PyeongChang celebrates milestone 500-days to go

Korean pop stars, opera singers and Olympians joined celebrations marking the 500-day countdown to the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang with festive events in Seoul and in the host region of Gangwon Province.

“Thanks to the strong support of the Korean people and authorities, PyeongChang is on course to deliver truly cutting-edge Olympic Winter Games,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a video message to the celebrants. “The momentum is building, and in 500 days, the world will connect to the passion and energy of Korea.”

During a visit to PyeongChang just days before Monday’s milestone, the IOC President praised the PyeongChang Organising Committee for its progress in preparing for the first Winter Games to be held in Asia in two decades. Nearly 90 per cent of the construction work is complete. A new high-speed rail line between Seoul and PyeongChang – a legacy project that will reduce travel time from three hours to an hour – is set for completion in June 2017.

Organisers intend to use the Games to promote tourism and economic development, and to nurture talent for Korea to become a leading winter sports nation. The Games will also showcase Korea’s traditional and modern culture, and its advanced technology.

The cultural aspects were on display at countdown events in Seoul and Gangneung, a city near PyeongChang that will host indoor ice events. Performances included Korea’s signature K-Pop, as well as opera and a civic choir. PyeongChang, where the mountain events will be held, is located 180 kilometres (112 miles) east of Seoul.

The PyeongChang Coordination Commission, chaired by IOC Executive Board Member Gunilla Lindberg, will visit PyeongChang next week to help support the Organising Committee’s work.