The government plans to set up South Korean cultural centers in Vietnam, Argentina, the Middle East and Africa. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Wednesday that it plans to extend cultural exchanges in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa. According to the plan, the Ministry will put emphasis on reciprocal cultural exchanges in advanced countries such as Japan, France and European nations, while focusing on promoting the general image of the country in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa. The Ministry plans to initially establish Korean Culture Centers in Vietnam, Argentina, Middle East and Africa by 2006 before pushing for a second-phase project in Europe, Oceania, and Russia.