Korea's first astronaut in space has begun a variety of scientific experiments.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute said Sunday that Yi So-yeon will begin experimenting with next-generation semiconductors.

Other experiments will conduted for education purposes to show young students why one cannot use ballpoint pens in space and how Newton's law is different on earth and space.

On Sunday evening, she will invite five other astronauts to a Korean dinner.

On Saturday night, President Lee Myung-bak had a live video conversation with Yi, commending her for doing a difficult job to enhance national prestige.