The nation's first astronaut, Ko San, and his backup Yi Soyeon are back in Korea to start their final training early next month.

In a news conference Monday, the two talked about their preparations in Russia and upcoming training programs.

Their training will simulate tasks to be carried out in space under the most realistic conditions, down to the equipment they will use.

They will practice collecting atmospheric data and performing scientific and educational experiments, including one for Korean space food research.

Mr. Ko will take his first step into space April eighth of next year aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft. He will return to the earth on April 19th.