “ex-dividend” and “ex-rights”, permitted 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 10 “Additional Information—Taxation—Korean Taxation”.

 

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The number of companies listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange, 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)
   Thousands of
Shares
   (Millions of
Won)
   (Thousands of
U.S. dollars)(1)

1980

   352    2,526,553    3,828,691    5,654    3,897    5,905

1981

   343    2,959,057    4,224,207    10,565    8,708    12,433

1982

   334    3,000,494    4,407,711    9,704    6,667    8,904

1983

   328    3,489,654    4,386,743    9,325    5,941    7,468

1984

   336    5,148,460    6,222,456    14,847    10,642    12,862

1985

   342    6,570,404    7,380,818    18,925    12,315    13,834

1986

   355    11,994,233    13,924,115    31,755    32,870    38,159

1987

   389    26,172,174    33,033,162    20,353    70,185    88,584

1988

   502    64,543,685    94,348,318    10,367    198,364    289,963

1989

   626    95,476,774    140,489,660    11,757    280,967    414,431

1990

   669    79,019,676    110,301,055    10,866    183,692    256,500

1991

   686    73,117,833    96,182,364    14,022    214,263    281,850

1992

   688    84,711,982    107,502,515    24,028    308,246    391,175

1993

   693    112,665,260    139,419,948    35,130    574,048    676,954

1994

   699    151,217,231    191,729,721    36,862    776,257    984,223

1995

   721    141,151,399    182,201,367    26,130    487,762    629,614

1996

   760    117,369,988    139,031,021    26,571    486,834    575,733

1997

   776    70,988,897    50,161,742    41,525    555,759    392,707

1998

   748    137,798,451    114,090,455    97,716    660,429    471,432

1999

   725    349,503,966    305,137,040    278,551    3,481,620    3,039,654

2000

   704    188,041,490    148,393,204    306,154    2,602,159    2,053,796

2001

   589    255,850,070    192,934,221    473,241    1,947,420    1,506,236

2002

   683    258,680,756    215,445,465    857,245    3,041,598    2,533,820

2003

   684    355,360,626    298,121,331    542,010    2,216,636    2,402,661

2004

   683    412,588,139    398,597,371    372,895    2,232,109    2,156,419

2005

   702    655,074,595    647,562,865    467,629    3,157,662    3,121,453

2006

   731    704,587,508    757,946,975    279,096    3,435,180    3,595,353

2007 (as of May 31)

   732    835,119,358    898,074,371    298,034    3,723,661    4,004,367

Source: The Korea Exchange

Note:

 

(1) Converted at the Concentration Base Rate of The Bank of Korea or the Market Average Exchange Rate, as the case may be, at the end of the periods indicated.

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Supervisory Commission and the Securities and Exchange Act. The Securities and Exchange Act was amended fundamentally numerous times in recent years to broaden the scope and improve the effectiveness of official supervision of the securities markets. As amended, the Securities and Exchange Act 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.

 

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Further Opening of the Korean Securities Market

A stock index futures market was opened on May 3, 1996 and a stock index option market was opened on July 7, 1997, in each case at the Futures Market Division of the Korea Exchange. Remittance and repatriation of funds in connection with investment in stock index futures and options are subject to regulations similar to those that govern remittance and repatriation in the context of foreign portfolio investment in Korean stocks.

In addition, open new option markets for seven individual stocks (Samsung Electronics, SK Telecom, KT, KEPCO, POSCO, Kookmin Bank and Hyundai Motor Company) were opened on January 28, 2002 at the Futures Market Division of the Korea Exchange. Under the applicable regulation, non-Koreans are permitted to invest in such options for individual stocks subject to the same procedural requirements as those currently applicable to the investment in stock or stock index futures and options at the Korea Exchange.

Starting from May 1, 1996, foreign investors were permitted to invest in warrants representing the right to subscribe for shares of a company listed on the Korea Exchange, subject to certain investment limitations. A foreign investor may not acquire such warrants with respect to shares of a class of a company for which the ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners has been reached or exceeded.

As of December 30, 1997, foreign investors were permitted to invest in all types of corporate bonds, bonds issued by national or local governments and bonds issued in accordance with certain special laws without being subject to any aggregate or individual investment ceiling. The Financial Supervisory Commission sets forth procedural requirements for such investments. The Government announced on February 8, 1998 its plans for the liberalization of the money market with respect to investment in money market instruments by foreigners in 1998. According to the plan, foreigners have been permitted to invest in money market instruments issued by corporations, including commercial paper, starting February 16, 1998 with no restrictions as to the amount. Starting May 25, 1998, foreigners have been permitted to invest in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.

Currently, foreigners are permitted to invest in securities including shares of all Korean companies which are not listed on the Korea Exchange and in bonds which are not listed.

Protection of Customer’s Interest in Case of Insolvency of Securities Companies

Under Korean law, the relationship between a customer and a securities company 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 securities company) 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 a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure involving a securities company, the customer of the securities company is entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold by the securities company. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Act recognizes the ownership of a customer in securities held by a securities company in such customer’s account.

When a customer places a sell order with a securities company which is not a member of the Korea Exchange and this securities company places a sell order with another securities company 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 Securities and Exchange 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 securities company which is a member of

 

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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.

As the cash deposited with a securities company is regarded as belonging to the securities company, which is liable to return the same at the request of its customer, the customer cannot take back deposited cash from the securities company if a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure is instituted against the securities 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 securities company’s bankruptcy, liquidation, cancellation of securities business license or other insolvency events (collectively, the “Insolvency Events”). The premiums related to this insurance are paid by securities companies. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act, as amended, securities companies are required to deposit the cash received from its 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 Securities and Exchange Act. Set-off or attachment of cash deposits by securities companies with the Korea Securities Finance Corporation is prohibited. In addition, in the event of an occurrence of an Insolvency Event to the securities company, the cash so deposited shall be withdrawn and paid to the customer senior to other creditors of the securities company.

Market Price Information

Common Stock

Shares of our common stock are listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange.

The table below shows the high and low trading prices on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange for our common stock since January 1, 2002.

 

     Price

Period

   High    Low
     (In Won)

2002

   26,400    17,600

2003

     

First Quarter

   18,750    17,100

Second Quarter

   20,550    17,550

Third Quarter

   22,250    17,900

Fourth Quarter

   25,400    21,000

2004

     

First Quarter

   22,500    20,000

Second Quarter

   20,400    18,350

Third Quarter

   22,400    18,400

Fourth Quarter

   27,550    21,300

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

     

January

   44,800    41,100

February

   43,300    39,600

March

   39,150    37,500

Second Quarter (through June 15)

     

April

   39,550    37,500

May

   42,300    38,950

June (through June 15)

   41,200    40,200

 

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ADSs

The table below shows the high and low trading prices on the New York Stock Exchange for the outstanding ADSs since January 1, 2002. Each ADS represents one-half of one share of our common stock.

 

     Price

Period

   High    Low
     (In US$)

2002

   11.69    8.21

2003

     

First Quarter

   8.84    7.69

Second Quarter

   9.57    7.89

Third Quarter

   10.67    8.54

Fourth Quarter

   11.62    10.11

2004

     

First Quarter

   11.23    9.76

Second Quarter

   10.64    8.77

Third Quarter

   10.96    8.97

Fourth Quarter

   13.88    10.51

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

     

January

   23.64    21.75

February

   23.27    20.64

March

   20.96    19.82

Second Quarter (through June 15)

     

April

   21.36    20.38

May

   22.77    21.01

June (through June 15)

   22.43    21.52

 

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ITEM 10.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 Korean Securities and Exchange Act of 1962, as amended (the “Securities and Exchange Act”), the Korean Commercial Code, and certain related laws of Korea, all as 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, the Securities and Exchange Act, the Korean Commercial Code and certain related laws of Korea. In order to comply with the newly enacted Public Agencies Management Act, We plan to amend our articles of incorporation and our internal regulations in the second half of 2007.

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;

 

   

Business incidental to the foregoing; and

 

   

Any other activities entrusted by the Government.

Our registered name is “Hankook Chollryuk Kongsa” in Korean, and in English “Korea Electric Power Corporation”. 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. The remuneration standards for the president and standing directors shall reflect the management results of our operation and the standards for the president shall contain the contents of the agreement between the president and the MOCIE. Directors who have an interest may not participate in the meeting of the board of directors for determining the remuneration for officers.

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 15, 2007, 641,567,712 common shares were issued and no non-voting preferred shares have been issued. As of June 15, 2007, we held 1,201,950 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.

 

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Description of Capital Stock

Dividend Rights

Under the KEPCO Act, we are authorized to pay preferential dividends on our shares held by the public shareholders compared to those held by the Government. Dividends to the 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 Development Bank may receive dividends in proportion to the numbers of our shares held by Korea Development Bank. 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 for our common shares exceed the dividends for our non-voting preferred shares, the holders of the 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 of record as of the end of the fiscal year preceding the annual shareholders’ meeting shortly after 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, if the market price of the shares is less than their par value, 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% 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 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 Securities and Exchange Act, cumulative voting is permissible in relation to the appointment of directors. Under the Korean Commercial Code and the Securities and Exchange 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 seven days 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

 

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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 the 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 our 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 MOCIE 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.

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 Securities and Exchange 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 ADRs 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.

 

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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 Securities and Exchange Act, (2) issued to members of our employee stock ownership association, (3) represented by depositary receipts or (4) issued through offering to public investors 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 Securities and Exchange 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% of any shares publicly offered pursuant to the Securities and Exchange 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% 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 their shares. We are obligated to purchase the shares of dissenting shareholders within one (1) 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, the Financial Supervisory Commission may adjust this price if we or at least 30% of our shares we are obligated to purchase do not accept such purchase price. 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.

 

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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 its behalf in Korea and file a mailing address in Korea. These requirements do not apply to the holders of ADRs. Under current Korean regulations, Korean securities companies and banks in Korea (including licensed branches of non-Korean securities companies and banks), future trading companies, the Korea Securities Depository, internationally recognized foreign custodians and asset management companies 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% 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 agreements with trust companies, asset management companies and securities investment companies. The aggregate purchase price for our shares may not exceed the total amount available of dividends at the end of the preceding 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, 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 “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 Securities and Exchange Act 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. Currently, we use The Seoul Shinmun and The Maeil Kyungje (The Economics Daily) published in Seoul for this purpose. 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.

 

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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 for the period following December 31 and ending on the next following ordinary general meeting of shareholders. Further, the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation permit us upon 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 Securities and Exchange Act, we must file with the Financial Supervisory 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 Supervisory 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 Supervisory 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 Supervisory Commission may order you to take necessary corrective action. In addition, the KEPCO Act currently requires that the Government, directly or through Korea Development Bank, 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 Development Bank Act, through Korea Development Bank, own not less than 51% of our capital.

Disclosure of Share Ownership

Under the Korean Securities and Exchange 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 5.0% 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 Supervisory Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange within five business days after reaching the 5.0% ownership interest threshold. In addition, any change (i) in the ownership interest subsequent to the report which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the

 

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total outstanding Equity Securities, or (ii) in the shareholding purpose is required to be reported to the Financial Supervisory 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 recently amended Korean Securities and Exchange 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 5.0%. Furthermore, the Financial Supervisory Commission of Korea may issue an order to dispose of such non-reported Equity Securities.

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 Supervisory Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Korean Securities and Exchange 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 Finance and Economy, or the MOFE, 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 MOFE 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 MOFE 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.

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 MOFE on the issuance of such debt securities, depending on the issuance amount. The Ministry of Finance and Economy 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 MOFE.

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

 

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issuance with our designated foreign exchange bank or the MOFE, depending on the offering amount. The Ministry of Finance and Economy may at its discretion direct us to take measures as necessary to avoid undue exchange rate fluctuations before it accepts such report. No further Korean 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 ADRs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADRs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADRs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary at the time of such proposed deposit. The depositary would also be required to file a written report to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, or the FSS. 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 ADRs who surrenders ADRs and withdraws shares of our common stock may not be permitted subsequently to deposit such shares and obtain ADRs.

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

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) certain equity-related debt securities such as convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (collectively, the “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 Supervisory 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 Supervisory 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 Supervisory Commission may issue an order to dispose of such non-reported Equity Securities.

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% 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 ten 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 the tenth day of the month following the month 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 Korean 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 FSS 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 FSS.

 

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Special Reporting Requirement for Companies Whose Securities Are Listed on Foreign Exchanges

Under the regulations of the Financial Supervisory Commission which were amended in March 2005, (i) if a company listed on the Stock Market Division or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange submits a report to a foreign exchange, pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction in which the foreign exchange is located, material information regarding management that have not been disclosed to the Korea Exchange, it must submit a Korean translation of such information to the Financial Supervisory Commission and the Korea Exchange, and (ii) if a company listed on the Stock Market Division or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange submits business reports or similar documents to a foreign exchange, it must submit a Korean summary thereof to the Financial Supervisory Commission 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 the 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 Supervisory Commission regulations (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 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”, (3) 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) and (4) 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. 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 securities company licensed in Korea must act as an intermediary. Odd-lot trading of shares listed on the Korea Exchange outside the Korea Exchange must involve a licensed securities company 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 its identity with the FSS 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 FSS 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 securities company. 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 Finance and Economy under the Securities and Exchange Act. 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

 

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Korea Exchange (as discussed above) must be reported by the foreign investor or his standing proxy to the Governor of the FSS 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 FSS by the securities company engaged to facilitate such transaction. A foreign investor may appoint one or more standing proxies from among the Korea Securities Depository, internationally recognized foreign custodians, asset management companies, futures trading companies, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), and securities companies (including domestic branches of foreign securities companies) 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 FSS 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. Only foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), securities companies (including domestic branches of foreign securities companies), asset management companies, futures trading companies, internationally recognized foreign custodians and the Korea Securities Depository 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. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with this deposit requirement with the approval of the Governor of the FSS 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% 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 Supervisory 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% ceiling.

In addition to the aggregate foreign investment ceiling set by the Financial Supervisory Commission under authority of the Securities and Exchange 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 Supervisory Commission may take necessary corrective action against him pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act.

 

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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 his Won account. Funds in the investor’s Won account may be transferred to his foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses up to certain limitations. Funds in the 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.

Securities companies and asset management companies 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.

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

 

   

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.

 

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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 residents’ tax would be imposed at the rate of 10% 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.

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 27.5% of the net gain or 11% 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 paid to you at a rate of 27.5%. 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. 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 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% of the gross proceeds realized or (ii) 27.5% 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

 

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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.

With respect to shares of our common stock, you will not be subject to Korean income taxation on capital gains realized upon the transfer of such shares 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% 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.

With respect to ADSs, there are uncertainties as to whether they should be viewed as securities separate from the shares of common stock underlying such ADSs or as the underlying shares themselves for capital gains tax purposes, as discussed in more detail in the following paragraph. However, in either case, you will be eligible for exemptions for capital gains available under Korean domestic tax law (in addition to the exemption afforded under income tax treaties) if certain conditions discussed below are satisfied.

Under a tax ruling issued by the Korean tax authority in 1995 (the “1995 tax ruling”), ADSs are treated as securities separate from the underlying shares represented by such ADSs and, based on such ruling, (i) capital gains earned by you from the transfer of ADSs to another non-resident (other than to such transferee’s permanent establishment in Korea) will not be subject to Korean income taxation and (ii) capital gains earned by you (regardless whether you have a permanent establishment in Korea) from the transfer of ADSs outside Korea will be exempt from Korean income taxation by virtue of the STTCL, provided that the issuance of the ADSs is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL. However, according to a recent tax ruling issued in 2004 by the Korean tax authority regarding the securities transaction tax (the “2004 tax ruling”), depositary receipts constitute share certificates the transfer of which is subject to the securities transaction tax. Even though the 2004 tax ruling addresses the securities transaction tax and not the income tax on capital gains, it gives rise to a question as to whether depositary shares (such as ADSs) should be viewed as the underlying shares for capital gains tax purposes. In that case, exemptions afforded under Korean domestic tax law to capital gains from transfer of ADSs based on the treatment of ADSs as securities separate from the underlying shares would no longer apply (including those referred to in the 1995 tax ruling), but, instead, exemptions for capital gains from transfer of the underlying shares would apply. Under such an exemption relevant to this case, capital gains from transfer of ADSs would be exempt from Korean income tax under the STTCL if the issuance of such ADSs is deemed as an overseas issuance under the STTCL.

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 a licensed securities company in Korea, the licensed securities company, is required to withhold Korean tax from the sales price in an amount equal to 11% (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. To obtain the benefit of an exemption from tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you must submit to the purchaser or the securities company, 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

 

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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 resident 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% 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 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 securities company, as applicable, a certificate as to his tax residence. In the absence of sufficient proof, we, the purchaser or the securities company, as applicable, must withhold tax at the normal rates. Further, effective from July 1, 2002, in order for you to obtain the benefit of a tax exemption on certain Korean source income (e.g., 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’s interpretation of treating depositary receipts as the underlying share certificates under the 2004 tax ruling applies in the context of inheritance and gift taxes as well, 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% to 50%; provided that the value of the ADSs or shares of common stock is greater than a specified amount.

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 Division 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 Division 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 ADRs, the 2004 tax ruling has been issued by the Korean tax authority to the effect that depositary receipts (which the ADRs fall under) constitute share certificates subject to the securities

 

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transaction tax; provided that, under the Securities Transaction Tax Law, the transfer of depositary receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ National Market is exempt from the securities transaction tax. Based on the 2004 tax ruling and the relevant provisions of the Securities Transaction Tax Law, once the ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, your transfer of ADRs should not be subject to the securities transaction tax. According to tax rulings issued by the Korean tax authorities in 2000 and 2002, foreign stockholders are not subject to securities transaction tax upon the deposit of underlying stock and receipt of depositary shares or upon the surrender of depositary shares and withdrawal of the originally deposited underlying stock, but there remained uncertainties as to whether holders of ADRs other than initial holders will not be subject to securities transaction tax when they withdraw shares of common stock upon surrendering the ADRs. However, the holding of the 2004 tax ruling referred to above seems to view the ADRs as the underlying shares of common stock at least for the purpose of the securities transaction tax and, though not specifically stated, could be read to imply that the securities transaction tax should not apply to the deposit of shares of common stock in exchange of ADRs or withdrawal of shares of common stock upon surrender of the ADRs regardless of whether the holder is the initial holder because the transfer of ADRs by the initial holder to the subsequent holder would have already been subject to securities transaction tax under such tax ruling.

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 a securities settlement company, such settlement company is generally required to withhold and pay the tax to the tax authorities. When such transfer is made through a securities company only, such securities company 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 a securities settlement company or a securities company, the transferee is required to withhold the securities transaction tax.

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 ADRs 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 and ADRs 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 ADRs 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 and ADRs as part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction, constructive sale or straddle, a person owning 10% or

 

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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 ADRs, 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 ADRs, 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 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 “ZTF Debentures Treated as Equity,” below.

The discussion of the tax consequences of ownership of common stock and ADRs below, is based, in part, upon representations made by the Depositary to the Company 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 ADRs, 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” income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit (unless Korean withholding is imposed at a rate of 5% or more, in which case, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2007, such amounts generally will be considered “high withholding tax interest” 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

 

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the interest payable on such ZTF Debentures) and (ii) the “issue price” of the ZTF Debenture. The “issue price” of each ZTF Debenture is the first price at which a substantial amount of the ZTF Debentures were 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 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 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) less the aggregate of all qualified stated interest, as defined in the Code, allocable to the 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 made on such ZTF Debenture (other than payment of qualified stated interest) on or before the first day of the accrual period. OID allocable to a final accrual period is the difference between the amount payable at maturity (other than payment of qualified stated interest) and the adjusted issue price at the beginning of the final accrual period. Special rules will apply for calculating OID for an initial short accrual period. 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

 

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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 other than payments of qualified stated interest (as defined in the Code), 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 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 interest you have not included in income, which will be taxable as ordinary 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 therefor, 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 deposition 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.

 

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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 dividend-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations.

Tax Consequences with respect to Common Stock and ADRs

In general, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, holders of ADRs will be treated as the owners of the underlying common stock that is represented by such ADRs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of common stock by holders for ADRs will not be subject to U.S. Federal income tax. However, the U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADR and the issuer of the security underlying the ADR may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by the holders of ADRs. 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 ADRs

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 ADRs (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 actively or constructively received by the holder, in the case of common stock, or by the Depositary, in the case of ADRs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.

With respect to non-corporate U.S. holders, certain dividends paid by a qualified foreign corporation and received by such holders 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 current income tax treaty between the United States and Korea, 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 ADRs 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 ADRs, 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 ADRs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. Non-corporate U.S. holders 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

 

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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 ADRs, 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 percent. You will be required to properly demonstrate to the company and the Korean tax authorities your entitlement to the reduced rate of 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 ADRs will be treated as income from sources outside the United States and will generally constitute “passive” income. Further, in certain circumstances, if you have held common stock or ADRs 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 ADRs. 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 ADRs (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 ADRs), 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 would not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean withholding tax imposed on such distribution 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 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 of the rights is less than 15 percent of the fair market value of the old common stock 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.

 

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Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of ADRs or Common Stock

Upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADRs 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 ADRs 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 ADRs 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 an ADR 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.

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 ADRs 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 of the common stock or ADRs or the proceeds received on the sale, exchange, or redemption of the Registered Debt Securities, common stock or ADRs paid within the United States (and in certain cases, outside of the United States) to holders other than certain exempt recipients (such as corporations), 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.

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

We have filed this Annual Report on Form 20-F, including exhibits, with the SEC. As allowed by the SEC, in Item 19 of this Annual Report, we incorporate by reference certain information we filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Annual Report. You may inspect and copy this Annual Report, including exhibits, and documents that are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report at the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Any filings we make electronically will be available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

 

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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, 2006, approximately 30.9% of our debt was denominated in foreign currencies, principally in U.S. dollars and Yen. 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 2006, fuel costs represented 33.6% 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. A substantial portion of our borrowings from domestic sources have interest rates which are determined in reference to the rate offered on domestic bonds issued by Korea Development Bank with a maturity of one year.

