South Korean set for ultimate food takeout

The popularity of the traditional South Korean meal kimchi is set to reach new heights thanks to the Asian nation's first astronaut.

When Ko San is launched into space in April on board a Russian craft, South Korea's first-ever astronaut will be taking some of the fermented cabbage dish with him to the stars, The New York Times said Sunday.

This will greatly help my mission, Ko said. When you're working in space-like conditions and aren't feeling too well, you miss Korean food.

The South Korean citizen's dedication to the traditional dish has some historical precedent. During the Vietnam War, South Korean soldiers fighting overseas were so keen to have the fermented dish that international diplomacy was required.

The Times said the prime minister at the time, Chung Il-kwon, asked U.S. President Lyndon Johnson to provide the South Korean soldiers with kimchi. Shortly after that meeting, cans of kimchi were dispersed to South Korean troops in the field.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International