SEOUL — The South Korean government will downsize its military by at least 40,000 troops by 2008, according to a new strategy released by the Defense Ministry.

The plan also includes creating more balance among South Korea’s Army, Navy and Air Force, the report from Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung said, according to a Defense Ministry spokesman.

The downsizing in 2008 is the first phase of transforming the South Korean military, which now stands at 690,000 servicemembers, the spokesman said. Other cuts in troop strength are expected after 2009, although the government hasn’t announced those numbers.

The Ministry also doesn’t expect the South Korean military to change from a conscript to volunteer force.