We are also exposed to fluctuations in prices of fuel materials. In 2006, uranium accounted for 45.5% of our fuel requirements, coal accounted for 42.9%, oil (including diesel for internal combustion) accounted for 4.6% and LNG accounted for 16.9%. In 2005, measured on the same basis, uranium accounted for 44.9% of our fuel requirements, coal accounted for 41.2%, oil accounted for 4.9% and LNG accounted for 15.0%, measured in each case by the amount of electricity we generated.

For additional discussions of our market risks, see Item 3 “Key Information—Risk Factors” and Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Properties—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity”.

We have entered into the various swap contracts to hedge risks involving exchange rate foreign currency debts. Details of currency swap contracts and swaption contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

    Contract
Year
  Settlement
Year
  Contract Amounts in millions   Contract Interest Rate per
Annum
        Pay   Receive   Pay (%)   Receive (%)

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Deutsche Bank (1)

  2002   2007   JPY 76,700   US$ 650   1.18   4.25

Barclays Bank PLC, London

  2002   2007   JPY 30,400   US$ 250   1.04   3 months
Libor+0.75

ABN AMRO (4)

  2002   2008   KRW 181,500   US$ 150   5.95   4.63

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Deutsche Bank

  2003   2008   JPY 23,770   US$ 200   1.28   4.25

Credit Suisse First Boston

  2003   2013   KRW 177,720   US$ 150   5.12   4.75

ABN AMRO & Deutsche
Bank (5)

  2004   2008   KRW 185,550   US$ 150   5.30   4.25

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Credit Suisse First Boston (2)

 

 

2004

 

 

2011

 

 

KRW 172,800

 

US$

 

150

 

 

Within 3 years:
4.875

After 3 years:
4.875-(10.9-
JPY/KRW Spot
rate)

 

 

4.95

 

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    Contract
Year
  Settlement
Year
  Contract Amounts in millions   Contract Interest
Rate per Annum
        Pay   Receive   Pay (%)   Receive
(%)

Barclays Bank PLC, London

  2004   2014   KRW 172,875   US$ 150   5.10   5.75

Barclays Bank PLC, London, BNP Paribas, Hana Bank & Credit Suisse First Boston

  2004   2011   KRW 288,025   US$ 250   4.85   4.875

Barclays Bank PLC, London, Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank & BNP Paribas

  2005   2012   KRW 310,735   US$ 300   5.59   5.25

Leman Brothers, Citibank & Korea Exchange Bank

  2006   2007   KRW 100,233   US$ 105   4.51   5.82

Barclays Bank PLC, London & Deutsche Bank

  2006   2008   KRW 85,757   JPY  10,000   5.61   1.33

Credit Suisse First Boston, Barclays Bank PLC, London & Citibank

  2006   2016   KRW 284,205   US$ 300   5.26   6.00

UBS AG & Credit Suisse First (3)

  2006   2016   KRW 196,200   US$ 200   5.48   5.50

Barclays Bank PLC, London & Deutsche Bank

  2006   2016   KRW 143,776   US$ 150   4.81   5.50

Notes:

 

(1) Under the terms of the derivative contract, if the Republic of Korea declares default on its debts, we are entitled to receive Korean government bonds instead of cash from JP Morgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. Valuation for these embedded derivatives is reflected in the valuation of the currency swap. The Company pays JPY7,670 million which is 10% of the contract amount, every March and September and will receive US$650 million in September 2007.

 

(2) Under the currency swap contracts, we paid US$65,000,000 and received (Won)74,880 million (exchange rate: (Won)1.152/USD) at inception and will pay (Won)86,400 million (exchange rate: (Won)1.152/USD) and receive US$75,000,000 at expiration.

 

(3) We entered into a currency swap contracts with UBS AG and Credit Suisse First Boston. Under the contracts, we paid US$50,000,000 to each counterparty and received (Won)49,050 million (exchange rate: (Won)981/USD) at inception and will pay (Won)98,100 million (exchange rate: (Won)981/USD) and receive US$100,000,000, collectively, at expiration. The contracts provided the same effect as if we issued fixed local currency debenture.

 

(4) In relation to the currency swap, we entered into a swaption contract (receive: 5.95%, pay: CD+0.5%), under which the swaption was exercisable by ABN AMRO on January 2, 2006. ABN AMRO did not exercise the swaption and expired on that day.

 

(5) The swaption contract expired with respect to the currency swaps.

Under these currency swap contracts and swaption contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of (Won)9 billion and a valuation loss of (Won)170 billion in 2006.

 

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We have entered into the various swap contracts to hedge risks involving interest rate of foreign currency debts. Details of interest rate contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

    

Notional Amount

in Millions

   Contract Interest Rate per Annum    Term
        Pay (%)    Receive (%)   

Deutsche Bank

   US$ 100    Max (6.074-Libor, 0)    Max (Libor-6.074, 0)    1998-2007

Deutsche Bank

   US$ 100    Max (Libor-6.074,0)    Max (6.074-Libor, 0)    1998-2007

Credit Suisse First Boston

   KRW  50,000    6.89    (5Y CMT-CD) x 2+4.3    2002-2007

Credit Suisse First Boston

   KRW 50,000    6.89    7.30    2002-2007

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

Under these interest rate swap contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of (Won)1 billion and loss of (Won)13 billion in 2006.

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, 2006 which are sensitive to exchange rates and/or interest rates. The information is presented in Won, which is our reporting currency.

 

    Maturities  
    2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Thereafter     Total  
    (In Won millions except rates)  

Local currency:

             

Fixed rate

  1,362,893     1,912,833     2,212,664     1,292,465     462,030     141,686     7,384,571  

Average weighted rate (1)

  5.04 %   4.55 %   4.63 %   4.39 %   4.90 %   4.35 %   4.66 %

Variable rate

  1,663,853     1,903,368     1,718,084     633,305     239,440     176,106     6,334,156  

Average weighted rate (1)

  5.12 %   4.98 %   4.87 %   4.74 %   4.60 %   3.99 %   4.92 %
                                         

Sub-total

  3,026,746     3,816,201     3,930,748     1,925,770     701,470     317,792     13,718,727  
                                         

Foreign currency(2) :

             

Fixed rate

  648,120     743,745     1,108     306,594     1,329,765     2,500,251     5,529,583  

Average weighted rate (1)

  2.28 %   3.09 %   8.30 %   3.14 %   1.06 %   5.94 %   3.80 %

Variable rate

  —       —       —       —       —       —       —    

Average weighted rate (1)

  —       —       —       —       —       —       —    
                                         

Sub-total

  648,120     743,745     1,108     306,594     1,329,765     2,500,251     5,529,583  
                                         

Total

  3,674,866     4,559,946     3,931,856     2,232,364     2,031,235     2,818,043     19,248,310  
                                         

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 3 “Key Information—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. All calculations are made under Korean GAAP.

 

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The following modeling assumptions were made in the following sensitivity analysis:

(1) For any one year period, the Won/U.S. dollar exchange rate at the beginning of such period was assumed to be (Won)929.6 to US$1.00, which was the market exchange rate as of December 31, 2006. 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 2007 and 2008 was assumed to be US$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 32.9% of our debt in 2007 and 2008 would carry floating interest rates consistent with our interest rate portfolio as of December 31, 2006; and

(3) For any one-year period, we used prices of fuel materials in our budget for 2007 as the beginning fuel prices. In measuring sensitivity to changes in fuel prices, our anticipated fuel consumption for 2007 and 2008 was used.

If the Won depreciates against the U.S. dollar by 10% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2006, we estimate that our unrealized foreign exchange translation losses will increase by (Won)256 billion in 2007, and by (Won)247 billion in 2008. 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 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

In addition, if the Won depreciates against the U.S. dollar by 10% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2006, 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)72 billion in 2007 and by (Won)65 billion in 2008, (2) as a result of increased interest expenses by (Won)21 billion in 2007 and by (Won)20 billion in 2008, and (3) as a result of increased fuel expenses by (Won)869 billion in 2007 and by (Won)910 billion in 2008.

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, 2006, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)63 billion in 2007 and by (Won)63 billion in 2008 (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 uranium, anthracite and bituminous coal, oil and LNG rise by 10% and all other variables are held constant at their levels as of December 31, 2006, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)910 billion in 2007 and by (Won)953 billion in 2008.

For comparative purposes, we also made the following modeling assumptions in June 2006 for the 2006 and 2007 sensitivity analysis that follows these 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)1,013.00 to US$1.00, which was the market exchange rate as of December 31, 2005. 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 2006 and 2007 was assumed to be US$600 million (or the equivalent amount thereof in other foreign currency) for each year. We assumed all

 

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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 41.5% of our debt in 2006 and 2007 would carry floating interest rates consistent with our interest rate portfolio as of December 31, 2005; and

(3) For any one-year period, we used prices of fuel materials in our budget for 2006 as the beginning fuel prices. In measuring sensitivity to changes in fuel prices, our anticipated fuel consumption for 2006 and 2007 was used.

If the Won depreciates against the U.S. dollar by 10% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2005, we estimate that our unrealized foreign exchange translation losses will increase by (Won)138 billion in 2006, and by (Won)129 billion in 2007. 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 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP” and Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

In addition, if the Won depreciates against the U.S. dollar by 10% and all other variables are held constant from their levels as of December 31, 2005, 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)140 billion in 2006 and by (Won)71 billion in 2007, (2) as a result of increased interest expenses by (Won)24 billion in 2006 and by (Won)17 billion in 2007, and (3) as a result of increased fuel expenses by (Won)710 billion in 2006 and by (Won)740 billion in 2007.

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, 2005, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)74 billion in 2006 and by (Won)77 billion in 2007 (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 uranium, anthracite and bituminous coal, oil and LNG rise by 10% and all other variables are held constant at their levels as of December 31, 2005, we estimate that our income before income taxes will decrease by (Won)825 billion in 2006 and by (Won)860 billion in 2007.

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.

ITEM 12.    DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

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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

Pursuant to the Restructuring Plan, in February 2001, our board of directors approved a plan to split the assets and liabilities associated with our generating capacity into six wholly-owned subsidiaries. We implemented the plan effective as of April 2, 2001. Under the relevant provisions of the Korean Commercial Code, we remained jointly and severally liable for all liabilities we had transferred to our generation subsidiaries, and each generation subsidiary was jointly and severally liable for all of our liabilities existing prior to the corporate split and all liabilities that we transferred to the other generation subsidiaries.

Under Korean law, the elimination of these joint and several liabilities requires consent from creditors of affected debt, including consent of a specified percentage of each series of the outstanding debt securities that were sold in Korea and the international markets. On November 14, 2002, in order to facilitate the privatization of the non-nuclear and non-hydroelectric generation subsidiaries by eliminating the joint and several liabilities among us and our generation subsidiaries, we commenced solicitations of consents and proxies from the creditors of affected debt. The solicitations related to proposed amendments to the agreements under which our debt securities were issued and to waivers of certain rights under the Korean Commercial Code. As consideration for such amendments and waivers, Korea Development Bank issued full, unconditional and irrevocable guarantees in respect of each affected debt.

As of July 25, 2005, we obtained all the requisite waivers and agreements in order to completely eliminate the joint and several liabilities among us and our generation subsidiaries. We no longer remain jointly and severally liable for any of our debts existing prior to the corporate split.

Disclosures on the use of proceeds are not applicable.

ITEM 15.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Control

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2006.

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. As such, disclosure controls and procedures or systems for internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors and all fraud. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and any design may not succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

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Based upon the evaluation referred to above, our Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, subject to the limitations noted above, that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2006 were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our 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 Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for our company. 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.

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, 2006 using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on this assessment, our management concluded that the our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Our management’s assessment, as well as the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting has been audited by KPMG Samjong, an independent registered public accounting firm, who has also audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006. KPMG Samjong has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting under Auditing Standard No. 2 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which is filed as Exhibit 15.5 to this annual report.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We are currently undertaking management reforms to improve our business through a change in management ethics and philosophy and management structure. We established the Management Innovation Office in August 2004 under the direct control of our president to lead this reform. In connection with this reform, we are planning to introduce internal competition by establishing a “strategy business unit” system and to implement enterprise resource planning (“ERP”). In July 2005, we commenced implementing a provisional ERP system in consultation with an advisory firm to enhance transparency and efficiency in management. In March 2007, we formally launched an ERP system and have been continuously upgrading it.

 

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ITEM 16A.    AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

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. Pursuant to our amended articles of incorporation, we currently have three auditors, consisting of one standing auditor and two non-standing auditors. These auditors perform the roles and responsibilities required of an audit committee under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act through a board of auditors consisting of all of these auditors. In July 2005, our board of auditors, officially appointed to their positions by the President of the Republic, determined that at least one of its members is an “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. Such member remains a member of the board of auditors.

ITEM 16B.    CODE OF ETHICS

Pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, we have adopted a 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, which is available on www.kepco.co.kr.

ITEM 16C.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed for each of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 for professional services rendered by KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., a member firm of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative, respectively, our principal accountant, depending on the various types of services and a brief description of the nature of such services.

 

     

Aggregate fees billed during the

Year Ended December 31,

    

Type of services

           2005                    2006           

Nature of services

     (In millions of Won)     

Audit Fees

   (Won) 1,206    (Won) 1,508    Audit service for KEPCO and its subsidiaries.

Audit-Related Fees

     152      99    Accounting advisory service.

Tax Fees

     93      71    Tax return and consulting advisory service.

All Other Fees

     —        —      All other services which do not meet the three categories above.
                

Total

   (Won) 1,451    (Won) 1,678   
                

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 Board of Auditors.

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 Board of Auditors or a designated member thereof and approved prior to the completion of the audit.

 

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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 Annual Report.

 

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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 Annual 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 annual report.

(b) Exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report

See Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 of this annual report.

 

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INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

  1.1    Articles of Incorporation (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)****
15.5    Consent of KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., a member firm of KPMG International (Korea Electric Power Corporation)
15.6    Consent of Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.)
15.7    Consent of Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.)
15.8    Information concerning Consent of Ahn Kwon (Korea Southeast Power Co., Ltd.)

* A fair and accurate translation from Korean to English. Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2005 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
** 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.

 


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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/ LEE, WON-GUL

Name:   Lee, Won-Gul
Title:   President & Chief Executive Officer

Date: June 29, 2007


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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Index to Financial Statements

   F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., a member firm of KPMG International (Korea Electric Power Corporation)

   F-2

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., a member firm of KPMG International (Korea Electric Power Corporation)

   F-3

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-4

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-5

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-6

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte Anjin LLC, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.)

   F-7

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2006

   F-8

Consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

   F-10

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

   F-11

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

   F-12

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

   F-14

 

F-1


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Korea Electric Power Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Korea Electric Power Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, 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 companies, which statements reflect total assets constituting 4.5% and 10.1% as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and total operating expenses constituting 28.6%, 9.6% and 25.8% (after elimination of intercompany transactions) in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, of the consolidated totals. These statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our report, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for those consolidated companies, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors. The financial statements of a subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2004 were audited by auditors who have ceased operations and whose report dated March 9, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion.

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 auditors 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, 2005 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act, the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises and accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 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 to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 33 of the consolidated financial statements.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated May 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

May 26, 2007

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Korea Electric Power Corporation:

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying managements’ Annual Report on Internal control Over Financial Reporting, that Korea Electric Power Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated 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 management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We did not audit the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of certain consolidated companies, whose financial statements reflect total assets and total operating expenses constituting 10.1% and 25.8% (after elimination of intercompany transactions), respectively, of the consolidated totals as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006. The effectiveness of certain consolidated companies’ internal control over financial reporting was audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the effectiveness of certain consolidated companies’ internal control over financial reporting, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

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, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit and the report of the other auditors provide 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, based on our audit and the report of the other auditors, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, based on our audit and the report of the other auditors, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, 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 balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, and our report dated May 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

May 26, 2007

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERD PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholder and Board of Directors of

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.:

Seoul, Republic of Korea

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, and the related statements of income, appropriations of retained earnings and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 (not presented separately herein), all expressed in Korean Won. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

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 statements presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, and the result of its operations, changes in its retained earnings and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

We have also 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, 2006, 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 May 14, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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. The description of the significant differences and the reconciliation of net income and stockholder’s equity to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are set forth in Note 24.

Our audits 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 stated in Note 2. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers outside of the Republic of Korea.

/s/ Deloitte Anjin LLC

Seoul, Korea

May 14, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERD PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Shareholder and Board of Directors of

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.:

Seoul, Republic of Korea

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, 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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of 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, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheet and the related statements of income, appropriations of retained earnings and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006 of the Company and our report dated May 14, 2007 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. dollars 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

May 14, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERD PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholder and Board of Directors of

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.:

Seoul, Republic of Korea

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006, and the related statements of income, appropriations of retained earnings and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2006 (not presented separately herein), all expressed in Korean Won. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

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 statements 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 financial position of Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2006, and the result of its operations, changes in its retained earnings and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea (See Note 2).

We have also 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, 2006, 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 May 14, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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. The description of the significant differences and the reconciliation of net income and stockholder’s equity to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are set forth in Note 24.

Our audits 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 stated in Note 2. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers outside of the Republic of Korea.

/s/ Deloitte Anjin LLC

Seoul, Korea

May 14, 2007

 

F-6


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERD PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Shareholder and Board of Directors of

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.:

Seoul, Republic of Korea

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, 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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of 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, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheet and the related statements of income, appropriations of retained earnings and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006 of the Company and our report dated May 14, 2007 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. dollars 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

May 14, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2005 and 2006

(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Won     U.S. dollars
(note 2)
 
     2005     2006     2006  

Assets

      

Property, plant and equipment (notes 1, 3, 4 and 32):

   (Won) 89,845,695     95,803,562     $ 103,014,583  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (29,553,912 )   (34,839,815 )     (37,462,167 )

Less: construction grants

     (3,641,009 )   (4,090,157 )     (4,398,018 )
                      
     56,650,774     56,873,590       61,154,398  

Construction in-progress

     7,355,280     8,393,339       9,025,096  
                      

Net property, plant and equipment

     64,006,054     65,266,929       70,179,494  
                      

Investments and others:

      

Long-term investment securities (note 6)

     1,628,698     1,730,270       1,860,505  

Long-term loans (notes 7 and 21)

     355,861     391,172       420,615  

Currency and interest rate swaps (note 23)

     549,668     2,248       2,417  

Intangible assets (note 5)

     886,333     854,283       918,584  

Other non-current assets (notes 8 and 18)

     301,317     399,259       429,310  
                      
     3,721,877     3,377,232       3,631,431  
                      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents (notes 9 and 18)

     1,399,031     1,845,892       1,984,830  

Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)51,069 in 2005 and (Won)50,173 in 2006 (notes 18, 29 and 30)

     2,162,747     2,396,648       2,577,041  

Other accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)9,019 in 2005 and (Won)9,871 in 2006 (notes 18, 29 and 30)

     340,679     359,372       386,422  

Short-term investment securities (note 6)

     28,835     15,239       16,386  

Short-term financial instruments (note 18)

     852,757     1,163,613       1,251,197  

Inventories (notes 4 and 10)

     1,827,669     2,098,976       2,256,963  

Currency swaps (note 23)

     —       479,879       515,999  

Current deferred income tax assets, net (note 26)

     173,632     230,376       247,716  

Other current assets (notes 7, 11 and 18)

     223,401     201,330       216,484  
                      
     7,008,751     8,791,325       9,453,038  
                      

Total assets

   (Won) 74,736,682     77,435,486     $ 83,263,963  
                      

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statement.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)

 

     Won     U.S. dollars
(note 2)
 
     2005     2006     2006  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Authorized—1,200,000,000 shares

      

Common stock of (Won)5,000 par value

      

Issued—641,567,712 shares in 2005 and 2006 (notes 12 and 14)

   (Won) 3,207,839     3,207,839     $ 3,449,289  

Capital surplus (notes 3 and 12)

     14,421,065     14,517,143       15,609,831  

Retained earnings:

      

Appropriated (note 13)

     22,209,291     23,922,207       25,722,803  

Unappropriated

     2,417,130     2,196,643       2,361,982  

Capital adjustments (note 14)

     (64,737 )   (759,085 )     (816,220 )

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     147,062     150,740       162,086  
                      

Total stockholders’ equity

     42,337,650     43,235,487       46,489,771  
                      

Long-term liabilities:

      

Long-term debt (notes 17 and 29)

     15,494,145     15,427,624       16,588,843  

Accrual for retirement and severance benefits, net (note 19)

     977,947     1,184,249       1,273,386  

Liability for decommissioning costs (note 20)

     6,915,149     7,543,491       8,111,281  

Reserve for self-insurance

     98,618     103,942       111,766  

Currency and interest rate swaps (note 23)

     168,747     252,523       271,530  

Deferred income tax liabilities, net (note 26)

     816,756     547,672       588,895  

Other long-term liabilities

     789,365     519,821       558,946  
                      
     25,260,727     25,579,322       27,504,647  
                      

Current liabilities:

      

Trade payables (notes 18, 29 and 30)

     1,217,747     1,172,000       1,260,215  

Other accounts payable (notes 18, 29 and 30)

     732,212     874,759       940,601  

Short-term borrowings (notes 16 and 29)

     334,678     476,720       512,602  

Current portion of long-term debt (notes 17 and 29)

     3,282,817     4,221,171       4,538,894  

Income tax payable

     568,229     881,855       948,231  

Accrued expenses (note 18)

     263,404     293,484       315,574  

Dividends payable

     2,781     3,075       3,306  

Currency and interest rate swaps (note 23)

     33,803     6,738       7,245  

Other current liabilities (notes 18 and 22)

     702,634     690,875       742,877  
                      
     7,138,305     8,620,677       9,269,545  
                      

Total liabilities

     32,399,032     34,199,999       36,744,192  
                      

Commitments and contingencies (note 31)

      

Total stockholders’ equity and liabilities

   (Won) 74,736,682     77,435,486     $ 83,263,963  
                      

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of U.S. dollars, except earnings per share)

 

