The nation is gearing up to choose its first astronaut ever, who will be sent into space aboard Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft in April 2008.

The Ministry of Science and Technology and Korea Aerospace Research Institute said they would decide between the two finalists, Ko San and Yi Soyeon, who are undergoing training in Russia.

The decision will be based on a comprehensive assessment including their initial test results and performance at Russia's Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

The one chosen will spend seven or eight days in space aboard Soyuz and carry out various science experiments.

The other candidate will continue to receive training until March as a back-up.