South Korea has begun countdown of the 2002 World Cup.

The Korea World Cup Organizing Committee marked D-minus-365 days in a ceremony on Thursday. Organizers also kicked off a variety of events and celebrations across the nation.

At Sangamdong World Cup Stadium in Seoul, a mammoth ceremony was held with officials and citizens attending. After the ceremony, officials and volunteers distributed World Cup stickers to people on downtown streets to enhance public awareness of the sports event.

Meanwhile, President Kim Dae-jung issued a statement marking the 365th day before the opening of the World Cup. The president said the World Cup will be a great opportunity to demonstrate South Korea's potential to the entire world.

Also on Thursday, the Korea World Cup Organizing Committee said South Korea's preparations for the World Cup are proceeding smoothly. At a news conference with foreign correspondents, the organizing committee said the World Cup will promote friendship between Korea and Japan and also bring about economic benefits.

Chung Mong-joon, co-chairman of the organizing committee, said South Korea and Japan will soon start talks to discuss increasing the number of flights to facilitate air transportation between the two countries during the games period.