     Won     U.S. dollars
(note 2)
 
     2004     2005     2006     2006  

Operating revenues (notes 29, 30 and 32):

        

Sale of electricity

   (Won) 23,346,910     24,769,146     26,590,015     $ 28,591,414  

Other operating revenues

     608,752     675,561     818,798       880,428  
                            
     23,955,662     25,444,707     27,408,813       29,471,842  
                            

Operating expenses (notes 24, 25, 29, 30 and 32):

        

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

     16,533,729     17,914,867     19,985,092       21,489,346  

Purchased power

     1,411,131     1,772,020     2,073,220       2,229,269  

Other operating costs

     249,206     317,495     379,396       407,953  

Selling and administrative expenses

     1,294,122     1,518,669     1,576,280       1,694,925  
                            
     19,488,188     21,523,051     24,013,988       25,821,493  
                            

Operating income

     4,467,474     3,921,656     3,394,825       3,650,349  

Other income (expense):

        

Interest income (note 32)

     89,221     88,305     156,657       168,448  

Interest expense (note 32)

     (737,839 )   (642,930 )   (700,827 )     (753,577 )

Gain on foreign currency transactions and translation, net

     866,191     296,869     416,825       448,199  

Donations

     (151,982 )   (183,779 )   (180,870 )     (194,484 )

Equity income of affiliates (notes 6 and 32)

     130,595     97,929     80,009       86,031  

Gain on disposal of investments, net

     16,585     —       17       18  

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net

     (11,186 )   (6,054 )   (3,067 )     (3,298 )

Valuation gain (loss) on currency and interest rate swaps and currency forwards, net (note 23)

     (169,241 )   167,351     (172,603 )     (185,595 )

Prior year error correction (notes 20 and 26(f))

     —       —       109,910       118,183  

Other, net

     199,971     92,401     288,299       310,000  
                            
     232,315     (89,908 )   (5,650 )     (6,075 )
                            

Income before income taxes and minority interest

     4,699,789     3,831,748     3,389,175       3,644,274  

Income taxes (note 26)

     (1,795,170 )   (1,399,419 )   (1,143,411 )     (1,229,474 )
                            

Income before minority interest

     2,904,619     2,432,329     2,245,764       2,414,800  

Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

     (22,097 )   (24,686 )   (20,204 )     (21,725 )
                            

Net income

   (Won) 2,882,522     2,407,643     2,225,560     $ 2,393,075  
                            

Basic earnings per share (note 27)

   (Won) 4,576     3,790     3,488     $ 3,751  
                            

Diluted earnings per share (note 27)

   (Won) 4,510     3,766     3,389     $ 3,644  
                            

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

    Won  
    Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
    Retained
earnings
    Capital
adjustments
    Minority
interests
    Total  

Balances at January 1, 2004

  (Won) 3,203,743   14,544,520     20,231,488     (325,384 )   127,569     37,781,936  

Net income

    —     —       2,882,522     —       —       2,882,522  

Dividends declared (note 15)

    —     —       (661,537 )   —       —       (661,537 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change (note 20)

    —     —       687,362     —       —       687,362  

Change in capital surplus

    —     (5 )   —       —       —       (5 )

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

    —     (599 )   —       —       —       (599 )

Changes in treasury stock

    —     —       —       (12,881 )   —       (12,881 )

Changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

    —     —       —       1,140     —       1,140  

Changes in unrealized losses on investments in affiliates

    —     —       —       3,111     —       3,111  

Changes in translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries

    —     —       —       (49,592 )   —       (49,592 )

Changes in valuation of derivatives

    —     —       —       (24,705 )   —       (24,705 )

Changes in minority interests

    —     —       —       —       (4,470 )   (4,470 )
                                   

Balances at December 31, 2004

    3,203,743   14,543,916     23,139,835     (408,311 )   123,099     40,602,282  

Net income

    —     —       2,407,643     —       —       2,407,643  

Dividends declared (note 15)

    —     —       (724,156 )   —       —       (724,156 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change (notes 1(i) and 1(x))

    —     (184,539 )   12,422     172,117     —       —    

Issuance of common stock for non-cash assets (note 12)

    4,096   23,846     —       —       —       27,942  

Exercise of conversion right (note 17)

    —     (25,148 )   —       —       —       (25,148 )

Directly charged tax effect

    —     (617 )   (189,024 )   (16,054 )   —       (205,695 )

Gain on disposal of treasury stock, net of tax

    —     63,555     —       —       —       63,555  

Change in retained earnings of subsidiaries

    —     —       (20,247 )   —       —       (20,247 )

Changes in treasury stock

    —     —       —       89,966     —       89,966  

Changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities

    —     —       —       8,475     —       8,475  

Equity gain of affiliates, net

    —     —       —       7,446     —       7,446  

Changes in translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries

    —     —       —       49,552     —       49,552  

Changes in valuation of derivatives

    —     —       —       32,072     —       32,072  

Changes in minority interests

    —     —       —       —       23,963     23,963  

Other

    —     52     (52 )   —       —       —    
                                   

Balances at December 31, 2005

  (Won) 3,207,839   14,421,065     24,626,421     (64,737 )   147,062     42,337,650  

Net income

    —     —       2,225,560     —       —       2,225,560  

Dividends declared (note 15)

    —     —       (731,535 )   —       —       (731,535 )

Exercise of conversion right (note 17)

    —     47,270     —       —       —       47,270  

Gain on disposal of treasury stock, net of tax

    —     48,849     —       —       —       48,849  

Change in retained earnings of subsidiaries

    —     —       (1,648 )   —       —       (1,648 )

Changes in treasury stock

    —     —       —       (678,687 )   —       (678,687 )

Changes in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net

    —     —       —       1,439     —       1,439  

Equity gain of affiliates

    —     —       —       2,972     —       2,972  

Changes in translation adjustments of foreign subsidiaries

    —     —       —       (12,971 )   —       (12,971 )

Changes in valuation of derivatives (note 23)

    —     —       —       (7,101 )   —       (7,101 )

Changes in minority interests

    —     —       —       —       3,678     3,678  

Other

    —     (41 )   52     —       —       11  
                                   

Balances at December 31, 2006

  (Won) 3,207,839   14,517,143     26,118,850     (759,085 )   150,740     43,235,487  
                                   

U.S. dollars (note 2)

  $ 3,449,289   15,609,832     28,084,785     (816,220 )   162,086     46,489,771  
                                   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Won    

U.S. dollars

(note 2)

 
     2004     2005     2006     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income

   (Won) 2,882,522     2,407,643     2,225,560     $ 2,393,075  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     5,448,647     5,847,668     5,744,401       6,176,775  

Property, plant and equipment removal cost

     199,137     203,281     229,417       246,685  

Provision for retirement and severance benefits

     296,978     282,464     313,078       336,643  

Provision for decommissioning costs

     257,295     321,139     328,237       352,943  

Provision for claims

     —       50,689     70,278       75,568  

Bad debt expense

     19,982     26,507     25,317       27,223  

Interest expense, net

     2,931     16,219     22,742       24,454  

Gain on foreign currency translation, net

     (749,387 )   (250,385 )   (356,606 )     (383,447 )

Equity income of affiliates, net

     (130,595 )   (97,929 )   (80,009 )     (86,031 )

Gain on disposal of investments, net

     (16,585 )   —       (17 )     (18 )

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net

     11,186     6,054     3,067       3,298  

Deferred income tax expense (benefit), net

     (26,666 )   102,790     (183,856 )     (197,695 )

Valuation loss (gain) on currency and interest rate swaps and currency forwards, net

     169,241     (167,351 )   172,603       185,595  

Transaction loss (gain) on derivatives, net

     7,150     28,447     24,580       26,430  

Prior year error correction

     —       —       (109,910 )     (118,183 )

Other losses, net

     (27,034 )   (37,979 )   19,063       20,498  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

        

Trade receivables

     (133,346 )   (477,086 )   (254,920 )     (274,108 )

Other accounts receivable

     221,697     162,618     (22,850 )     (24,570 )

Inventories

     (561,951 )   (504,020 )   (624,857 )     (671,889 )

Other current assets

     (3,934 )   (125,997 )   (73,549 )     (79,085 )

Trade payables

     8,909     459,783     (46,442 )     (49,938 )

Other accounts payable

     58,014     (116,457 )   176,385       189,661  

Income tax payable

     293,374     (560,428 )   302,433       325,197  

Accrued expenses

     (50,244 )   7,636     31,652       34,034  

Other current liabilities

     195,550     (222,582 )   (78,104 )     (83,983 )

Other long-term liabilities

     (153,229 )   264,817     (190,555 )     (204,897 )

Payment of retirement and severance benefits

     (18,974 )   (27,880 )   (43,133 )     (46,380 )

Payment of decommissioning costs

     (67,012 )   (60,819 )   (10,039 )     (10,795 )

Payment of self-insurance

     (848 )   (1,535 )   (1,582 )     (1,701 )

Other, net

     17,219     72,502     189,719       203,999  
                            

Net cash provided by operating activities

   (Won) 8,150,027     7,609,809     7,802,103     $ 8,389,358  
                            

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—(Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006

(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Won     U.S. dollars  
     2004     2005     2006     2006  
              

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 21,475     144,918     38,320     $ 41,204  

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (6,286,531 )   (6,718,780 )   (7,469,389 )     (8,031,601 )

Receipt of construction grants

     624,213     680,232     800,615       860,876  

Proceeds from disposal of investment securities

     350,210     138,146     55,208       59,363  

Acquisition of investment securities

     (118,876 )   (78,470 )   (65,765 )     (70,715 )

Increase in long-term loans, net

     (78,153 )   (54,198 )   (66,129 )     (71,106 )

Acquisition of intangible assets

     (43,426 )   (54,146 )   (63,591 )     (68,377 )

Increase in other non-current assets

     (21,706 )   (48,392 )   (6,988 )     (7,514 )

Increase in short-term financial instruments, net

     (39,968 )   (693,837 )   (310,852 )     (334,249 )

Decrease in current portion of long-term loans, net

     20,291     24,614     18,230       19,602  

Payment of support for inducement of radioactive waste facilities

     —       —       (300,000 )     (322,581 )
                            

Net cash used in investing activities

     (5,572,471 )   (6,659,913 )   (7,370,341 )     (7,925,098 )
                            

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from long-term debt

     5,173,324     4,097,893     4,917,747       5,287,900  

Repayment of long-term debt

     (7,443,946 )   (4,325,647 )   (3,494,930 )     (3,757,989 )

Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term borrowings, net

     215,998     (76,681 )   144,192       155,045  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     —       —       (740,949 )     (796,719 )

Dividends paid

     (673,626 )   (728,562 )   (737,955 )     (793,500 )

Other, net

     (199,644 )   (210,380 )   (70,905 )     (76,242 )
                            

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (2,927,894 )   (1,243,377 )   17,200       18,495  
                            

Increase in cash and cash equivalents from changes in consolidated subsidiaries

     857     —       —         —    

Change in cash and cash equivalents from the translation of foreign subsidiaries

     (31,658 )   23,015     (2,101 )     (2,259 )

Decrease (increase) in cash and cash equivalents

     (381,139 )   (270,466 )   446,861       480,496  

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year

     2,050,636     1,669,497     1,399,031       1,504,334  
                            

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of year

   (Won) 1,669,497     1,399,031     1,845,892     $ 1,984,830  
                            

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(1)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(a)   Organization and Description of Business

Korea Electric Power Corporation (“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. KEPCO was given a status of government-invested enterprise on December 31, 1983 following the enactment of the Government-Invested Enterprise Management Basic Act. KEPCO’s stock was listed on the Korea Stock Exchange on August 10, 1989 and KEPCO listed its Depository Receipts (“DR”) on the New York Stock Exchange on October 27, 1994.

The KEPCO Act, requires that the Government, directly, or pursuant to The Korea Development Bank Act, through Korea Development Bank (“KDB”), which is wholly owned by the Korean Government, own at least 51% of KEPCO’s issued common stock. As of December 31, 2006, the Government of the Republic of Korea, KDB and foreign investors hold 21.12%, 29.95% and 28.97%, respectively, of KEPCO’s shares.

In accordance with the restructuring plan by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy on January 21, 1999, 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 improve efficiency. On September 25, 2006, KEPCO launched the strategic business units.

 

(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, the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises, which have been approved by the Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy 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, KEPCO Act and Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises. The accompanying consolidated financial statements 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 or cash flows, is not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Korea Accounting Standards (“SKAS”) No. 20, “Related Party Disclosures.” The adoption of the standard did not have a significant impact on accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

(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.

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 sales from KEPCO to subsidiaries (downstream sales), the full amount of intercompany gain or loss 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, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005

Account

   Parent company
interest
   Minority
interest
   Total

Property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 198,601    3,644    202,245

Intangible assets

     1,535    —      1,535
                
   (Won) 200,136    3,644    203,780
                
     Won (millions)
     2006

Account

   Parent company
interest
       Minority    
interest
          Total       

Property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 219,709    4,284    223,993

Intangible assets

     820    —      820
                
   (Won) 220,529    4,284    224,813
                

 

F-15


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(d)   Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

   

Year of
establishment

   Ownership
percentage (%)
  

Primary business

Subsidiaries

       2005        2006     

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    97.9    Engineering for utility plant

Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.

  1984    100.0    100.0    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

KEPCO International Hong Kong Ltd.

  1995    100.0    100.0    Holding Company

KEPCO International Philippines Inc.

  2000    100.0    100.0    Holding Company

KEPCO China International Ltd.

  2004    100.0    100.0    Holding Company

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 Lebanon SARL (*3)

  2006    —      100.0    Operation of utility plant

KEPCO Neimenggu International Ltd. (*3)

  2006    —      100.0    Holding Company

KEPCO Philippines Corporation (*2)

  1995    100.0    100.0    Utility plant rehabilitation and operation (Subsidiary of KEPCO International Hong Kong Ltd.)

KEPCO Ilijan Corporation (*2)

  1997    51.0    51.0    Construction and operation of utility plant (Subsidiary of KEPCO International Philippines Inc.)

Jiaozuo KEPCO Power Company Ltd.

  2004    75.8    77.0    Construction and operation of utility plant (Subsidiary of KEPCO China International Ltd.)

KEPCO Salcon Power Corporation

  2005    60.0    60.0    Construction and operation of utility plant (Subsidiary of KEPCO Philippines Corporation)

(*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 complex will be transferred to the National Power Corporation of Philippines free of any liens or encumbrances and without payment of compensation. KEPCO Ilijan Corporation’s investment securities held by KEPCO International Philippines Inc. were pledged as collateral to Japan Bank of International Corporation and others.

 

(*3) KEPCO Lebanon SARL and KEPCO Neimenggu International Ltd. were established as subsidiaries in 2006.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

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. (KOSEPCO)

   Thermoelectric power plant in Samchonpo

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. (KOMIPO)

   Thermoelectric power plant in Boryung

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd. (KOWEPCO)

   Thermoelectric power plant in Tae-an

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (KOSPO)

   Thermoelectric power plant in Hadong

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. (KEWESPO)

   Thermoelectric power plant in Dangjin

 

(e)   Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method

 

    

Year of
establishment

   Ownership
percentage (%)
  

Primary business

Affiliate

        2005        2006     

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    43.1    43.1    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. (*1)

  

 

2005

  

 

40.0

  

 

40.0

  

 

Construction and operation of utility plant

Salcon Power Corporation (*2)

   2006    —      40.0    Operation of utility plant

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd. (*3)

   2006    —      40.0    Construction and operation of utility plant

(*1) KEPCO Gansu International Ltd. owns 40.0% of the shares of Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

 

(*2) KEPCO Philippines Holdings Inc. owns 40.0% of the shares of Salcon Power Corporation.

 

(*3) KEPCO Neimenggu International Ltd. owns 40.0% of the shares of Datang Chifeng Renewable Co., Ltd.

 

(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 period ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, the amounts of capitalized interest were

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(Won)313,548 million, (Won)205,976 million and (Won)237,225 million, respectively, which includes net foreign currency transactions and translation gains of (Won)240,389 million, (Won)165,060 million and (Won)253,009 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

The impact on the Company’s financial position as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, if the interest and other borrowing costs were expensed instead of being capitalized, is as follows.

 

     Won (millions)
     2004
    

Construction

in-progress

  

Total

assets

  

Interest

expense

    Income before
income taxes

Capitalized

   (Won) 7,516,932    73,653,685    737,839     4,699,789

Expensed

     7,203,384    73,340,137    1,051,387     4,386,241
                      
   (Won) 313,548    313,548    (313,548 )   313,548
                      
     Won (millions)
     2005
    

Construction

in-progress

  

Total

assets

  

Interest

expense

   

Income before

income taxes

Capitalized

   (Won) 7,355,280    74,736,682    642,930     3,831,748

Expensed

     7,149,304    74,530,706    848,906     3,625,772
                      
   (Won) 205,976    205,976    (205,976 )   205,976
                      

 

     Won (millions)
     2006
    

Construction

In-progress

  

Other

intangible

assets

  

Total

assets

  

   Interest   

expense

    Income before
income taxes

Capitalized

   (Won) 8,393,339    429,104    77,435,486    700,827     3,389,175

Expensed

     8,156,177    429,041    77,198,261    938,052     3,151,950
                           
   (Won) 237,162    63    237,225    (237,225 )   237,225
                           

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, 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 described in the Korean Corporate Income Tax Law and as permitted under the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises (which approximately the economic useful lives of assets) 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 loaded nuclear fuel

  

Others

   4 ~ 9

 

F-18


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

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 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 (dismantling costs) and units-of-production depreciation method (spent fuel). The impact of adopting SKAS No. 17 is disclosed in note 20.

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. The Company received (Won)617,366 million, (Won)679,735 million and (Won)796,994 million of construction grants, and offset (Won)145,310 million, (Won)166,773 million and (Won)265,175 million against depreciation expense, and (Won)48,479 million, (Won)54,319 million and (Won)85,934 million against removal cost of property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

(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

Securities are initially recorded at cost. The cost includes the market value of the consideration given and incidental expenses.

Upon acquisition, the Company classifies debt and marketable equity securities into one of the three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities and such determination is reassessed at each balance sheet date. Investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity. Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) are classified as trading securities. Trading generally reflects active and frequent buying and selling, and trading securities are generally used to generate profit on short-term differences in price. Investments not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Trading securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses included in income. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a capital adjustment, net of tax. Investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are stated at cost. Investments in debt securities that are classified into held-to-maturity are reported at amortized cost at the balance sheet date and such amortization is included in interest income.

Marketable securities are recorded at the quoted market prices as of the period end. Non-marketable debt securities are recorded at the fair values derived from the discounted cash flows by using an interest rate deemed to approximate the market interest rate. The market interest rate is determined by the issuers’ credit rate announced by the accredited credit rating agencies in Korea. Money market funds are recorded at the fair value determined by the investment management companies.

Trading securities are classified as current assets, whereas available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities are classified as long-term investments. However, available-for-sale securities whose maturity dates are due within one year from the balance sheet date or whose likelihood of being disposed of within one year from the balance sheet date is probable are classified as current assets. Likewise, held-to-maturity securities whose maturity dates are due within one year from the balance sheet date are classified as current assets.

On a continuous basis, the Company evaluates available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities for possible other-than-temporary impairment at the balance sheet date. Factors considered in assessing whether an indication of other-than-temporary impairment exists for available-for-sale securities include: the degree of change in the ratio of market price per share to book value per share at the date of evaluation compared to that at the date of acquisition, the financial condition and prospects of each investee company, industry conditions in which the investee company operates, the fair value of an available-for-sale security relative to the cost basis of the investment, the period of time the fair value of an available-for-sale security has been below the cost basis of the investment and other relevant factors. Factors considered in assessing whether an indication of other-than-temporary impairment exists for held-to-maturity security include consideration of the financial condition, business prospects and credit worthiness of the issuer.

When evidence of other-than-temporary impairment exists, unless there is 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 held-to-maturity securities or non-marketable equity securities is measured as the excess of the carrying amount over of the recoverable amount estimated as the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the securities’ original effective interest rate. For available-for-sale debt or equity securities stated at fair value, the impairment loss recognized in the current period is the excess of the recoverable amount for debt securities or the amount of the acquisition cost of equity securities less impairment loss recognized in prior periods in excess of the fair value.

If the realizable value subsequently recovers, the increase in value is recorded in current operations, up to the amount of the previously recognized impairment loss. For securities stated at amortized cost or acquisition cost, the increase in value is recorded in current operations, so that its recovered value does not exceed what its amortized cost would have been as of the recovery date if there had been no impairment loss.

If the intent and ability to hold the securities change, transferred securities are accounted for at fair value. When held-to-maturity securities are reclassified into available-for-sale securities, unrealized gain or loss between the book value and fair value is reported in shareholders’ equity as a capital adjustment. If available-for-sale securities are reclassified into held-to-maturity securities, the unrealized gain or loss at the date of the transfer continues to be reported in shareholders’ equity as a capital adjustment, but amortized over the remaining term of the security using the effective interest rate method.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(i)   Investment Securities under the Equity Method of Accounting

Investments in affiliated companies of which the Company owns 20% or more of the voting stock or over which the Company has significant management control are stated at an amount as determined using the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s initial investment is recognized at cost and is subsequently increased or decreased to reflect the changes in Company’s share of the net assets of investee. The Company’s share of the profit or loss of the investee is recognized in the investor’s profit or loss and other changes in the investee’s equity are recognized directly in equity of the Company.

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.

Assets and liabilities of foreign-based companies accounted for using the equity method are translated at current rate of exchange at the balance sheet date while profit and loss items in the statement of income are translated at average rate and capital account at historical rate. The translation gains and losses arising from collective translation of the foreign currency financial statements of foreign-based companies are offset and the balance is accumulated as capital adjustment.

Prior to January 1, 2005, in accordance with Korean GAAP, the Company did not record its share of losses of investee when such losses would make the Company’s investment in such entity less than zero. Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted SKAS No. 15, “Investments in Associates.” Under this standard, if the Company holds other investments such as preferred stock or loans issued by the investee, the Company’s share of loss of the investee continues to be recorded until such other investments are reduced to zero. As a result of such change, there is no impact on the Company’s financial position or operating results.

