Members of the Korean squad to the Beijing Olympic Games held a launch ceremony on Friday.

It commenced at Olympic Park in southern Seoul, where the 389-member team vowed to do their best to maintain the country's top-ten position in total medal ranking.

Kim Jung-haeng, who heads the Olympic squad, said the Korean athletes will put forth their best efforts and will complete fairly in the spirit of competition.

The majority of the squad will leave for Beijing on August first to adapt to the local environment.

Asian judo champion Jang Sung-ho will lead the Korean squad into the Olympic opening ceremony.