Why You Should Book a Trip to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea
Brought to you by the Korea Tourism Organization
It’s your chance to see more than just the athletes.
In February and March 2018, some of the world’s most talented athletes will compete at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It’s the perfect chance for sports fans to not only cheer on their favourite sportspeople but also explore more of Korea’s history, attractions and food.
Watch amazing athletic feats
Athletes will compete for 182 gold medals at the 2018 Winter Games – the most on offer since the event began in 1924. Olympic athletes will have the chance to win 102 gold medals across 15 sports (9-25 February) and Paralympic athletes will have a shot at one of 80 gold medals across six disciplines (9-18 March).
The first Winter Olympics held in Korea since the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, the sports extravaganza is centred around PyeongChang Olympic Stadium, a 2.5-hour drive east of Seoul, with some events held at nearby Gangneung.
See bobsledders reach speeds of 135 kilometres per hour, figure skaters show off their precision and ski jumpers ace their landings. Six new events will be also be introduced at next year’s games: curling mixed doubles, men’s and women’s speed skating mass start, alpine skiing nations team event, and men’s and women’s snowboard big air.
Extend your stay to explore Korea
Korea is a country that blends the old with the new. Spend your days exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hwaseong Fortress, contemplating art at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in bustling Seoul or doing a walking meditation through a tranquil forest during a temple stay.
In the evenings, visit food markets and nightclubs or see Seoul’s Changdeokgung Palace by the light of a full moon. Make your way to the Lotte World Tower & Mall for the required dose of retail therapy. The tower is the fifth-tallest building in the world and is home to cafés, galleries and an observation deck, while the mall offers international and Korean brands as well as a cinema and aquarium. Two must-dos: for a truly traditional experience, arrange a hanok stay (a night in one of the historic Korean houses scattered throughout the country) and visit N Seoul Tower at night to see the city below lit up.
Taste Korean cuisine
Love sampling spicy street food? Or do you prefer cook-it-yourself Korean barbecue? Korea is known for its varied and unique cuisine; one Seoul City survey found that most tourists believe food is the capital’s main attraction. Seek out tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cake) while you’re there or enjoy sundubu (soft tofu) at Chodang Dubu Village in the Gangwon-do province. And try the several varieties of kimchi – there are more than 100 regional recipes of the famed side dish.
For more information on the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games, visit pyeongchang2018.com.
To learn about travelling in Korea, visit the Korea Tourism Organization at visitkorea.org.au and visitkorea.or.kr.