Also, prior to January 1, 2005, gains and losses arising from sales by the Company to its affiliates were eliminated entirely. Effective January 1, 2005, unrealized gains and losses multiplied by the Company’s ownership percentage are eliminated in accordance with SKAS No. 15. The impact of adopting this provision of SKAS No. 15 on the Company was not material.

Prior to January 1, 2005, changes of capital surplus of affiliates were recorded within capital surplus of the Company. However, upon adoption of SKAS No. 15, effective January 1, 2005, changes of capital surplus of affiliates is required to be presented within capital adjustments. As a result of such changes, as of December 31, 2005, capital surplus decreased and capital adjustment increased by (Won)172,117 million. As allowed by the statement, the Company did not restate the prior year balances and presented the cumulative effect as of January 1, 2005 within capital adjustments in the 2005 consolidated financial statements.

 

(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 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

 

F-21


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

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 reviews for the impairment of intangible assets, 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.

 

(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 is as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2004     2005     2006  

Balance at beginning of the year

   (Won) 33,732     38,660     51,069  

Provision for bad debts

     16,465     25,621     23,168  

Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts

     (56 )   —       (1,346 )

Write off

     (11,481 )   (13,212 )   (22,718 )
                    

Balance at end of the year

   (Won) 38,660     51,069     50,173  
                    

 

(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.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(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.

The value of common shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the conversion right is measured as the sum of the carrying amount of the convertible bonds determined on the date such rights are exercised and the amount of consideration received for such rights, at the time of issuance of the convertible bonds. 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.

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 balance sheet date is accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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)277,704 million and (Won)343,093 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, 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 balance sheets as a reduction of the retirement and severance benefit liability. However, due to a regulation applied since April 1999, such transfers to the National Pension Fund are no longer required.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(s)   Reserve for Self-Insurance

In accordance with the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises, 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% of non-insured buildings and machinery. 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 balance sheet date, 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)1,013.0 and (Won)929.6 to US$1, the rate of exchange on December 31, 2005 and 2006, 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 balance sheet date 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 a capital adjustment.

 

(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 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 a capital adjustment and the ineffective portion is recorded in current operations. Accumulated gain or loss in stockholder’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.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(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 balance sheet date. 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. The Company recognizes revenue on long-term construction contracts, which are related to the construction of power plants in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), based on the percentage-of-completion method, whereby revenue is recognized based on the actual costs incurred as a percentage of total estimated costs of the contract. 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 on income or loss for the period consists of the corporate income tax and resident tax surcharges currently payable, and the changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the period.

Deferred tax is provided using the asset and liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which the unused tax losses and credits can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted SKAS No. 16, “Income Taxes.” In accordance with the statement, deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting or the expected reversal date of the temporary difference for those with no related asset or liability such as loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. The deferred tax amounts are presented as a net current asset or liability and a net non-current asset or liability.

Deferred taxes are recognized on the temporary differences related to unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities that are reported as a separate component of capital adjustment.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Prior to January 1, 2005, deferred taxes were not recognized for temporary differences related to the conversion right of the convertible bond issued, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, equity gains and losses on affiliates and valuation gains and losses on derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges that were reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. However, effective January 1, 2005, deferred taxes are recognized on the temporary differences related to the conversion right of the convertible bond issued, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, equity gains and losses on affiliates and valuation gains and losses derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges that are reported as a separate component of capital adjustments. As a result of such change, as of January 1, 2005, capital adjustments decreased and deferred income tax liabilities increased by (Won)23,795 million.

Prior to January 1, 2005, the tax effect of the temporary difference arising from the conversion right of the convertible bond issued in 2003 amounted to (Won)12,422 million. This amount was charged as income tax expense during 2003. However, effective January 1, 2005, per SKAS No. 16, the tax effect amounting to (Won)12,422 million should be directly charged to capital surplus. As a result of such change, as of January 1, 2005, capital surplus decreased and retained earnings increased by (Won)12,422 million. As allowed by the statement, the Company did not restate the prior year balances and accounted for the cumulative effect of applying SKAS No. 16 as of January 1, 2005 through change of capital adjustment during 2005.

 

(y)   Dividends payable

Dividends are recorded when approved by the board of directors and shareholders.

 

(z)   Prior Period Adjustments

Prior period adjustments resulting from other than fundamental errors are charged or credited to result of operations for the current period. Fundamental errors are defined as errors with such a significant effect on the financial statements for one or more prior periods that those financial statements can no longer be considered to have been reliable at the date of their issue. Prior period adjustments resulting from fundamental errors are charged or credited to the beginning balance of retained earnings, and the financial statements of the prior year are restated.

 

(aa)   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.

 

(ab)   Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is presented as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(ac)   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.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(ad)   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.

 

(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   Moving average

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

  Weighted-average   Weighted-average   Weighted-average

Korea Power Engineering Co., Inc.

  Weighted-average   FIFO   FIFO

Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.

  Weighted-average   FIFO   Specific identification

KEPCO Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.

  Weighted-average   Weighted-average   Specific identification

Korea Electric Power Data Network Co., Ltd.

  Moving-average   Moving-average   Moving-average

KEPCO Philippines Corporation

  Weighted-average   Weighted-average   Weighted-average

KEPCO Ilijan Corporation

  Weighted-average   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
   Declining-
balance
   Declining-
balance
   Declining-
balance

Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.

   Declining-
balance
   Declining-
balance
   Declining-
balance
   Declining-
balance

KEPCO Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.

   Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line

Korea Electric Power Data Network Co., Ltd.

   Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line

KEPCO Philippines Corporation

   Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line

KEPCO Ilijan Corporation

   Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line    Straight-line

 

(ae)   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-27


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

The elimination entries of the Parent Company’s investments against the related investees’ shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)         Won (millions)

Accounts

   Amount   

Accounts

   Amount

Common stock

   (Won) 2,666,540   

Investments in affiliates

   (Won) 25,235,571

Capital surplus

     15,448,710   

Consolidated capital surplus

     2,192

Retained earnings

     7,817,566   

Consolidated retained earnings

     522,679

Consolidated Capital adjustment

     158,728   

Equity gain of affiliates

     19,105
     

Capital adjustment

     169,239
     

Minority interests

     142,353
     

Other

     405
                
   (Won) 26,091,544       (Won) 26,091,544
                

 

(af)   Application of the Statements of Korea Financial Accounting Standards

The Korea Accounting Standards Board (“KASB”) has published a series of SKAS, which will gradually replace the existing financial accounting standards established by the Korea Financial Supervisory Board. On January 1, 2007 SKAS No. 21, “Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements” and SKAS No. 23, “Earnings per Share” will become effective for the Company according to the effective date set forth in the standards. The Company does not expect the adoption of the standards to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

(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 29, 2006, have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of (Won)930.0 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 29, 2006. 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, 2005 and 2006, 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, 2006, as announced by the Minister of Construction and Transportation, is as follows:

 

     Won (millions)

Purpose

   Book value    Declared value

Land—utility plant, transmission and distribution sites and other

   (Won) 5,993,983    8,338,687

The officially declared value of land, which is used for government purposes, is not intended to represent fair value.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(c)   Changes in Property, Plant and Equipment

Changes in property, plant and equipment and construction grants for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

    Won (millions)  
    2005  
    Book value
as of January 1,
2005
    Acquisitions     Disposals     Depreciation     Others     Book value
as of December 31,
2005
 

Land

  (Won) 5,678,090     23,691     (52,136 )   —       173,396     5,823,041  

Buildings

    7,379,400     8,666     (18,458 )   (579,722 )   641,888     7,431,774  

Structures

    25,171,884     34,258     (3,825 )   (1,074,760 )   1,856,087     25,983,644  

Machinery

    17,229,375     106,610     (18,933 )   (3,373,440 )   3,589,166     17,532,778  

Vehicles

    23,573     18,728     (7,876 )   (16,497 )   7,395     25,323  

Loaded Nuclear fuel

    1,059,255     —       —       (424,721 )   391,931     1,026,465  

Capitalized asset retirement cost

    1,616,336     —       —       (220,995 )   316,406     1,711,747  

Others

    833,670     88,023     (73,992 )   (146,242 )   55,552     757,011  

Construction in-progress

    7,516,932     6,438,847     —       —       (6,600,499 )   7,355,280  

Construction grants

    (3,182,366 )   (679,735 )   —       166,773     54,319     (3,641,009 )
                                     
  (Won) 63,326,149     6,039,088     (175,220 )   (5,669,604 )   485,641     64,006,054  
                                     
    Won (millions)  
    2006  
    Book value
as of January 1,
2006
    Acquisitions     Disposals     Depreciation     Others     Book value
as of December 31,
2006
 

Land

  (Won) 5,823,041     10,094     (17,243 )   —       178,091     5,993,983  

Buildings

    7,431,774     24,665     (9,070 )   (570,892 )   372,489     7,248,966  

Structures

    25,983,644     11,194     (448 )   (930,293 )   2,449,161     27,513,258  

Machinery

    17,532,778     100,384     (10,099 )   (3,226,353 )   2,448,712     16,845,422  

Vehicles

    25,323     15,423     (64 )   (17,612 )   9,341     32,411  

Loaded Nuclear fuel

    1,026,465     —       —       (420,617 )   365,025     970,873  

Capitalized asset retirement cost

    1,711,747     —       —       (224,729 )   169,818     1,656,836  

Others

    757,011     85,813     (725 )   (145,219 )   1,855     698,735  

Construction in-progress

    7,355,280     7,221,816     —       —       (6,183,757 )   8,393,339  

Construction grants

    (3,641,009 )   (796,994 )   —       265,175     85,934     (4,086,894 )
                                     
  (Won) 64,006,054     6,672,395     (37,649 )   (5,270,540 )   (103,331 )   65,266,929  
                                     

The Company received government grants related to property, plant and equipment amounting to (Won)3,263 million as of December 31, 2006, reflected on a net basis in the respective asset category in the table above.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(4)   Insured Assets

Insured assets as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

          Won (millions)

Insured assets

  

Insurance type

   Insured value

Buildings and machinery

   Fire insurance    (Won) 3,171,713

Buildings and machinery

   Nuclear property insurance      474,096

Buildings, machinery and construction in progress

   Construction and shipping insurance      8,367,292

Buildings

   General insurance      15,524,926

Construction in progress

   Construction insurance      1,627,665

Inventories and machinery

   Shipping insurance      4,770,390

In addition, as of December 31, 2006, 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 year ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2005  
     Book value
as of January 1,
2005
    Acquisitions     Amortization     Others     Book value
as of December 31,
2005
 

Port facility usage right

   (Won) 151,800     —       (11,459 )   1,938     142,279  

Water usage right

     104,180     5,011     (17,152 )   (1,163 )   90,876  

Dam usage right

     6,687     —       (144 )   —       6,543  

Electricity usage right

     48,295     —       (7,031 )   —       41,264  

Future radioactive wastes repository sites usage rights (*)

     —       —       —       300,000     300,000  

Computer software

     255,888     6,622     (64,163 )   32,214     230,561  

Others

     65,589     33,974     (25,434 )   29,580     103,709  

Government grants

     (20,481 )   (8,557 )   139     —       (28,899 )
                                
   (Won) 611,958     37,050     (125,244 )   362,569     886,333  
                                
     Won (millions)  
     2006  
     Book value
as of January 1,
2006
    Acquisitions     Amortization     Others     Book value
as of December 31,
2006
 

Port facility usage right

   (Won) 142,279     —       (8,846 )   (19 )   133,414  

Water usage right

     90,876     —       (16,952 )   —       73,924  

Dam usage right

     6,543     —       (145 )   —       6,398  

Electricity usage right

     41,264     —       (5,754 )   —       35,510  

Future radioactive wastes repository sites usage rights (*)

     300,000     —       —       —       300,000  

Computer software

     230,561     24,215     (85,871 )   40,724     209,629  

Others

     103,709     45,594     (9,208 )   (10,991 )   129,104  

Government grants

     (28,899 )   (6,218 )   1,421     —       (33,696 )
                                
   (Won) 886,333     63,591     (125,355 )   29,714     854,283  
                                

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 


(*) 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 is 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 for the year ended December 31, 2005. The Company paid the entire amount in 2006.

In addition, the Company expensed research and development cost amounting to (Won)433,142 million, (Won)515,353 million and (Won)554,473 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

(6)   Investment Securities

(a) Short-term Investment securities as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005    2006

Short-term investment securities

     

Available-for-sale securities

   (Won) 28,786    15,145

Held-to-maturity securities

     49    94
           
   (Won) 28,835    15,239
           

Available-for-sale securities consist of bond funds and held-to-maturity securities consist of debt securities including government and municipal bonds.

(b) Long-term investments other than those under the equity method as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005
     Ownership
%
  

Acquisition

cost

  

Book

Value

Available-for-sale:

        

Equity securities:

        

Energy Savings Investment Cooperatives (*1, *2)

   25.0~48.0    (Won) 5,000    5,000

Korea Power Exchange (*1, *3)

   100.0      127,839    127,839

Hwan Young Steel Co., Ltd. (*1)

   0.14      1,364    120

Equity securities in treasury stock fund (*5)

        18,253    22,738

Other equity securities

        15,141    15,141

Debt securities

        5,149    6,389
              
        172,746    177,227
              

Held-to-maturity:

        

Government and municipal bonds

        2,961    2,961
              

Total

      (Won) 175,707    180,188
              

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

     Won (millions)
     2006
    

Ownership

%

  

Acquisition

cost

  

Book

value

Available-for-sale:

        

Equity securities:

        

Energy Savings Investment Cooperatives (*1, *2)

   25.0~48.0    (Won) 5,000    5,000

Korea Power Exchange (*1, *3)

   100.0      127,839    127,839

Hwan Young Steel Co., Ltd. (*1, *4)

   0.14      1,091    97

KNOC Nigerian East Oil Co., Ltd. (*6)

   15.0      12    12

KNOC Nigerian West Oil Co., Ltd. (*6)

   15.0      12    12

Dolphin Property Limited (*6)

   15.0      12    12

Equity securities in treasury stock fund (*5)

        11,713    15,381

Other equity securities

        24,695    24,695

Debt securities

        5,149    10,310
              
        175,523    183,358
              

Held-to-maturity:

        

Government and municipal bonds

        3,531    3,531
              

Total

      (Won) 179,054    186,889
              

(*1) These available-for-sale non-marketable equity securities are stated at cost due to the lack of information to determine fair value.

 

(*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, 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, when the purpose of establishment and articles of incorporation of Korea Power Exchange are considered, the Company does not appear to have significant management control. Therefore, the investment is accounted for as available-for-sale at cost.

 

(*4) The recoverable amount of the investment in Hwan Young Steel Co., Ltd. was considered to be less than the carrying amount and an impaired loss of (Won)23 million was recognized. Additionally, there was a reduction in capital stock of Hwan Young Steel Co., Ltd. for which the Company received cash in the amount of (Won)273 million.

 

(*5) In order to stabilize the price of the Company’s common stock in the market, the Company established a treasury stock fund (the Fund) composed of treasury stock and other equity securities in December 1992. The Fund is recorded at fair value based on net asset value of the Fund at balance sheet date, as provided by the portfolio manager, less the fair value of the treasury shares included in the Fund’s portfolio. Valuation gain (loss) on the treasury shares are recorded in capital surplus whereas the valuation gain (loss) on the Fund is recorded in capital adjustment. As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, gains on the valuation of the Fund recorded in capital adjustments amounted to (Won)3,252 million and (Won)2,659 million, respectively, net of tax.

 

(*6)

The Company invested in overseas oil development industry with a consortium of Korean companies (the “Korean Consortium”) consisting of the Company, Korea National Oil Corporation and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. The Korean Consortium, owning 60% equity interest in the

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

 

joint venture incorporated with English Equator and Nigeria, invested in KNOC Nigerian East 323, KNOC Nigerian West 321 and Dolphin Property Ltd. Additionally, the Company provides performance guarantees of US$25 million related to the oil and gas producing activities and US$35 million related to the construction of power generation plants and gas pipes to the Nigerian government.

(c) Investments in affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005
     Ownership
%
   Acquisition
cost
   Net asset
value
   Book
value

Korea Gas Corporation

   24.5    (Won) 94,500    819,100    819,100

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

   26.1      5,660    176,173    176,173

LG Powercom Corporation (*)

   43.1      323,470    407,666    400,979

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

   49.0      7,987    24,525    24,525

YTN

   21.4      59,000    25,014    25,014

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

   40.0      2,719    2,719    2,719
                   
      (Won) 493,336    1,455,197    1,448,510
                   
     Won (millions)
     2006
     Ownership
%
   Acquisition
cost
   Net asset
value
   Book
value
      

Korea Gas Corporation

   24.5    (Won) 94,500    860,503    860,503

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

   26.1      5,660    184,458    184,458

LG Powercom Corporation (*)

   43.1      323,470    382,036    376,831

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

   49.0      7,987    48,130    48,130

YTN

   21.4      59,000    26,677    26,677

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

   40.0      7,163    5,808    5,808

Salcon Power Corporation

   40.0      21,620    22,921    22,921

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

   40.0      18,053    18,053    18,053
                   
      (Won) 537,453    1,548,586    1,543,381
                   

(*) As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, unrealized profits of (Won)6,687 million and (Won)5,205 million, respectively, arisen from transactions with the Company were eliminated.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(d) Changes in investments in affiliated companies under the equity method for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005
    

Book value
as of January 1,

2005

  

Equity income

of affiliates

    Others (*)    

Book value
as of December 31,

2005

Korea Gas Corporation

   (Won) 787,842    63,604     (32,346 )   819,100

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

     169,527    7,664     (1,018 )   176,173

LG Powercom Corporation

     381,221    20,386     (628 )   400,979

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

     22,853    5,997     (4,325 )   24,525

YTN

     24,654    278     82     25,014

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

     —      —       2,719     2,719
                       
   (Won) 1,386,097    97,929     (35,516 )   1,448,510
                       
     Won (millions)
     2006
    

Book value
as of January 1,

2006

   Equity income
(loss) of affiliates
    Others (*)    

Book value
as of December 31,

2006

      

Korea Gas Corporation

   (Won) 819,100    60,649     (19,246 )   860,503

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

     176,173    8,193     92     184,458

LG Powercom Corporation

     400,979    (23,510 )   (638 )   376,831

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

     24,525    29,005     (5,400 )   48,130

YTN

     25,014    1,586     77     26,677

Gansu Datang Yumen Wind Power Co., Ltd.

     2,719    —       3,089     5,808

Salcon Power Corporation

     —      4,086     18,835     22,921

Datang Chifang Renewable Co., Ltd.

     —      —       18,053     18,053
                       
   (Won) 1,448,510    80,009     14,862     1,543,381
                       

(*) 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 capital adjustments.

The Company has recorded unrealized losses of (Won)6 million and (Won)990 million relating to the above affiliates as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and unrealized gains of (Won)113,914 million and (Won)117,870 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, which have been accounted for as capital adjustments. These capital adjustments have been recorded as unrealized gains and losses on equity securities of affiliates within stockholders’ equity as capital adjustments.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(e) Summarized financial information regarding affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 is shown in the following table. There are no significant differences between carrying value of investment and share of underlying net equity.

 

     Korea Gas Corporation     Korea District Heating Co.
     Won (millions)     Won (millions)
           2005                2006                 2005                2006      

Current assets

   (Won) 3,987,060    4,907,511     345,745    472,476

Other assets

     7,329,437    7,340,817     1,029,120    1,277,138
                      
     11,316,497    12,248,328     1,374,865    1,749,614
                      

Current liabilities

     3,805,049    3,958,164     155,286    156,051

Other liabilities

     4,162,046    4,771,457     543,848    886,082
                      
     7,967,095    8,729,621     699,134    1,042,133
                      

Net assets

     3,349,402    3,518,707     675,731    707,481
                      

Net sales

     11,070,038    12,894,832     562,303    613,441

Gross profit

     666,400    727,202     77,572    81,084

Net earnings

     246,414    240,456     29,424    31,396
     LG Powercom Corporation     Korea Electric Power Industrial
Development Co., Ltd.
     Won (millions)     Won (millions)
     2005    2006     2005    2006

Current assets

   (Won) 351,874    163,336     41,545    130,751

Other assets

     1,215,455    1,319,781     107,444    35,405
                      
     1,567,329    1,483,117     148,989    166,156
                      

Current liabilities

     258,358    328,656     14,945    39,380

Other liabilities

     363,754    268,669     84,146    28,552
                      
     622,112    597,325     99,091    67,932
                      

Net assets

     945,217    885,792     49,898    98,224
                      

Net sales

     638,430    855,913     184,621    195,207

Gross profit

     69,135    (55,333 )   24,273    24,599

Net earnings

     46,075    (57,945 )   12,085    59,349

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

     YTN    Gansu Datang Yumen Wind
Power Co., Ltd.
     Won (millions)    Won (millions)
           2005                2006                2005                2006      

Current assets

   (Won) 47,355    61,293    —      —  

Other assets

     116,252    110,271    6,824    41,767
                     
     163,607    171,564    6,824    41,767
                     

Current liabilities

     33,407    12,490    —      —  

Other liabilities

     13,468    34,577    —      27,247
                     
     46,875    47,067    —      27,247
                     

Net assets

     116,732    124,497    6,824    14,520
                     

Net sales

     75,975    83,185    —      —  

Gross profit

     6,452    11,495    —      —  

Net earnings

     1,297    7,402    —      —  
     Salcon Power Corporation    Datang Chifeng
Renewable Co., Ltd.
     Won (millions)    Won (millions)
     2005    2006    2005    2006

Current assets

   (Won) —      37,356    —      —  

Other assets

     —      23,816    —      45,132
                     
     —      61,172    —      45,132
                     

Current liabilities

     —      3,869    —      —  

Other liabilities

     —      —      —      —  
                     
     —      3,869    —      —  
                     

Net assets

     —      57,303    —      45,132
                     

Net sales

     —      19,542    —      —  

Gross profit

     —      13,163    —      —  

Net earnings

     —      8,867    —      —  

 

(7)   Loans to Employees

The Company has provided housing and tuition loans to employees as follows as of December 31, 2005 and 2006:

 

     Won (millions)
           2005                2006      

Current portion of long-term loans (note 11)

   (Won) 22,649    24,597

Long-term loans

     323,980    355,447
           
   (Won) 346,629    380,044
           

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(8)   Other Non-current Assets

Other non-current assets as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
             2005                    2006        

Deposits

   (Won) 176,150    166,718

Assets received from KEDO (note 31)

     —      94,088

Other investments

     125,096    138,404

Others

     71    49
           
   (Won) 301,317    399,259
           

 

(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 expenditures for certain business purposes as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
             2005                    2006        

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 70,282    122,197

Long-term financial instruments

     5    5
           
   (Won) 70,287    122,202
           

 

(10)   Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
             2005                    2006        

Raw materials (*)

   (Won) 1,052,649    1,158,663

Supplies

     645,628    806,356

Other

     129,392    133,957
           
   (Won) 1,827,669    2,098,976
           

(*) As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, the Company has nuclear fuel in process amounting to (Won)729,909 million and (Won)639,167 million, respectively.

