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oting has begun across South Korea in parliamentary elections that observers say are critical to the country's economic and political future. The elections come amid now-robust economic performance, as well as on the heels of the announcement of improved ties with North Korea. Rival candidates made last-ditch appeals for votes as the world focused on the first-ever summit between the two Koreas.

Another pressing issue for Kim's 2-year-old government is the reform of South Korea's inefficient economic systems, especially its family-owned conglomerates, or chaebol. About a dozen of the conglomerates collapsed under debts in 1997, forcing South Korea to accept a record $58 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund.

President Kim has publicly said reunions of those separated family members will top the agenda. Only 50 people from each Korea were allowed to cross the border in 1985 for the first temporary family reunions. No further reunions have since been arranged because of military and political tensions. The Korean border, the world's most heavily armed, is sealed with nearly 2 million troops deployed on both sides.

Table Reminders1. The eldest person present begins eating first.2. Chopsticks should not be left in the rice or soup bowl during or after the meal.3. The rice or soup bowl should not be held in one's hands while eating.4. The hand and arms should not be placed on the table while eating.5. One should not tear food into pieces using fingers.6. One must remain at the table until the last person has finished eating.

The main dish is almost always accompanied by rice, soup, kimchi and several side dishes. Koreans eat their rice and soup with a spoon (which was reportedly first invented by the Koreans),

Use the spoon for rice and the chopsticks for side dishes, but you can ask for forks or knives at restaurants. Do not stir your rice or your soup. Do not leave the spoon or chopsticks in the rice as it symbolizes their use by the dead. Knives are used only in the preparation of food, not as eating utensils because Korean food is either pre-cut into bite-sized pieces or is soft enough to be pulled apart using chopsticks.