The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has begun developing Korean-style space food for the country's first astronaut.

The institute signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia's national science center to receive help in developing a support system for life in space using irradiation technology.

Cooperation will cover development of meals in space and space environment adaptation.

The institute will develop three Korean dishes - cooked rice, porridge and kimchi - by next year, to be submitted to the Russian agency for safety approval.

If approved, South Korea will be the third country after the U.S. and Russia to develop space food.