 

(11)   Other Current Assets

Other current assets as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
             2005                    2006        

Current portion of long-term and short-term loans (note 7)

   (Won) 22,649    27,226

Accrued interest income

     44,459    28,289

Advance payments

     22,914    24,045

Prepaid expenses

     17,995    27,262

Currency forwards (note 23)

     —      64

Others

     115,384    94,444
           
   (Won) 223,401    201,330
           

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(12)   Stockholders’ Equity

 

(a)   Capital Stock

The Company’s 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 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, 2006, 641,567,712 shares of common stock have been issued. As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, the Company held 5,450,062 shares and 20,485,966 shares of common stock as treasury stock, respectively.

In 2005, the Company issued 819,139 shares with par value (Won)5,000 to the government of the Republic of Korea in return for certain fixed assets related to power distribution. The value of these shares were recorded as common stock of (Won)4,096 million and paid-in capital in excess of par value of (Won)23,846 million.

 

(b)   Capital Surplus

Capital surplus as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
             2005                    2006        
      

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

   (Won) 835,142    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 (*)

     298,825    386,905
           
   (Won) 14,421,065    14,517,143
           

(*) As described in note 1(x), effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted SKAS No. 16 “Income Taxes.” As a result, deferred taxes are recognized on temporary differences related to the conversion right of convertible bond that is reported as a component of capital surplus. In addition, other capital surplus includes gain on disposal of treasury stock.

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 may be credited to paid-in capital or offset against any accumulated deficit by resolution of the shareholders.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(13)   Appropriated Retained Earnings

Appropriated retained earnings as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005    2006

Involuntary:

     

Legal reserve

   (Won) 1,601,871    1,603,919

Voluntary:

     

Reserve for investment on social overhead capital

     5,152,449    5,217,449

Reserve for research and human resources development

     210,000    270,000

Reserve for business rationalization

     31,900    31,900

Reserve for business expansion

     15,003,071    16,588,939

Reserve for dividend equalization

     210,000    210,000
           
     20,607,420    22,318,288
           
   (Won) 22,209,291    23,922,207
           

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 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.

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.

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.

Until December 10, 2002 under the Special Tax Treatment Control 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 despite tax benefits received for certain investments and, consequently, the existing balance is now regarded as a voluntary reserve.

The reserve for dividend equalization, which is considered a voluntary reserve, is appropriated by the Company to reduce fluctuation of dividend rate for the purpose of stock price and credit rating stabilization.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(14)   Capital Adjustments

Capital adjustments as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2005     2006  

Treasury stock

   (Won) (118,293 )   (796,980 )

Gain on valuation of available- for-sale securities, net

     4,009     5,448  

Unrealized equity gain of affiliates (note 6(d))

     113,914     117,870  

Unrealized equity loss of affiliates (note 6(d))

     (6 )   (990 )

Overseas operation translation credit

     (66,752 )   (79,723 )

Gain (loss) on valuation of cash flow hedges (note 23)

     2,391     (4,710 )
              
   (Won) (64,737 )   (759,085 )
              

The Company has treasury stock amounting to (Won)118,293 million (treasury stock 4,432,912 shares and treasury stock funds 1,017,150 shares) and (Won)796,980 million (treasury stock 19,284,016 shares and treasury stock funds 1,201,950 shares) as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, for the purpose of stock price stabilization.

 

(15)   Dividends

Details of dividends for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

              Won (millions)  
     Outstanding
shares of
common stock
   Dividend
rate
  Dividend
per share
   Total
dividend
 

2004:

          

Outstanding shares of common stock

   629,700,523    23%   (Won) 1,150    (Won) 724,156  

Treasury shares

   11,048,050    —       —        —    
                  
   640,748,573         (Won) 724,156  
                  

2005:

          

Outstanding shares of common stock

   636,117,650    23%   (Won) 1,150    (Won) 731,535  

Treasury shares

   5,450,062    —       —        —    
                  
   641,567,712         (Won) 731,535  
                  

2006:

          

Outstanding shares of common stock

   621,081,746    20%   (Won) 1,000    (Won) 621,082 (*)

Treasury shares

   20,485,966    —       —        —    
                  
   641,567,712         (Won) 621,082  
                  

(*) This amount was not recorded in the 2006 consolidated financial statements. It will be recorded upon declaration by the Board of Directors in 2007.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(16)   Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

(a)   Local Currency Short-term Borrowings

 

         

Annual
interest rate %

  Won (millions)

Lender

   Type      2005    2006

Woori Bank

   Commercial paper    4.65(*)   (Won) 127,900    200,000

Chohung Bank

   Commercial paper    5.38     30,000    —  

Korea Exchange Bank

   Industrial facility    3.90~4.79     70,000    110,000

Korea Resources Corporation

   General    2.25~3.50     6,613    4,081

Kookmin Bank

   General    4.61     —      9,000
                
        (Won) 234,513    323,081
                

(*) Annual interest rate in 2005 was CD+0.03 (4.07 at December 31, 2005).

 

(b)   Foreign Currency Short-term Borrowings

 

         

Annual
interest rate %

   Won (millions)

Lender

                 Type                     2005    2006

ANZ

   General    4.11~4.53    (Won) 46,848    —  

National Austrailia Bank

   General    Libor+0.25      48,252    —  

BNP Paribas

   General    5.50~5.55      —      33,881

BOA, BNP Paribas and Mizuho Bank

   General    5.82      —      97,609

Other

   General    4.71      5,065    22,149
                 
         (Won) 100,165    153,639
                 

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(17)   Long-term Debt

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

(a)   Local Currency Long-term Borrowings

 

              

Annual
interest rate %

   Won (millions)  

Lender

   Type    Maturity       2005     2006  

Korea Development Bank

   Facility    2007~2039    4.50~9.00    (Won) 4,824,908     4,720,055  

Industrial Bank of Korea

   Rural area
Development
   2011~2012    4.00      70,000     70,000  

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy

   Rural area
development
   2010    4.00      50,000     50,000  

National Agricultural Cooperative Federation

   Rural area
development
   2011    4.00      50,000     200,000  

Korea Exchange Bank

   Energy
rationalization
   2012~2021    3.00~4.00      118,000     123,600  

Other

   General    2008~2012    1.25~6.00      92,501     870,072  
                       
              5,205,409     6,033,727  

Less: Current portion

              (1,290,298 )   (1,434,557 )
                       
            (Won) 3,915,111     4,599,170  
                       

 

(b)   Foreign Currency Long-term Borrowings

 

              

Annual
interest rate %

   Won (millions)  

Lender

   Type    Maturity       2005     2006  

Japan Bank of International Cooperation

   Facility       8.28    (Won) 169,804     138,130  

Korea Development Bank

   General    2006    Libor+0.30~1.50      9,219     —    

Korea Development Bank

   Facility    2006    1.40      86,004     —    

Korea National Oil Corporation

   Oil production

 

   2021

 

   3 year treasury
notes-2.25
    

—  

 

 

  6,787

 

 

The Export-Import Bank of Korea

   Project loans    2014    7.27      44,573     36,381  

Kookmin Bank

   Facility    2006    Libor+1.40      2,699     —    

US-EXIM

   "    2015    4.48      88,962     72,618  

Others

   "    2007~2010    0.00~5.76      28,491     39,399  
                       
              429,752     293,315  

Less: Current portion

              (135,870 )   (36,428 )
                       
            (Won) 293,882     256,887  
                       

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(c)   Debentures

 

         

Annual
interest rate %

   Won (millions)  
     Maturity       2005     2006  

Local currency debentures:

          

Electricity bonds

   2006~2013    3.43~5.29    (Won) 4,735,000     4,675,000  

Corporate bonds

   2006~2011    3.54~7.17      3,351,123     3,010,010  
                    
           8,086,123     7,685,010  
                    

Foreign currency debentures:

          

FY-93

   2013

 

   5.00+2x(JPY
/KRW-11.03)
    

354,550

 

 

  325,360

 

 

FY-96(*1)

   2006~2096    6.00~8.278      529,007     239,385  

FY-97

   2010    6.75~8.50      462,503     429,872  

FY-02

   2007~2008    1.04~5.95      1,063,650     976,080  

FY-03(*2)

   2008~2013    1.33~4.75      953,814     676,256  

FY-04

   2007~2034    0.51~5.75      1,031,569     936,929  

FY-05

   2010~2012    3.125~5.25      603,938     584,440  

FY-06

   2016    5.55~6.00      —       604,240  
                    
           4,999,031     4,772,562  
                    
           13,085,154     12,457,572  

Less: Current portion

           (1,859,061 )   (2,752,160 )

          Discount

           (57,800 )   (39,844 )
                    
         (Won) 11,168,293     9,665,568  
                    

(*1) In 1996, the Company issued bonds of US$208,256 thousand which is repaid in equal installments over the term of the bond until 2096.

 

(*2) In 2003, the Company issued foreign debentures to KEPCO Cayman Company Limited of US$250 million and the right to exchange the debentures into shares of LG Powercom Corporation held by the Company. KEPCO Cayman Company Limited issued foreign debentures of US$250 million under substantially similar terms and conditions as the debentures issued by the Company to KEPCO Cayman Company Limited, the details of which are as follows:

 

  - Maturity date: November 26, 2008

 

  - Exchangeable upon Qualifying Public Offering (QPO): QPO means the first listing on the Korea Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) meeting certain requirements. LG Powercom Corporation is not required to complete a QPO prior to the maturity of the debentures. The Company does not guarantee the QPO of LG Powercom Corporation.

 

  - Shares to be exchanged: LG Powercom Corporation’s shares or DR.

 

 

-

Exchangeable period: From 10th day after the listing of LG Powercom Corporation to 10th day before its maturity.

 

  - Exchange price: 120% of lower amount of market price on the listing day or weighted average price for 10 days after its listing.

 

  - Early redemption: When certain conditions are met or after 3 years from the listing, outstanding debentures are redeemable at the guaranteed return of 2.88% (102.74% of issuance amount).

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

  - Repayment at the maturity: Repayment will be made with the guaranteed return of 3.68% (109.13% of issuance amounts).

 

   Also, the Company is providing payment guarantees for the foreign currency debentures issued by KEPCO Cayman Company Limited. The Company has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed full and timely repayment of principal and interest of the debentures.

 

   The Company received an early redemption claim of US$191,960 thousand (76.78% of issuance amount), on November 27, 2006 and the Company paid US$197,220 thousand based on the guaranteed return of 2.88% (102.74% of issuance amount). The Company recorded a gain related to this early redemption amounting to (Won)2,329 million.

 

(d)   Exchangeable Bonds

 

    

Annual
interest rate %

   Won (millions)  

Description

      2005     2006  

Overseas exchangeable bonds (*1)

   0.00    (Won) 122,902     10,642  

Overseas exchangeable bonds (*2)

   0.00      —       485,682  

Overseas exchangeable bonds (*2)

   0.00      —       555,114  
                 
        122,902     1,051,438  

Plus: Premium on debentures issued

        5,556     314  

Less: Discount on debentures issued

        —       (80,822 )

 Conversion right adjustment

        (11,599 )   (64,931 )
                 

 Exchangeable bonds, net

      (Won) 116,859     905,999  
                 

(*1) On November 4, 2003, the Company issued overseas exchangeable bonds of JPY28,245,468,400 at a premium. During 2005, the bondholders converted JPY14,438,543,000 into 344,704 shares of common stock and 10,444,768 shares of DR (equivalent to 5,222,384 shares of common stock). During 2006, exchangeable bonds of JPY10,501,022,000 were converted into 745,309 shares of common stock and 6,607,174 shares of DR (equivalent to 3,303,587 shares of common stock). As of December 31, 2006, the remaining number of common stock to be converted is 383,835 shares if the conversion right is exercised. As of December 31, 2006, the details of the bonds were as follows:

 

  - Maturity date: November 4, 2008

 

  - Amount to be paid at maturity: JPY995,495,000

 

  - Exchange period: From December 15, 2003 to 10th day prior to its maturity.

 

  - Shares to be exchanged: Common stock of the Company or its equivalent DR

 

  - Exchange price: (Won)30,000 per share converted at KRW10.621/JPY, the exchange rate at the date of issuance

 

  - Put option: Bondholders had a put option could be exercised for JPY1,030,000,000 on November 6, 2006 which expired unexercised.

 

  - Call option: The Company has a call option that it can exercise on or at any time after November 6, 2006. 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 end of the immediately preceding fiscal year.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(*2) On November 21, 2006, the Company issued overseas exchangeable bonds of JPY61,345,128,000 and EUR463,320,780 with a discount value (JPY60,810,000,000 and EUR401,700,000). The Company acquired 18,900,000 treasury shares in the amount of (Won)740,949 million to redeem overseas exchangeable bonds of JPY61,345,128,000 and EUR463,320,780. As of December 31, 2006, the details of the bonds were as follows:

 

  - Maturity date: November 23, 2011

 

  - Amount to be paid at maturity: JPY61,345,128,000 and EUR463,320,780

 

  - 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 converted at KRW199.8/EUR, the exchange rate at the date of issuance

 

  - Put option: Bondholders have a put option that they can exercise for JPY61,132,293,000 and EUR437,612,000 on 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.

 

(e)   Foreign currency debts, by currency, as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions), US$, JPY, EUR, GBP and CNY(thousands)
     2005    2006
    

Foreign

currency

   Won
equivalent
  

Foreign

currency

   Won
equivalent

Short-term borrowings

   US$ 93,579    (Won) 100,165    US$ 165,274    (Won) 153,639
                   

Long-term borrowings

   US$ 311,213      312,299    US$ 274,958      255,601
   JPY 10,000,000      88,962    JPY —        —  
   CNY 227,000      28,491    CNY 317,000      37,714
                   
        429,752         293,315
                   

Debentures

   US$ 3,996,270      4,045,666    US$ 4,435,270      4,109,640
   JPY 71,000,000      610,628    JPY 40,000,000      312,732
   EUR 250,000      300,039    EUR 250,000      305,560
   GBP 24,467      42,698    GBP 24,467      44,630
                   
        4,999,031         4,772,562
                   

Exchangeable bond

   JPY 11,496,518      122,902    JPY 62,340,623      496,324
   EUR —        —      EUR 463,321      555,114
                   
        122,902         1,051,438
                   
      (Won) 5,651,850       (Won) 6,270,954
                   

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(f)   Aggregate maturities of the Company’s long-term debt as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)

Year ended December 31

   Local
currency
borrowings
   Foreign
currency
borrowings
   Domestic
debentures
   Foreign
debentures
   Exchangeable
bonds
   Total

2007

   (Won) 1,434,557    36,428    1,625,010    1,127,150    —      4,223,145

2008

     1,560,566    72,645    2,230,000    677,418    10,642    4,551,271

2009

     1,969,401    34,837    1,960,000    1,108    —      3,965,346

2010

     735,509    34,837    1,290,000    306,594    —      2,366,940

2011

     259,888    34,837    460,000    372,785    1,040,796    2,168,306

Thereafter

     73,806    79,731    120,000    2,287,507    —      2,561,044
                               
   (Won) 6,033,727    293,315    7,685,010    4,772,562    1,051,438    19,836,052
                               

 

(18)   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 17(e) as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions), US$, JPY and EUR (thousands)
     2005    2006
     Foreign
currency
(thousands) (*)
   Won
equivalent
(millions)
   Foreign
currency
(thousands) (*)
   Won
equivalent
(millions)

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   US$ 3,255    (Won) 3,297    US$ 4,346    (Won) 4,040
   JPY 1,280      11    JPY —        —  

Short-term financial instruments

   US$ 665      674    US$ 5,567      5,175

Trade receivables

   US$ 9,318      9,439    US$ 8,123      7,552
   JPY 32,484      279    JPY —        —  

Other accounts receivable

   US$ 11,750      11,902    US$ 200      186
   EUR 17      21    EUR 50      61

Other current assets

   US$ 316      320    US$ 374      348

Accrued income

   US$ —        —      US$ 11      10

Other non-current assets

   US$ 153      154    US$ 384      358
   JPY 10,239      88    JPY 14,091      110
   EUR 20      23    EUR 20      25
                   
      (Won) 26,208       (Won) 17,865
                   

Liabilities:

           

Trade payables

   US$ 201,131    (Won) 203,746    US$ 248,845    (Won) 231,326
   EUR 43      51    EUR 2,035      2,487
   JPY —        —      JPY 27,000      211

Other accounts payable

   US$ 1,241      1,255    US$ 193,655      180,031
   EUR 537      645    EUR 1,076      1,316
   JPY 24,442      210    JPY 25,634      200

Withholdings

   US$ —        —      US$ 145      135

Accrued expense

   US$ 1,749      1,772    US$ 5,023      4,670

Other current liabilities

   US$ 1,394      1,412    US$ 730      679
   EUR 103      124    EUR —        —  
                   
      (Won) 209,215       (Won) 421,055
                   

(*) Foreign currencies other than US$, JPY and EUR are converted into US$.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(19)   Retirement and Severance Benefits

Changes in retirement and severance benefits for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2005     2006  

Estimated accrual at beginning of year

   (Won) 999,796     1,255,744  

Provision for retirement and severance benefits

     282,464     313,078  

Increase arising from change in consolidated subsidiaries

     1,364     1,746  

Payments

     (27,880 )   (43,133 )
              

Estimated accrual at end of year

     1,255,744     1,527,435  

Transfer to National Pension Fund

     (93 )   (93 )

Deposit for severance benefit insurance

     (277,704 )   (343,093 )
              

Net balance at end of year

   (Won) 977,947     1,184,249  
              

As of December 31, 2006, 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)

2007

   (Won) 39,909    $ 42,913

2008

     47,021      50,560

2009

     50,361      54,152

2010

     74,614      80,230

2011

     58,008      62,374

2012 – 2016

     284,413      305,820

The above amounts were determined based on the employees’ current salary rates as of balance sheet date and the number of service years that will be accumulated upon their retirement date. These amounts do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Company before their normal retirement age.

 

(20)   Liability for Decommissioning Costs

Under the Korean Electricity Business Act (EBA) Article 94, the Company is required to record a liability for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and disposal of 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 Korean Minister of Science and Technology (MOST).

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 of the nuclear power plants, spent fuel and radioactive waste. In addition, during 2004, the Company updated its estimate of the liability for decommissioning costs based on new engineering studies (the “2004 study”) provided by third parties. The 2004 study revised certain essential assumptions such as the timing of cash outflows. Therefore, as required by SKAS No. 17, the Company

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

re-measured the liability for decommissioning costs as of January 1, 2004 and recorded the cumulative effect of this change in accounting including the effect of the change in estimate in the beginning balance of 2004 retained earnings as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     As previously
reported
   Difference    After Adoption

Beginning retained earnings

   (Won) 2,925,808    687,362    3,613,170

Asset retirement costs, net

     —      1,504,173    1,504,173

Liability for decommissioning costs

     5,091,070    556,088    5,647,158

Deferred income tax liabilities

     82,621    260,723    343,344

As of December 31, 2006, the expected decommissioning dates for the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) ranges from 2021 to 2057 and 2026 to 2042, respectively. However, the service period of the nuclear power plant is dependent upon the economics and safety measures during plant operations and supervision of MOST with periodic safety inspection and safety reviews.

As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, the Company has recorded a liability of (Won)6,915,149 million and (Won)7,543,491 million, respectively, for dismantling and decontaminating existing nuclear power plants, consisting of dismantling costs of nuclear plants of (Won)3,764,684 million and (Won)3,928,824 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 and storage costs of spent fuel and radioactive wastes of (Won)3,150,465 million and (Won)3,614,667 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, 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 income.

Changes in the liability for decommissioning costs for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2005     2006  

Balance at beginning of year

   (Won) 6,265,035     6,915,149  

Prior year adjustment (*1)

     —       55,255  

Liabilities incurred:

    

Expenses (*2)

     74,528     87,519  

Assets (*3)

     316,406     167,508  

Accretion expense for year (*4)

     321,139     328,237  

Payments for year

     (61,959 )   (10,177 )
              

Balance at end of year

   (Won) 6,915,149     7,543,491  
              

(*1)

Adjustment to reflect discrepancies noted pursuant to a physical count of radioactive waste storage cans. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company computerized the processes for recording capitalized asset retirement costs and liability for decommissioning costs in relation to dismantling the nuclear power plants and storage of spent fuel and radioactive wastes. As part of the computerization process, the Company initiated a thorough investigation to identify accurate quantities of spent fuel and radioactive waste. As a result of the investigation, the Company found discrepancies between physical counts performed and pre existing data. In addition, the Company changed the timing of asset retirement cost recognition for spent fuel from when spent fuel is released to when new nuclear fuel is loaded. As a result of the discrepancy and

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

 

the change in the timing of recognition, the Company adjusted the beginning balances of asset retirement costs and liability for decommissioning costs and recognized a prior year error correction in the consolidated statements of income for year ended December 31, 2006.

