The operator of the International Space Station has approved a visit by Korea's first astronaut, who will travel there next year on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute said Sunday that the station's crew operations panel comprising officials of Russia, the U.S., Japan and the European Space Agency has approved Ko San's visit in early April next year.

Ko will undergo full-scale training to prepare for his trip, along with two Russian cosmonauts.

The panel also approved Yi So-yeon and two Russians as a backup team should Ko's team be unable to participate in the mission.