The order Hymenoptera contains over 150,000 species worldwide comprising up to 132 families, divided traditionally into two suborders, e.g., Symphyta Gerstäcker, 1867 and Apocrita Gerstäcker, 1867. Also, the morphology, ecology, and behavior of Hymenoptera are exceedingly diverse. The classification system of Hymenoptera has undergone some changes; with the growth of detailed knowledge and technique an increasing number of genera and families has been recognized. Herein, we present current status of higher level classification within Hymenoptera and suggest future directions for more extensive taxonomic researches on South Korean Hymenoptera.

• Jeong-Kyu Kim(Bureau of Ecological Research, National Institute of Ecology)
• Il-Kwon Kim(Division of Forest Biodiversity, Korea National Arboretum)