 

(*2) Expenses related to spent fuel from PHWR and radioactive wastes

 

(*3) Assets related to dismantling costs of nuclear plants and spent fuel from PWR

 

(*4) Expenses related to seeking disposal sites and carry out research and development on wastes disposal (weighted average discount rate: 4.36%)

 

(21)   Receivables at Present Value

Present value discounts long-term loans as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

               Won (millions)
               2005
    

Imputed

Interest rate (%)

   Period    Nominal value    Discount   

Present

Value

Ul-jin

   6.00    2003~2013    (Won) 8,600    2,016    6,584

Young-kwang

   7.20    2002~2012      3,382    800    2,582
                      
         (Won) 11,982    2,816    9,166
                      
               Won (millions)
               2006
    

Imputed

Interest rate (%)

   Period    Nominal value    Discount   

Present

Value

Young-kwang

   6.00    2002-2012    (Won) 8,600    1,618    6,982

Ul-jin

   7.20    2003-2013      3,349    508    2,841

Kori

   5.00    2006-2016      14,880    4,420    10,460

Kori

   4.00    2006-2016      15,120    3,941    11,179
                      
         (Won) 41,949    10,487    31,462
                      

 

(22)   Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005    2006

Advance received

   (Won) 146,514    141,996

Withholdings

     238,780    173,516

Unearned revenue

     13,836    57,293

Others

     303,504    318,070
           
   (Won) 702,634    690,875
           

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(23)   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, 2006 are as follows:

 

Counterparty

 

Contract

Year

 

Settlement

Year

  Contract amounts in millions   Contract interest rate per annum
      Pay   Receive   Pay (%)   Receive (%)

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Deutsche Bank (*1)

  2002   2007   JPY 76,700   US$ 650   1.18   4.25

Barclays Bank PLC, London

  2002   2007   JPY 30,400   US$ 250   1.04   3M Libor+0.75

ABN AMRO (*4)

  2002   2008   KRW 181,500   US$ 150   5.95   4.63

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Deutsche Bank

  2003   2008   JPY 23,770   US$ 200   1.28   4.25

Credit Suisse First Boston

  2003   2013   KRW 177,720   US$ 150   5.12   4.75

ABN AMRO & Deutsche Bank (*5)

  2004   2008   KRW 185,550   US$ 150   5.30   4.25

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Credit Suisse First Boston (*2)

  2004   2011   KRW 172,800   US$ 150   Within 3 years:
4.875

After 3 years:
4.875-(10.9-
JPY/KRW Spot
rate)
  4.95

Barclays Bank PLC, London

  2004   2014   KRW 172,875   US$ 150   5.10   5.75

Barclays Bank PLC,

London, BNP PARIBAS,

Hana Bank &Credit

Suisse First Boston

  2004   2011   KRW 288,025   US$ 250   4.85   4.875

Barclays Bank PLC,

London, Lehman

Brothers, Deutche Bank &

BNP PARIBAS

  2005   2012   KRW 310,735   US$ 300   5.59   5.25

Leman Brothers, Citibank & Korea Exchange Bank

  2006   2007   KRW 100,233   US$ 105   4.51   5.82

Barclays Bank PLC, London & Deutsche Bank

  2006   2008   KRW 85,757   JPY 10,000   5.61   1.33

Credit Suisse First Boston, Barclays Bank PLC, London & Citibank

  2006   2016   KRW 284,205   US$ 300   5.26   6.00

UBS AG & Credit Suisse First (*3)

  2006   2016   KRW 196,200   US$ 200   5.48   5.50

Barclays Bank PLC, London & Deutsche Bank

  2006   2016   KRW 143,776   US$ 150   4.81   5.50

(*1) Under the terms of the derivative contract, if the Republic of Korea declares default on its debts, KEPCO is entitled to receive Korean government bonds instead of cash from JP Morgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. Valuation for these embedded derivatives is reflected in the valuation of the currency swap. The Company pays JPY7,670 million which is 10% of the contract amount, every March and September and will receive US$650 million in September 2007.

 

(*2) Under the currency swap contracts, the Company paid US$65,000,000 and received (Won)74,880 million (exchange rate: (Won)1.152/USD) at inception and will pay (Won)86,400 million (exchange rate: (Won)1.152/USD) and receive US$75,000,000 at expiration.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(*3) The Company entered into a currency swap contracts with UBS AG and Credit Suisse First Boston. Under the contracts, the Company paid US$50,000,000 to each counterparty and received (Won)49,050 million (exchange rate: (Won)981/USD) at inception and will pay (Won)98,100 million (exchange rate: (Won)981/USD) and receive US$100,000,000, collectively, at expiration. The contracts provided the same effect as if the Company issued fixed local currency debenture.

 

(*4) In relation to the currency swap, the Company entered into a swaption contract (receive: 5.95%, pay: CD+0.5%), under which the swaption was exercisable by ABN AMRO on January 2, 2006. ABN AMRO did not exercise the swaption and expired on that day.

 

(*5) In relation to the currency swaps, the swaption contract expired.

(b) Interest rate swap contracts as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

    

Notional amount

in millions

   Contract interest rate per annum   

Term

Counterparty

      Pay (%)    Receive (%)   

Deutsche Bank

   US$ 100    Max (6.074-Libor, 0)    Max (Libor-6.074, 0)    1998-2007

Deutsche Bank

   US$ 100    Max (Libor-6.074,0)    Max (6.074-Libor, 0)    1998-2007

Credit Suisse First Boston

   KRW 50,000    6.89    (5Y CMT-CD) x 2+4.3    2002-2007

Credit Suisse First Boston

   KRW 50,000    6.89    7.30    2002-2007

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

(c) Currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

    

Contract

Date

  

Settlement
Date

   Contract amounts   

Contract

exchange
rate

         Receive
(thousands)
   Pay (millions)   

Korea Exchange Bank

   2006.12.28    2007.03.12    JPY 7,670,000    KRW 60,527    7.89

Korea Exchange Bank

   2006.12.28    2007.04.30    GBP 24,467    KRW 44,437    1,816.22

Korea Exchange Bank

   2006.12.28    2007.09.12    JPY 7,670,000    KRW 61,769    8.05

Korea Exchange Bank

   2006.12.28    2007.09.21    US$ 22,880    KRW 21,173    925.40

Korea Exchange Bank

   2006.12.18    2007.01.08    US$ 5,000    KRW 4,634    929.78

Korea Exchange Bank

   2006.12.29    2007.01.08    US$ 5,000    KRW 4,607    921.38

Korea Exchange Bank

   2006.12.29    2007.02.28    US$ 5,000    KRW 4,579    915.78

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(d) 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, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2004     2005     2006  

Currency swaps

      

Gains

   (Won) 31,043     173,441     9,185  

Losses

     (321,615 )   (69,798 )   (169,780 )

Interest rate swaps

      

Gains

     121,107     63,702     1,196  

Losses

     (1,387 )   —       (12,946 )

Currency forwards

      

Gains

     —       —       64  

Losses

     —       —       (322 )

Swaptions

      

Gains

     1,611     6     —    
                    
   (Won) (169,241)     167,351     (172,603 )
                    

(e) The losses (gains) on currency and interest swap contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges of (Won)27,522 million, ((Won)2,391 million), and (Won)4,710 million are reflected within capital adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively.

(f) The transaction gains on derivatives are (Won)14,799 million, (Won)6,274 million, and (Won)12,099 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. The transaction losses on derivatives are (Won)15,573 million, (Won)34,720 million and (Won)45,143 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

(24)   Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Expenses

Power generation, transmission and distribution expenses for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2004    2005    2006

Fuel

   (Won) 6,598,642    7,568,086    8,937,598

Labor

     1,388,117    1,581,650    1,705,866

Depreciation and amortization

     5,240,211    5,023,221    4,909,548

Maintenance

     1,751,060    1,830,034    2,035,893

Provision for decommissioning costs/accretion and related expenses

     326,984    394,595    426,881

Research and development cost

     360,762    390,809    445,107

Others

     867,953    1,126,472    1,524,199
                
   (Won) 16,533,729    17,914,867    19,985,092
                

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(25)   Selling and Administrative Expenses

Details of selling and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2004    2005    2006

Labor

   (Won) 493,478    538,238    546,948

Employee benefits

     82,637    92,464    92,974

Sales commissions

     298,292    345,306    361,329

Compensation for damages

     1,021    4,287    2,300

Depreciation and amortization

     41,416    66,565    70,066

Promotion

     21,245    21,912    24,279

Commission-others

     105,046    100,173    100,551

Bad debts

     19,982    26,507    25,317

Maintenance

     18,875    21,118    26,107

Research and development cost

     44,561    97,248    108,691

Others

     167,569    204,851    217,718
                
   (Won) 1,294,122    1,518,669    1,576,280
                

 

(26)   Income Taxes

(a) The Company is subject to a number of income taxes based on taxable income at the following nominal tax rates:

 

Taxable earnings

   Prior to 2005     Thereafter  

Up to (Won)100 million

   16.5 %   14.3 %

Over (Won)100 million

   29.7 %   27.5 %

In December 2003, the Korean government reduced the corporate income tax rate beginning in 2005. Specifically, effective from January 1, 2005, the income tax rate for taxable earnings in excess of (Won)100 million was reduced from 29.7% to 27.5%.

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2004     2005     2006  

Current income tax expense

   (Won) 943,116     468,109     471,675  

Deferred income tax expense

     164,877     264,321     81,720  
                    
     1,107,993     732,430     553,395  

Income taxes of subsidiaries

     687,177     666,989     590,016  
                    

Income taxes

   (Won) 1,795,170     1,399,419     1,143,411  
                    

Effective tax rate

     38.20 %   36.52 %   33.74 %
                    

 

F-53


Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

The breakdown between consolidated current and deferred income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2004    2005     2006  

Current income tax expense

   (Won) 1,791,332    1,320,736     1,322,023  

Income taxes recorded in capital adjustments

     —      (24,107 )   5,244  

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     3,838    102,790     (183,856 )
                   

Income taxes

   (Won) 1,795,170    1,399,419     1,143,411  
                   

(b) The provision for income taxes calculated using the normal tax rates differs from the actual provision for the year ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 for the following reasons:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2004     2005     2006  

Provision for income taxes at nominal tax rates

   (Won) 1,395,824     1,053,718     932,010  

Tax effects of permanent differences:

      

Dividend income (*1)

     (70,931 )   (135,018 )   (162,860 )

Other

     (25,839 )   27,513     9,190  

Tax effects of increase in investment in subsidiaries and affiliates (*2)

     457,384     498,923     415,081  

Additional payment of prior year income tax

     17,263     909     1,694  

Other, net

     21,469     (46,626 )   (51,704 )
                    

Actual provision for income taxes

   (Won) 1,795,170     1,399,419     1,143,411  
                    

(*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.

 

(*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.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(c) The tax effects of temporary differences that result in significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are presented below:

 

     Won (millions)  
     2005     2006  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Loss on valuation of derivatives

   (Won) 50,847     117,270  

Retirement and severance benefits

     175,483     241,829  

Deferred foreign exchange translation loss

     9,037     8,099  

Liability for decommissioning costs

     1,900,079     2,083,294  

Accounts payable—purchase of electricity

     182,642     214,194  

Other

     157,279     224,298  
              

Total deferred tax assets

     2,475,367     2,888,984  
              

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Deferred foreign exchange translation gain

     (22,099 )   (19,200 )

Reserve for social overhead capital investment

     (216,216 )   (184,789 )

Reserve for research and human resource development

     (74,161 )   (140,619 )

Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates and affiliates

     (2,335,285 )   (2,406,042 )

Capital asset retirement costs

     (470,730 )   (455,630 )
              

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (3,118,491 )   (3,206,280 )
              

Net deferred tax liabilities

   (Won) (643,124 )   (317,296 )
              

(d) As discussed in note 1(x), effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted SKAS No. 16 “Income Taxes.” As a result, deferred taxes are recorded on the temporary differences related to unrealized gains and losses on investment securities and derivatives-cash flow hedging that are reported as a separate component of capital adjustments. As a result of such change, as of January 1, 2005, capital adjustments decreased and deferred income tax liabilities increased by (Won)23,795 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(e) Under SKAS No. 16 “Income Taxes,” the deferred tax amounts should be presented as a net current asset or liability and a net non-current asset or liability. In addition, the Company is required to disclose aggregate deferred tax assets (liabilities). As of December 31, 2006, details of aggregate deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:

 

     Won (millions)  
     Temporary
differences at
December 31,
2006
    Deferred tax assets (liabilities)  
           Current            Non-current      

Assets:

       

Loss on valuation of derivatives

   (Won) (426,439 )   —      117,270  

Accrual for retirement and severance benefits

     (879,377 )   —      241,829  

Deferred foreign exchange translation loss

     (29,452 )   —      8,099  

Liability for decommissioning costs

     (7,575,615 )   —      2,083,294  

Trade payable—purchase of electricity

     (778,887 )   214,194    —    

Other, net

     (823,689 )   16,182    208,116  
                   
     (10,513,459 )   230,376    2,658,608  
                   

Liabilities:

       

Deferred foreign exchange translation gain

     69,818     —      (19,200 )

Reserve for investment on social overhead capital

     671,963     —      (184,789 )

Reserve for research and human resources development

     511,345     —      (140,619 )

Equity income of affiliates

     8,799,044     —      (2,406,042 )

Capital asset retirement costs

     1,656,835     —      (455,630 )
                   
     11,709,005     —      (3,206,280 )
                   
   (Won) 1,195,546     230,376    (547,672 )
                   

All but an insignificant portion of income before income taxes and minority interests and the related income taxes are from Korean sources.

(f) In 2006, the Company recognized gains from prior year error correction amounting to (Won)162,860 million related to the reversal of accumulated deferred tax liabilities regarding dividends received from domestic consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and (Won)139,604 million as of December 31, 2006, as they are not considered taxable.

 

(27)   Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2004    2005    2006

Net income

   (Won) 2,882,522    2,407,643    2,225,560

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

     629,868,023    635,289,794    638,002,913
                

Basic earnings per common share

   (Won) 4,576    3,790    3,488
                

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing diluted net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common equivalent stock outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2004    2005    2006

Net income

   (Won) 2,882,522    2,407,643    2,225,560

Exchangeable bond interest

     3,204    1,490    2,207
                

Diluted net income

     2,885,726    2,409,133    2,227,767
                

Weighted-average number of common shares and diluted securities outstanding

     639,867,870    639,722,531    657,286,214
                

Diluted earnings per share

   (Won) 4,510    3,766    3,389
                

Exchangeable bonds to be convertible into common stocks as of December 31, 2006 are presented below:

 

     Won        

Number of shares

to be issued

     Exchange price    Exchange period   

Overseas exchangeable bonds 1st

   30,000    2003.12.15 ~
2008.10.24
   383,835

Overseas exchangeable bonds 2nd

   51,000    2007.01.04 ~
2011.11.11
   18,899,466

 

(28)   Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)
     2005    2006

Conversion of exchangeable bonds

   (Won) 146,763    112,260

Issuance of common stock for non-cash assets

     27,942    —  

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(29)   Transactions and Balances with Related Companies

(a) Significant transactions between the Company and related parties for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows.

 

          Won (millions)

Related Party

  

Transactions

   2004    2005    2006

Operating revenue and other income:

           

Korea Gas Corporation

      (Won) —      24,252    3,472

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

   Sales of electricity
and others
     150,220    165,000    171,271

LG Powercom Corporation

   "      141,470    98,595    146

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

   "      13,443    47,955    5,065
                   
      (Won) 305,133    335,802    5,065
                   

Operating and other expenses:

           

Korea Gas Corporation

   Purchases of LNG    (Won) 3,006,643    3,498,946    4,659,211

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

   Commissions for
service and others
     34,722    503    95

LG Powercom Corporation

   "      57,319    63,507    7,503

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

   "      153,966    165,582    66,468

YTN

   "      1,030    1,710    —  
                   
      (Won) 3,253,680    3,730,248    4,733,277
                   

(b) Receivables and payables arising from related parties transactions as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

          Won (millions)

Related party

  

Accounts

   2005    2006

Receivables:

        

Korea Gas Corporation

   Trade receivables and other accounts receivable    (Won) 912    200

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

   "      53,780    50,141

LG Powercom Corporation

   "      5,665    1

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

   "      631    429
              
      (Won) 60,988    50,771
              

Payables:

        

Korea Gas Corporation

   Trade payables and other accounts payable    (Won) 572,346    521,146

Korea District Heating Co., Ltd.

   "      20    —  

LG Powercom Corporation

   "      3,134    336

Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., Ltd.

   "      18,041    7,073
              
      (Won) 593,541    528,555
              

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(c) Short-term and long-term borrowings from related parties as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

               Won (millions)

Lender

   Type    interest rate %    2005    2006

Korea Development Bank

   Facility    4.50~9.00    (Won) 4,824,908    4,720,055

Korea Development Bank

   General    Libor+0.30~1.50      9,219    —  

Korea Development Bank

   Facility    5.49      86,004    —  

The Export-Import Bank of Korea

   Project loan    7.27      44,573    36,381

Industrial Bank of Korea

   Rural area
development
   4.00      35,000    22,000

Industrial Bank of Korea

   Rural area
development
   Libor-1.25      35,000    48,000

Korea Resources Corporation

   Energy
rationalization
   Libor-1.25      10,000    6,000

Korea Resources Corporation

   Facility    2.5~3.5      64,600    64,181

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy

   Rural area
development
   4.00      50,000    50,000
                 
         (Won) 5,159,304    4,946,617
                 

(d) Guarantees provided by related companies for the Company as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

        Won (millions), USD and GBP (thousands)

Type

  Related party   Currency   Guaranteed
amounts
  Type of borrowings  

Balance of

borrowing as of

December 31,

2006

Payment guarantee (*)

  Korea Development   US$   1,171,313   Foreign currency bond   US$   932,069
  Bank   GBP   26,547   "   GBP   24,467

(*) Korea Development Bank has provided a repayment guarantee for some of foreign currency debentures of the Company, which existed at the time of spin-off, but not redeemed as of December 31, 2006, instead of the collective responsibilities of the power generation subsidiaries to facilitate the Restructuring Plan described in note 1(a).

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(30)   Transactions and Balances with Consolidated Subsidiaries

(a) Significant transactions among KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows. These were eliminated in consolidation:

 

          Won (millions)

Consolidated subsidiaries

   Transactions    2004    2005    2006

Operating revenue and other income:

           

Korea Electric Power Corporation

   Sales of electricity
and others
   (Won) 269,133    274,387    445,603

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

   "      5,080,762    5,631,160    5,562,882

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

   "      1,615,973    2,009,377    1,975,454

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

   "      1,898,831    2,216,708    2,490,256

Korea Western Power co., Ltd.

   "      2,049,874    2,217,715    2,418,072

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

   "      2,713,791    2,842,883    3,309,389

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

   "      2,015,280    2,109,610    2,504,917

Others

   Commissions for
service

and others
     1,027,725    1,013,681    1,139,645
                   
      (Won) 16,671,369    18,315,521    19,846,218
                   

Operating and other expenses:

           

Korea Electric Power Corporation (*)

   Purchased power
and others
   (Won) 15,740,561    17,256,200    18,598,155

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

   Commissions for
service

and others
     553,933    534,106    653,112

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

   "      83,031    110,309    106,451

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

   "      73,292    106,023    154,113

Korea Western Power co., Ltd.

   "      81,461    81,675    83,392

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

   "      52,107    70,680    84,777

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

   "      102,957    96,912    81,381

Others

   "      11,756    12,471    10,049
                   
      (Won) 16,699,098    18,268,376    19,771,430
                   

(*) KEPCO has purchased electricity from its power generation subsidiaries through Korea Power Exchange.

 

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December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(b) Receivables and payables arising from KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries transactions as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows. These were eliminated in the consolidation:

 

          Won (millions)

Consolidated subsidiaries

   Accounts    2005    2006

Receivables:

        

Korea Electric Power Corporation

   Trade receivables
and other accounts
receivable
   (Won) 25,402    46,463

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

   "      501,444    390,592

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

   "      215,654    175,008

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

   "      275,269    200,259

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

   "      248,495    236,559

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

   "      315,588    277,232

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

   "      264,522    227,644

Others

   "      246,096    233,935
              
      (Won) 2,092,470    1,787,692
              

Payables:

        

Korea Electric Power Corporation (*)

   Trade payables
and other

accounts payable
   (Won) 1,862,420    1,575,494

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

   "      83,291    50,142

Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd.

   "      9,554    15,787

Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd.

   "      24,558    22,271

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.

   "      9,530    7,499

Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd.

   "      11,192    10,615

Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

   "      8,309    12,745

Others

   "      46,944    75,507
              
      (Won) 2,055,798    1,770,060
              

(*) KEPCO has purchased electricity from its power generation subsidiaries through Korea Power Exchange.

(c) The elimination entries of revenues and expenses among KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)         Won (millions)

Accounts

   Amount   

Accounts

   Amount

Operating revenues

   (Won) 18,629,944   

Operating expenses

   (Won) 18,593,956

Rental income

     12,219   

Rent expenses

     8,871

Other income

     26,569   

Commissions

     20,856

Others

     566   

Construction in-progress

     16,276
     

Other expenses

     29,339
                
   (Won) 18,669,298       (Won) 18,669,298
                

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(d) The elimination entries of receivables and payables among KEPCO and consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Won (millions)         Won (millions)

Accounts

   Amount   

Accounts

   Amount

Trade payables

   (Won) 1,565,063   

Trade receivables

   (Won) 1,576,248

Other accounts payable

     19,705   

Long-term loans

     50,053

Advances received

     25,429   

Current portion of long-term loans

     29,443

Unearned revenue

     3,705   

Other accounts receivables

     10,898

Long-term borrowings

     70,406   

Construction in-progress

     37,461

Others

     26,088   

Others

     6,293
                
   (Won) 1,710,396       (Won) 1,710,396
                

(e) The Company has provided guarantees for related companies as of December 31, 2006 as follows:

 

Type

  

Guaranteed company

   US$ (thousands)

Other (*)

   KEPCO Ilijan Co.    US$ 102,000

(*) 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$281 million in 2000 as project financing from Japan Bank of International Corporation and others. In connection with the borrowing, KEPCO Ilijan Corporation’s investment securities under the equity method 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 of KEPCO Ilijan Corporation as well as with partial guarantee not to exceed US$30 million for repayment of that borrowing.

 

(31)   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, 2006, the Company is engaged in 325 lawsuits as a defendant and 55 lawsuits as a plaintiff. The total amount claimed against the Company is (Won)408,819 million and the total amount claimed by the Company is (Won)29,744 million as of December 31, 2006. Related to the lawsuits for which the Company is a defendant, the Company deposited approximately (Won)27.5 billion included in other current assets with the respective court pending final ruling. As of December 31, 2006, the Company recorded a liability related to the above claims amounting to (Won)19,904 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.

 

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December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(b)   Short-term Credit Facilities

Payment guarantee and short-term credit facilities from financial institutions as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

(i)   Payment Guarantee

 

          Won (millions),
US$ (thousands)

Description

  

Financial institution

   Credit lines

Payment of import letter of credit

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    US$ 1,642,170

Payment of customs duties

   Korea Exchange Bank    (Won) 4,700

Inclusive credits

   Korea Exchange Bank    (Won) 130,300

Borrowings

   Woori Bank and others    US$ 60,000
      (Won) 200,000

Payment of foreign currency

   Korea Exchange Bank    US$ 2,080

 

(ii)   Overdraft and Others

 

          Won (millions),
US$ (thousands)

Description

  

Financial institution

   Credit lines

Overdraft

   National Agricultural Cooperative    US$ 125,000
  

Federation and others

   (Won) 1,643,000

Discount on promissory note

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 210,000

Commercial paper

   Korea Exchange Bank and others    (Won) 845,000

Trade financing

   Shinhan Bank    US$ 2,000

Other

   Shinhan Bank and others    (Won) 92,000

(c) The Company is 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.

(d) The Company has provided a promissory note of (Won)1,771 million to Hyundai Heavy Industry, Co., Ltd. as a guarantee for performance of contract.

(e) A key stipulation of the Agreed Framework signed by the United States and North Korea in October 1994 was that a US-led international consortium would construct two commercial light water reactors in North Korea in return for certain nuclear non-proliferation steps to be taken by North Korea. The Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (“KEDO”) was chartered in March 1995 as the international consortium stipulated by the Agreed Framework and signed an agreement with North Korea in December 1995 to supply the light water reactors. Kumho, North Korea was selected as the site for such light water reactors and KEDO designated the Company as its prime contractor to build two units of pressurized light water reactors with a total capacity of 2,000 megawatts. The Company entered into a fixed price turnkey contract with KEDO, which became effective on February 3, 2000. The contract amount was US$4,182 million subject to adjustment to cover any changes in the price level.

In November 2002, amid suspicions that North Korea was engaged in an undeclared program to enrich uranium, KEDO suspended the supply of heavy fuel oil to North Korea, which was part of the Agreed

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Framework. Subsequently, North Korea withdrew from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in January 2003 and resumed operations at the Yongbyon facility, a nuclear facility whose operations had been frozen under the Agreed Framework. Several diplomatic initiatives were taken to resolve these issues to no avail.

In December 2003, asserting that North Korea had not met the conditions required for the continuation of the project, KEDO suspended the construction of the project for one year, which was subsequently extended to November 30, 2005. However, the Company continued to perform maintenance for the project during 2004 and 2005. In December 2005, KEDO sent a delegation to North Korea to discuss the issues regarding the project’s termination and demobilization. During the meeting, North Korea requested KEDO to withdraw all of its personnel. On January 8, 2006, KEDO completed the withdrawal of all workers from the project site.

The Executive Board of KEDO decided to terminate the light water reactor project as of May 31, 2006. KEDO notified the Company of the termination of the project and the related turnkey contract between KEDO and the Company. On December 12, 2006, the Company entered into the Termination Agreement (“TA”) with KEDO.

Pursuant to the terms of the TA, the Company accepts substantially all rights and obligations related to the light water reactor supplements outside of North Korea, from KEDO. In exchange, the Company waives the right to claim any expenses incurred and any probable claims by subcontractors to KEDO. As of December 31, 2006, the Company offset the existing accounts receivables from KEDO, which it surrendered according to the “TA”, against advance received. As a result, the Company recorded in other non-current assets the estimated fair value of assets received amounting to (Won)94,088 million for which the proceeds from disposal will be applied to existing and future obligations which was also offset existing advance received recorded in current and non-current liabilities. In addition, the Company recorded in other long-term liabilities estimated claims currently reasonably estimable to coordinated contractors amounting to (Won)47,307 million. Final settlement of ultimate gains or losses from the project is contingent upon full disposal of related assets and settlement of obligations.

(f) The Company entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with GS EPS Co., Ltd. and other independent power producers for power purchases in accordance with the Electricity Business Act. These purchase agreements require the Company to purchase minimum amounts which the Company has historically exceeded. The power purchased under these agreements amounted to (Won)1,019,528 million, (Won)1,170,094 million and (Won)1,299,061 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, 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 unit

   2018~2025

Hydroelectric units

   2009~2032

Small hydroelectric and other units

   2007~2019

Under these contracts, purchase quantities are not fixed, and purchase prices are annually reset based on certain formula for each generation type.

(g) The Company has contracted Doosan Industrial Co., Ltd. and others amounting to (Won)3,650,076 million and US$39,519 thousand in the aggregate as of December 31, 2006, for construction of power plant facilities and facility maintenance.

(h) 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, 2006. Under these

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

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, 2006.

 

Fuel type

  

Contract expiration

Term

   Quantity

Bituminous Coal

   2007~2013    41,845 thousand ton/year

Anthracite Coal

   2007    Set by government

Oil

   2007    1,941 thousand kl/year

LNG

   2026    Mutual agreement

(i) 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 2006 and 2005 amounting to (Won)3,569 million and (Won)3,706 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, 2006, 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, 2006, if the plant were to be discontinued, the net asset value amounting to (Won)70,177 million, would be impaired. No adjustment has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to this matter.

(j) In April 2005, Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. invested in Gangwon wind power corporation amounting to (Won) 5,679 million (15% of interest) to participate in renewable energy industry. Gangwon wind power corporation entered into the loan contract for financing construction costs. The Company has agreed to pay construction costs incurred in excess of estimated costs up to (Won)1,203 million. Also, investments in Gangwon wind power (book value of (Won) 5,725 million) are restricted as collateral with Industrial Bank of Korea and BNP PARIBAS.

(k) The Company provides performance guarantees related to the operation of the Lebanon power generation plant amounting to US$17,113 thousand to the Lebanon Electricity Agency.

(l) In May 2006, the international consortium, which Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. participated in, acts as the preferred contractor for the Cirebon private power generation industry, as ordered by Indonesia PLN. A power purchase agreement is being negotiated and summary of the agreement is as follows.

 

Name of Business

  

Construction and operation of Indonesia

Cirebon thermal power generation

Plant Capacity

   660MW * 1 Plant

Total Construction Fee

   US$736,000 thousand

Construction Period

   3 years from completion of resources supply

Under the proposed agreement, Korea Exchange Bank would provide the payment guarantees amounting to US$825 thousand related to the deposits for bidding associated with the Indonesia IPP (Independent Power Producers) project.

(m) According to the rules on Usage of Power Transmission Facilities established by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE), six power generation subsidiaries will be liable for the construction

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

of all of its power transmission facilities. In addition, although KEPCO has been financially responsible for the maintenance and repair of such facilities, the subsidiaries will be liable for such facilities’ maintenance and repair expenses once such rules become effective. The effective date of such rules is January 1, 2007.

(n) In July 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with the Government to invest (Won)852 billion for construction of generating facilities using alternative energy sources and spend (Won)201 billion in research and development related to development of renewable energy over the next three years. As of December 31, 2006 the outstanding balance of major agreements related to development of renewable energy including wind, solar and small hydroelectric energy is approximately (Won)219 billion.

(o) 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 enters 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:

 

Nuclear fuel

   Contract expiration term

Ore Concentrates

   5~10 years

Conversion

   3 years

Enrichment

   5~10 years

Fuel design and fabrication

   2 years

(p) In August 2005, the Korean Consortium, consisting of the Company, Korea National Oil Corporation and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, won a bid from the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to explore, develop and operate two oil prospects in Nigeria. Korean Consortium controls 60% of the equity interest of the Group and of which, the Company holds approximately 15% equity interest.

In March 2006, the Group entered into a contract with the government of Nigeria to explore, develop and operate such oil prospects. Exploration of these prospects is estimated to take ten years and, if successful in finding oil following the exploration, the Group will develop and operate the related facilities for 20 years thereafter. The Company’s portion of investment in the exploration phase of the project is expected to be approximately US$39 million in the next five years. In addition, under the contract, the Korean Consortium should either reach and agree with the government of Nigeria within 18 months of the date of contract (the timing was extended until January 2008 and may be extended in the future upon mutual agreement between the Korean Consortium and the government of Nigeria) as to the plan of constructing a combined-cycle gas-fired power plant with a generating capacity of approximately 2,250 megawatts and gas pipelines with a length of approximately 1,200 kilometers in Nigeria. Otherwise, the Korean Consortium should pay US$34.7 million or 15% of US$231 million to the government of Nigeria. In July 2006, the Korean Consortium commenced a feasibility study on the construction of the power plant and gas pipelines.

 

(32)   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.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Other segments that cannot be classified into the above-mentioned two segments have been combined and disclosed in an “all other” category. All other consist primarily of the operations from the engineering and maintenance for utility plant, information services, 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, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

 

     Won (millions)  
     2004  
     Electric business    

All other

    Consolidation
adjustment
   

Consolidated

 
     Transmission &
distribution
    Power
generation
       

Unaffiliated revenues

   (Won) 23,122,854     —       832,808     —       23,955,662  

Intersegment revenues

     367,147     15,280,344     1,027,415     (16,674,906 )   —    
                                

Total operating revenues

     23,490,001     15,280,344     1,860,223     (16,674,906 )   23,955,662  

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

     (19,042,206 )   (13,050,423 )   (96,634 )   15,655,534     (16,533,729 )

Purchased power

     (1,411,131 )   —       —       —       (1,411,131 )

Other operating cost

     (112,369 )   (312 )   (1,099,048 )   962,523     (249,206 )

Selling and administrative expenses

     (1,061,048 )   (199,202 )   (89,237 )   55,365     (1,294,122 )
                                

Operating income

     1,863,247     2,030,407     575,304     (1,484 )   4,467,474  
                                

Interest income

     36,079     34,867     29,985     (11,710 )   89,221  

Interest expense

     (562,971 )   (143,879 )   (42,699 )   11,710     (737,839 )

Equity income of affiliates

     1,793,808     —       21,725     (1,684,938 )   130,595  

Other, net

     748,688     (1,334 )   6,411     (3,427 )   750,338  
                                

Income before income taxes and minority interest

     3,878,851     1,920,061     590,726     (1,689,849 )   4,699,789  

Income taxes

     (1,107,993 )   (656,862 )   (34,442 )   4,127     (1,795,170 )
                                

Segment earnings before minority interests

   (Won) 2,770,858     1,263,199     556,284     (1,685,722 )   2,904,619  
                                

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

     Won (millions)  
     2005  
     Electric business     All other     Consolidation
adjustment
    Consolidated  
     Transmission &
distribution
    Power
generation
       

Unaffiliated revenues

   (Won) 24,830,533     188,520     425,654     —       25,444,707  

Intersegment revenues

     281,798     17,029,483     1,013,540     (18,324,821 )   —    
                                

Total operating revenues

     25,112,331     17,218,003     1,439,194     (18,324,821 )   25,444,707  

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

     (20,736,522 )   (14,531,600 )   —       17,353,255     (17,914,867 )

Purchased power

     (1,772,020 )   —       —       —       (1,772,020 )

Other operating cost

     (122,679 )   (175 )   (1,117,594 )   922,953     (317,495 )

Selling and administrative expenses

     (1,155,194 )   (247,839 )   (130,848 )   15,212     (1,518,669 )
                                

Operating income

     1,325,916     2,438,389     190,752     (33,401 )   3,921,656  
                                

Interest income

     16,001     50,101     30,516     (8,313 )   88,305  

Interest expense

     (472,979 )   (141,223 )   (36,976 )   8,248     (642,930 )

Equity income of affiliates

     1,915,033     —       461     (1,817,565 )   97,929  

Other, net

     397,070     20,435     39,154     (89,871 )   366,788  
                                

Income before income taxes and minority interest

     3,181,041     2,367,702     223,907     (1,940,902 )   3,831,748  

Income taxes

     (732,430 )   (645,470 )   (26,197 )   4,678     (1,399,419 )
                                

Segment earnings before minority interests

   (Won) 2,448,611     1,722,232     197,710     (1,936,224 )   2,432,329  
                                
     Won (millions)  
     2006  
     Electric business     All other     Consolidation
adjustment
    Consolidated  
     Transmission &
distribution
    Power
generation
       

Unaffiliated revenues

   (Won) 26,676,421     190,077     542,315     —       27,408,813  

Intersegment revenues

     302,612     18,256,765     982,570     (19,541,947 )   —    
                                

Total operating revenues

     26,979,033     18,446,842     1,524,885     (19,541,947 )   27,408,813  

Power generation, transmission and distribution costs

     (22,386,836 )   (16,188,878 )   —       18,590,622     (19,985,092 )

Purchased power

     (2,073,220 )   —       —       —       (2,073,220 )

Other operating cost

     (85,611 )   (569 )   (1,161,673 )   868,457     (379,396 )

Selling and administrative expenses

     (1,201,775 )   (266,896 )   (142,972 )   35,363     (1,576,280 )
                                

Operating income

     1,231,591     1,990,499     220,240     (47,505 )   3,394,825  
                                

Interest income

     15,702     111,586     39,036     (9,667 )   156,657  

Interest expense

     (544,328 )   (134,195 )   (31,933 )   9,629     (700,827 )

Equity income of affiliates

     1,628,418     —       3,523     (1,528,422 )   103,519  

Other, net

     292,555     2,569     2,515     137,362     435,001  
                                

Income before income taxes and minority interest

     2,623,938     1,970,459     233,381     (1,438,603 )   3,389,175  

Income taxes

     (553,395 )   (537,414 )   (52,068 )   (534 )   (1,143,411 )
                                

Segment earnings before minority interests

   (Won) 2,070,543     1,433,045     181,313     (1,439,137 )   2,245,764  
                                

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(b) The following table provides asset information for each operating segment as of December 31, 2005 and 2006.

 

     Won (millions)  
     Electric business     All other     Consolidation
adjustment
    Consolidated  
     Transmission &
distribution
    Power
generation
       

December 31, 2005

          

Property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 30,787,039     32,496,502     902,733     (180,220 )   64,006,054  

Total assets

     61,626,841     40,146,042     2,307,213     (29,343,414 )   74,736,682  

Depreciation

     (1,860,860 )   (3,951,864 )   (80,847 )   45,903     (5,847,668 )

December 31, 2006

          

Property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 31,551,355     33,111,999     876,216     (272,641 )   65,266,929  

Total assets

     63,536,201     41,549,746     2,493,416     (30,143,877 )   77,435,486  

Depreciation

     (1,825,733 )   (3,869,725 )   (81,755 )   32,812     (5,744,401 )

 

(33)   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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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 read 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 balance sheet date but records the revenue in the subsequent period. Under Korean GAAP, such practice is consistent with the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises, which have been approved by 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 recognizes unbilled revenue representing the sale of power between the cycle meter-reading date and the balance sheet date. Prior to 2006, the Company did not recognize any difference for amounts recognized under Korean GAAP, and had concluded that such prior year uncorrected differences were quantitatively and qualitatively immaterial to the Company’s prior year consolidated financial statements using the income statement approach.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 requires the use of the “dual approach” (both an income statement approach and a balance sheet approach) when evaluating whether an error is material to an entity’s financial statements, based on all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. The SEC issued SAB 108 to address what the SEC identified as diversity in practice whereby entities were using either an income statement approach or a balance sheet approach, but not both.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted SAB 108 and recorded the effects of prior year uncorrected differences which arose prior to January 1, 2006, as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 in accordance with the “dual approach” set forth in SAB 108. The impact of SAB 108 adoption at December 31, 2006 to beginning retained earnings is shown below.

 

     Korean Won (in millions)
     Accounts receivable    Current deferred
income tax
assets (liabilities)
    Retained earnings

Balance as of December 31, 2005, as reported

   (Won) 2,162,747    (Won) 1,402,759     (Won) 27,365,456

Cumulated effect adjustment for adoption of SAB 108

     943,818      (259,550 )     684,268

Balance as of January 1, 2006, as adjusted

   (Won) 3,106,565    (Won) 1,143,209     (Won) 28,049,724
                     

Translation into U.S. dollars (Note 2) (in thousand)

   $ 3,340,392    $ 1,229,257     $ 30,160,993
                     

 

(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 Assets Revaluation Law of Korea. In connection with an asset revaluation, a new basis for the property, plant and equipment is established. Asset revaluations are not permitted after January 1, 2001.

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 included in 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, special depreciation allowed prior to 1994, which represents accelerated depreciation of certain facilities and equipment acquired for energy saving and anti-pollution purposes, is not recognized under 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.

 

(d)   Accounting for Regulation

U.S. GAAP, pursuant to Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 71 “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation” differs in certain respects from the application of U.S. GAAP by non-regulated businesses. As a result, 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.

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. The Company has a monopoly in Korea as the provider of electricity and thus all costs incurred for supplying and distributing electricity are recoverable. 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 SFAS No. 71. Accordingly, since 2001, only the Company’s power transmission and distribution divisions have been subject to the criteria for the application of SFAS No. 71.

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

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, 2005 and 2006.

 

     Korean Won (in millions)     Translation into
U.S. Dollars (Note 2)
(in thousands)
 
     2005     2006     2006  

Capitalized foreign currency translation

   (Won) 809,923     725,671     $ 780,291  

Reserve for self-insurance

     (98,618 )   (103,942 )     (111,766 )

Deferred income taxes (*)

     (1,383,539 )   (1,350,934 )     (1,452,617 )
                      
   (Won) (672,234 )   (729,205 )   $ (784,092 )
                      

(*) In June 2001, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy announced the revised guidelines for utility rate setting, stating that non-operating expenses should be excluded from reasonable costs while income tax expense (including deferred income taxes), instead of income tax payables, should be included for rate-making purposes. As a result of this guideline change and the deregulation of the power generation subsidiaries, only the Company’s deferred income taxes caused by the difference between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP are subject to SFAS No. 71, to the extent that tax benefits or obligation will affect future allowable costs for rate making purpose.

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.

 

(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 the Company and its affiliated companies is eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The elimination is restricted to certain transactions prior to the corporate split of KEPCO’s power generation subsidiaries in 2001. No elimination of such profit is required in accordance with 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. The Company meets both of these criteria, and no elimination of profit is necessary for reporting under U.S. GAAP.

 

(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.

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Under U.S. GAAP, all foreign exchange transaction gains and losses (referred to as either transaction or translation gains (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 into results of operations for the current period 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 balance sheet date, and the resulting foreign currency transaction gain or loss is included in the results of operations.

 

(g)   Deferred Income Taxes

Under Korean GAAP, prior to January 1, 2005, deferred taxes were not recognized for temporary differences related to the conversion right of the convertible bond issued, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, equity gains and losses on affiliates and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges that were reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted SKAS No. 16 “Income Taxes.” In accordance with this standard, deferred taxes are recognized on the temporary differences related to the conversion right of the convertible bond issued, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, equity gains and losses on affiliates and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (capital adjustment).

Under U.S. GAAP, deferred taxes are recognized on the temporary differences related to unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives considered to be cash flow hedges and are included in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

 

(h)   Liabilities for Decommissioning Costs

Prior to 2003

Under Korean GAAP, prior to January 1, 2003, the Company accrued for estimated decommissioning costs of nuclear facilities based on engineering studies and the expected decommissioning dates of the nuclear power plant. Annual additions to the reserve were in amounts such that the expected costs would be fully accrued for at the estimated dates of decommissioning on a straight-line basis.

Under U.S. GAAP, prior to January 1, 2003, accounting for liabilities for decommissioning costs was substantially the same as Korean GAAP.

 

2003  

Under Korean GAAP, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SKAS No. 5 “Tangible Assets.” Under this standard, the Company would record the fair value of the liabilities for the decommissioning costs as a liability in the period in which the Company incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

long-lived assets. However, this standard was only applicable to new plants (with an associated asset retirement liability) put into service after January 1, 2003. For plants put into service before January 1, 2003, SKAS No. 5 did not apply and the previous Korean GAAP (as described above) was required. Since the Company did not place into service any assets with liabilities for decommissioning costs during 2003, SKAS No. 5 had no impact on the 2003 consolidated financial statements.

Under U.S. GAAP, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Costs” Under SFAS No. 143, the Company is required to recognize an estimated liability for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The Company measures the liability at fair value when incurred and capitalizes a corresponding amount as part of the book value of the related long-lived assets. The increase in the capitalized cost is included in determining depreciation expense over the estimated useful life of these assets. Since the fair value of the liabilities for decommissioning costs is determined using a present value approach, accretion of the liability due to the passage of time is recognized each period as expense until the settlement of the liability. SFAS No. 143 applies to all existing long-lived assets including those acquired before January 1, 2003. As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 143, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain as a cumulative effect of accounting change of (Won)1,775,306 million on January 1, 2003. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded accretion expense and depreciation expense under U.S. GAAP while reversing the provision for decommissioning costs recorded under Korean GAAP.

2004 and thereafter

In October 2004, Korea Accounting Standard Board issued Statement of Korea Accounting Standards (“SKAS”) No. 17 “Provisions 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 (also 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. Under SKAS No. 17, the discount rate was set at the date of adoption and should be applied in all future periods. In addition, any new plants would use the discount rate in effect at the time of its commencement. 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. In addition, as required by SKAS No. 17, the cumulative effect of a change in accounting included any changes in estimate that took place during 2004. Due to the adoption of this standard, the Company re-measured the liability for decommissioning costs as of January 1, 2004 and reflected the cumulative effect of a change in accounting up to prior year into current year retained earnings.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company continues to apply SFAS No. 143 in 2004 and thereafter.

Since the adoption of SKAS No. 17 and up to date, Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP for recording the liabilities for decommissioning costs are substantially the same except for the following:

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, the discount rate for existing decommissioning liabilities was set when the Company adopted SFAS No. 143 (6.49% as of January 1, 2003). Under Korean GAAP, the discount rate for existing decommissioning liabilities was set when the Company adopted SKAS No. 17 (4.36% as of December 2004).

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, 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

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

 

decommissioning costs and shall be reduced from the recorded discounted liability at the rate that was used at the time the obligation was originally recorded. Under Korean GAAP, regardless of upward or downward revisions to the undiscounted estimated cash flows, the historical discount rate will be applied in all future periods.

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of the undiscounted cash flows is reflected within current year accretion expense or adjustment to the asset retirement cost as a change in estimate. Under Korean GAAP, as required by SKAS No. 17, the cumulative effect of a change in accounting included any changes in estimate that took place during 2004. Accordingly, the 2004 accretion expense under Korean GAAP does not include the change in estimate impact that is recorded within accretion expense under U.S. GAAP.

 

   

Under U.S. GAAP, we recognized the obligation to pay (Won)300,000 million to the City of Gyeongju as part of the right to build our repository site as an asset retirement cost in accordance with SFAS No. 143. Such amount is amortized using the units-of-production amortization method. Under Korean GAAP, we recognized this obligation as an intangible asset and other long-term liabilities. Such intangible assets are amortized upon completion of the repository site using the units-of-production method over the estimated useful life.

As explained in Note 20, under Korean GAAP, the Company has accrued (Won)7,543,491 million for the cost of dismantling and decontaminating existing nuclear power plants as of December 31, 2006. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company has accrued (Won)5,297,018 million for the cost of dismantling and decontaminating existing nuclear power plants as of December 31, 2006. Substantially all of the difference between the U.S. GAAP liability and the Korean GAAP liability of (Won)2,246,473 million at December 31, 2006 is due to the impact of the discount rate described above.

Adjustments to capitalized asset retirement costs and liabilities for decommissioning costs recognized under Korean GAAP made in order to arrive at amounts recognized under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into
U.S. Dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
     2005     2006     2006  

Capitalized asset retirement costs, net of accumulated depreciation

   (Won) (946,149 )   (951,998 )   $ (1,023,654 )

Liabilities for decommissioning costs

     2,214,351     2,246,473       2,415,562  
                      
   (Won) 1,268,202     1,294,475     $ 1,391,908  
                      

Details of the Company’s capitalized asset retirement costs as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 under U.S. GAAP are as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into
U.S. Dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
     2005     2006     2006  

Capitalized asset retirement costs

   (Won) 1,368,427     1,395,875     $ 1,500,941  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (602,829 )   (691,037 )     (743,051 )
                      
   (Won) 765,598     704,838     $ 757,890  
                      

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

A reconciliation of the Company’s liabilities for decommissioning costs for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 under U.S. GAAP is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into
U.S. Dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
     2005     2006     2006  

Beginning of year

   (Won) 4,069,496     4,700,799     $ 5,054,623  

Liabilities incurred

     406,134     255,027       274,223  

Prior period adjustment (note 20)

     —       55,255       59,414  

Accretion expense

     287,128     296,114       318,402  

Payments

     (61,959 )   (10,177 )     (10,943 )
                      

End of year

   (Won) 4,700,799     5,297,018     $ 5,695,719  
                      

In March 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset, Retirement Obligations—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” FIN 47 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. This interpretation did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company also has asset retirement obligations related to certain transmission and distribution assets, such as transmission towers. The Company currently does not have sufficient information to estimate a reasonable range of expected retirement dates for any of these assets. Therefore, asset retirement costs for these assets have not been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The Company will record this obligation when sufficient information becomes available to determine a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the activities to be performed.

 

(i)   Convertible Bonds

Under Korean GAAP, the value of conversion rights is recognized as capital surplus. Also, 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, per SFAS No. 133, unless a conversion right would be considered an embedded derivative instrument requiring bifurcation, no portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the convertible debt securities shall be attributed to the conversion feature. The Company has determined that the conversion feature embedded in our convertible debt should not be bifurcated. Also, the convertible bonds are subject to foreign currency translation because these convertible bonds were regarded as monetary foreign currency liabilities.

 

(j)   Principles of Consolidation

Under Korean GAAP, minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries are presented as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.

Under U.S. GAAP, minority interests are presented outside of the stockholders’ equity section in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

(k)   Reserve for Self-insurance

Under Korean GAAP, in accordance with the Accounting Regulations for Government Invested Enterprises, 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.

 

(l)   Right to Use Future Radioactive Wastes Repository Sites

As described in note 5, the Company was obligated to pay (Won)300,000 million to the region as part of the right to build its repository site. Under Korean GAAP, the Company recognized this obligation as an intangible asset and other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and subsequently paid the amount in 2006. Such intangible assets are amortized upon completion of the repository site using the units-of-production method over the estimated useful life.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company should recognize the obligation as an asset retirement cost in accordance with SFAS No. 143. Such amount is amortized using the units-of-production amortization method.

 

(m)   Comprehensive Income

Under U.S. GAAP, comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) for each period should be presented in accordance with SFAS No.130 “Reporting Comprehensive Income” while such a presentation is not required under Korean GAAP. Comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 is summarized as follows:

 

    Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into

U.S. Dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
  2004     2005     2006     2006  

Net income as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 3,534,544     2,969,975     2,407,685     $ 2,588,909  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

       

Overseas operations translation

    (38,109 )   40,208     (12,971 )     (13,947 )

Gain on valuation of available for sale securities, net

    745     5,857     1,439       1,547  

Unrealized equity gains of affiliates, net

    1,694     130,183     2,972       3,196  

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

    (17,973 )   22,344     (7,101 )     (7,635 )
                           

Comprehensive income as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

  (Won) 3,480,901     3,168,567     2,392,024     $ 2,572,070  
                           

Accumulated other comprehensive balances, net of tax:

       

Overseas operations translation

  (Won) (106,960 )   (66,752 )   (79,723 )     (85,724 )

Gain on valuation of available for sale securities, net

    (1,848 )   4,009     5,448       5,858  

Unrealized equity gains (losses) of affiliates, net

    (16,275 )   113,908     116,880       125,677  

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

    (19,953 )   2,391     (4,710 )     (5,065 )
                           

Accumulated other comprehensive income as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

  (Won) (145,036 )   53,556     37,895     $ 40,746  
                           

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

The amounts of tax allocated to the other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into

U.S. Dollars (Note 2)

(In thousands)

 
   2004     2005     2006     2006  

Overseas operations translation

   (Won) 11,483     (15,251 )   4,920     $ 5,290  

Gain on valuation of available for sale securities, net

     (315 )   (2,222 )   (546 )     (587 )

Unrealized equity gains (losses) of affiliates, net

     (1,497 )   (49,380 )   (1,127 )     (1,212 )

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

     6,732     (8,475 )   2,693       2,896  
                            

Tax allocated to the accumulated other comprehensive income

   (Won) 16,403     (75,328 )   5,940     $ 6,387  
                            

The following tables give further detail regarding changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive income during fiscal 2004, 2005 and 2006 (Won in millions and translation into U.S. Dollars in thousands):

 

     Korean Won (in millions)  
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Available for
Sale
    Derivatives
Instruments
    Total  

Balance are January 31, 2004

   (Won) (68,851)     (20,562)     (1,980 )   (91,393 )

Overseas operations translation

     (38,109 )       (38,109 )

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale

     5,978       5,978  

Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

       (17,973 )   (17,973 )

Reclassification to earnings

     —       (3,539 )   —       (3,539 )
                          

Balance at January 31, 2005

   (Won) (106,960)     (18,123 )   (19,953 )   (145,036 )
                          

Overseas operations translation

     40,208         40,208  

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale

     136,070       136,070  

Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges

       21,628     21,628  

Reclassification to earnings

     —       (30 )   716     686  
                          

Balance at January 31, 2006

   (Won) (66,752)     117,917     2,391     53,556  
                          

Overseas operations translation

     (12,971 )       (12,971 )

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale

     4,411       4,411  

Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

       (11,762 )   (11,762 )

Reclassification to earnings

     —       —       4,661     4,661  
                          

Balance at January 31, 2006

   (Won) (79,723)     122,328     (4,710 )   37,895  
                          

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

     U.S. Dollar (in thousands)  
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Available
for Sale
    Derivatives
Instruments
    Total  

Balance are January 31, 2004

   $ (74,033 )   (22,110 )   (2,129 )   $ (98,272 )

Overseas operations translation

     (40,977 )         (40,977 )

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale

     6,428         6,428  

Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

       (19,326 )     (19,326 )

Reclassification to earnings

     —       (3,805 )   —         (3,805 )
                            

Balance at January 31, 2005

   $ (115,010 )   (19,487 )   (21,455 )   $ (155,952 )
                            

Overseas operations translation

     43,233           43,233  

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale

     146,311         146,311  

Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges

       23,255       23,255  

Reclassification to earnings

     —       (32 )   770       738  
                            

Balance at January 31, 2006

   $ (71,777 )   126,792     2,570     $ 57,585  
                            

Overseas operations translation

     (13,947 )         (13,947 )

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale

     4,743         4,743  

Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

       (12,647 )     (12,647 )

Reclassification to earnings

     —       —       5,012       5,012  
                            

Balance at January 31, 2006

   $ (85,724 )   131,535     (5,065 )   $ 40,746  
                            

 

(n)   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.

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 are summarized as follows (Korean Won in millions):

 

     2005     2006  
    

Carrying

Amount

    Fair value    

Carrying

Amount

    Fair value  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,399,031     (Won) 1,399,031     (Won) 1,845,892     (Won) 1,845,892  

Short-term financial instruments

     852,757       852,757       1,163,613       1,163,613  

Trade receivables and account receivables-other

     2,503,426       2,503,426       2,756,020       2,756,020  

Investments:

        

Practicable to estimate fair value

     60,923       60,923       44,461       44,461  

Not practicable

     148,100       N/A       157,667       N/A  

Short-term borrowings

     (334,678 )     (334,678 )     (476,720 )     (476,720 )

Trade payables and accounts payable-other

     (1,949,959 )     (1,949,404 )     (2,046,759 )     (2,046,759 )

Long-term debt, including current portion

     (18,776,862 )     (19,021,219 )     (19,648,795 )     (18,962,065 )

Currency and interest swaps, net

     347,118       347,118       223,188       223,188  

 

(o)   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)

   2004    2005    2006    2006

Interest paid, net of capitalized portion

   (Won) 711,548    772,726    755,466    $ 812,329

Income taxes paid

     1,520,176    1,804,362    931,790      1,001,925

 

(p)   Recent Changes in U.S. GAAP

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a threshold of more-likely-than-not for recognition of tax benefits of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides related guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, and disclosure. FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. This interpretation will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2007, with any cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of adopting FIN 48 on its results of operations and financial position.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 requires the use of the “dual approach” (both an income statement approach and a balance sheet approach) when evaluating whether an error is material to an entity’s financial statements, based on all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. The SEC issued SAB 108 to address what the SEC identified as diversity in practice whereby entities were using either an income statement approach or a balance sheet approach, but not both. SAB 108 became effective December 31, 2006, and the Company elected

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

to record any material adjustments arising from the adoption of SAB 108 as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. See footnote 33(a) for additional information required by SAB 108.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154 (“SFAS 154”), “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—A Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No.3.” SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS 154 also requires that retrospective application of a change in accounting principle be limited to the direct effects of the change. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 154 as of January 1, 2006. The Company believes the adoption of SFAS 154 had no effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with earlier application encouraged. SFAS 157 is required to be applied prospectively, except for certain financial instruments. Any amounts recognized upon adoption as a cumulative effect adjustment will be recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Company does not expect SFAS 157 will have a material impact on its results from operations or financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued statement No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an Amendment to FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires, among other things, that a company (1) recognize a net liability or asset to report the funded status of their defined benefit pensions and other postretirement plans on its balance sheet, (2) measure benefit plan assets and benefit obligations as of the company’s balance sheet date and (3) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to FASB Statement No. 87, or No. 106. Under SFAS 158, the current portion of the retirement and severance benefits is (Won)39,909 million as of December 31, 2006. The Company adopted SFAS 158 as of December 31, 2006 and there was no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value in an attempt to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

(q)   Impact on Reconciliation of Adoption of Statement of Korean Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the following Korean GAAP standards which had an impact on the U.S. GAAP reconciliation:

The impact of adopting SKAS No. 20 “Related Party Disclosures” on the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP in 2006 was immaterial.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted the following Korean GAAP standards which had an impact on the U.S. GAAP reconciliation:

As described in note 1(k) effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted SKAS No. 15 “Investment in Associates.” The impact of adopting SKAS No. 15 “Investment in Associates” on the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP in 2005 was immaterial.

The impact of adopting SKAS No. 16 “Income Taxes” on the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP in 2005 is described in note 33(g).

 

(r)   Effect on Net Income and Stockholders’ Equity

The effects of the significant adjustments to net income and stockholders’ 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)

 
     2004     2005     2006     2006  

NET INCOME UNDER KOREAN GAAP

   (Won) 2,882,522     2,407,643     2,225,560     $ 2,393,075  

ADJUSTMENTS:

        

OPERATING INCOME

        

Asset revaluation (note 33(b))

     430,694     438,382     389,184       418,477  

Special depreciation (note 33(c))

     (18,370 )   (6,407 )   (5,389 )     (5,795 )

Regulated operations (note 33(d))

     7,955     (14,227 )   (56,971 )     (61,259 )

Capitalized foreign currency translation (note 33(f))

     200,811     183,850     171,462       184,368  

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates (note 33(e))

     37,282     (12,518 )   (11,126 )     (11,963 )

Liabilities for decommissioning costs (note 33(h))

     (108,522 )   94,913     26,273       28,251  

Reserve for self-insurance (note 33(k))

     5,426     5,266     5,324       5,725  

Revenue recognition (note 33(a))

     —       —       (488 )     (525 )

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)

        

Asset revaluation (note 33(b))

     19,898     19,973     19,973       21,476  

Capitalized foreign currency translation (note 33(f))

     44,115     41,877     40,341       43,377  

Convertible bonds (note 33(i))

     24,298     26,738     (44 )     (47 )

INCOME TAX EXPENSES

        

Deferred income taxes (*)

     8,435     (215,515 )   (158,910 )     (170,871 )
                            

NET INCOME UNDER U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 3,534,544     2,969,975     2,645,189     $ 2,844,289  
                            

(*) Under US GAAP prior to 2006, the Company recorded deferred tax liability for equity income of affiliates and reversed deferred tax liability in the period dividend was received due to the fact that dividend payments had varied significantly up to 2003 since the generation division was spun off into six generation subsidiaries in 2001. However, the dividend payments have become more consistent from 2004 to the present and the Company can now believes it can reasonably forecast as of balance sheet date the dividend receivable. Therefore, from 2006, the Company started to recognize the tax benefit from the dividend anticipated in the following year as of balance sheet date. This change in estimate was reflected prospectively in accordance with SFAS 154 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”. As a result, deferred tax liability amounting to (Won)139,604 million and income tax expenses for the same amount were reduced as of December 31, 2006 under US GAAP.

 

   Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the GAAP adjustments described above.

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into

U.S. dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
     2005     2006     2006  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY UNDER KOREAN GAAP

   (Won) 42,337,650     43,235,487     $ 46,489,771  

ADJUSTMENTS:

      

Current Asset

      

Account Receivables Revenue recognition (note 33(a))

     —       943,330       1,014,333  

UTILITY PLANT

      

Asset revaluation (note 33(b))

     (7,486,100 )   (7,096,916 )     (7,631,092 )

Capitalized asset retirement cost (note 33(h))

     (946,148 )   (951,998 )     (1,023,654 )

Special depreciation (note 33(c))

     13,495     8,104       8,714  

Capitalized foreign currency translation (note 33(f))

     (1,546,068 )   (1,334,267 )     (1,434,696 )

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates (note 33(e))

     128,135     117,010       125,817  

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

      

Asset revaluation (note 33(b))

     (82,106 )   (62,133 )     (66,810 )

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     2,045,883     1,649,469       1,773,623  

LIABILITIES

      

Liabilities for decommissioning costs (note 33(h))

     2,214,350     2,246,473       2,415,562  

Regulated operation (note 33(d))

     (672,234 )   (729,205 )     (784,091 )

Reserve for self-insurance (note 33(k))

     98,618     103,942       111,766  

Convertible bonds (note 33(i))

     13,332     (66,879 )     (71,913 )

MINORITY INTERESTS (note 33(j))

     (147,061 )   (150,740 )     (162,086 )
                      

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY UNDER U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 35,971,746     37,911,677     $ 40,765,244  
                      

The reconciliation of operating income from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into

U.S. dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
     2004     2005     2006     2006  

Operating income under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 4,467,474     3,921,656     3,394,825     $ 3,650,349  

Asset revaluation

     430,694     438,382     389,184       418,477  

Special depreciation

     (18,370 )   (6,407 )   (5,389 )     (5,795 )

Regulated operation

     7,955     (14,227 )   (56,971 )     (61,259 )

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     200,811     183,850     171,462       184,368  

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     37,282     (12,518 )   (11,126 )     (11,963 )

Asset retirement obligation

     (108,522 )   94,913     26,273       28,251  

Reserve for self-insurance

     5,426     5,266     5,324       5,725  

Revenue recognition

     —       —       (488 )     (525 )

Classification differences in the consolidated statements of income

     (163,168 )   (230,521 )   (185,973 )     (199,971 )
                            

Operating income under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 4,859,582     4,380,394     3,727,121     $ 4,007,657  
                            

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

The reconciliation of utility plant from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2005 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into

U.S. dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
     2005     2006     2006  

Utility plant, net under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 64,006,054     65,266,929     $ 70,179,494  

Asset revaluation

     (7,486,100 )   (7,096,916 )     (7,631,092 )

Capitalized asset retirement cost

     (646,148 )   (951,998 )     (1,023,654 )

Special depreciation

     13,495     8,104       8,714  

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     (1,546,068 )   (1,334,267 )     (1,434,696 )

Reversal of eliminated profit on transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

     128,135     117,010       125,817  
                      

Utility plant, net under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 54,469,368     56,008,862     $ 60,224,583  
                      

The reconciliation of total assets from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2005 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     Korean Won (in millions)    

Translation into

U.S. dollars (Note 2)

(in thousands)

 
     2005     2006     2006  

Total assets under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 74,736,682     77,435,486     $ 83,263,963  

Adjustments:

      

Account Receivables

     —       943,330       1,014,333  

Utility Plant

     (9,536,686 )   (8,958,067 )     (9,954,910 )

Intangible assets

     (300,000 )   (300,000 )     —    

Investment securities:

      

Asset revaluation

     (82,106 )   (62,133 )     (66,810 )

Deferred income taxes

     2,045,883     1,649,469       1,773,623  
                      

Total assets under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 66,863,773     70,708,085     $ 76,030,199  
                      

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that resulted in significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2005 and 2006, 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)

 
     2005     2006     2006  

Deferred tax assets:

      

Asset revaluation

   (Won) 1,854,340     1,742,010     $ 1,873,129  

Convertible bond

     —       18,392       19,776  

Regulated operation

     184,864     200,531       215,625  

Capitalized foreign currency translation

     425,169     366,923       394,541  

Decommissioning costs

     1,900,079     2,083,294       2,240,101  

Others

     —       158,064       169,961  
                      

Total deferred tax assets

     4,364,452     4,569,214       4,913,133  
                      

Deferred tax liabilities:

      

Special depreciation

     (3,711 )   (2,229 )     (2,397 )

Convertible bonds

     (3,666 )   —         —    

Asset retirement obligation, net

     (348,756 )   (355,981 )     (382,775 )

Investment in social overhead capital

     (216,215 )   (184,789 )     (198,698 )

Reserve for self insurance

     (27,120 )   (28,584 )     (30,735 )

Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates

     (2,335,285 )   (2,406,042 )     (2,587,142 )

Revenue Recognition

     —       (259,416 )     (278,942 )

Others

     (26,940 )   —         —    
                      

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (2,961,693 )   (3,237,041 )     (3,480,689 )
                      

Net deferred tax asset under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 1,402,759     1,332,173     $ 1,432,444  
                      

Deferred tax liabilities under Korean GAAP

     643,124     317,296       341,178  
                      

Total U.S. GAAP adjustments related to deferred income taxes

   (Won) 2,045,883     1,649,469     $ 1,773,622  
                      

 

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Korea Electric Power Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

December 31, 2005 and 2006

 

Basic earning per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders 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 per share for the year ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 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)

     2004    2005    2006    2006

Net income under U.S. GAAP (a)

   (Won) 3,534,544    2,969,975    2,645,189    $ 2,844,289
                       

Effect of dilutive Securities

     3,204    1,490    2,207      2,373
                       

Adjusted net income (b)

   (Won) 3,537,748    2,971,465    2,647,396      2,846,662
                       

Weighted-average shares (c)

     629,868,023    635,289,794    638,002,913      686,024,638

Effect dilutive securities

     9,999,847    4,432,737    19,283,301      20,734,732
                       

Adjusted weighted average shares (d)

     639,867,870    639,722,531    657,286,214      706,759,370
                       

Basic earnings per share under U.S. GAAP (a)/(c)

   (Won) 5,612    4,675    4,146    $ 4.46
                       

Diluted earnings per share under U.S. GAAP (b)/(d)

   (Won) 5,529    4,645    4,028    $ 4.33
                       

Basic earnings per ADS under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,806    2,338    2,073    $ 2.23
                       

Diluted earnings per ADS under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,765    2,323    2,014    $ 2.17
                       

 

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