© GYEONGGI PROVINCE

Gyeonngi Province launched an official congratulatory celebration on January 5 and has begun the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics torch relay.

Arriving in Korea this past November 1, the Olympic flame reached Yeoju on January 4 after passing through 16 local autonomies including Jeju Island, Busan, South Gyeongsang Province and Jeolla Province. From January 5, Gyeonggi Province is holding a 314.6km-long torch relay covering 9 cities and counties beginning from Suwon and continuing to: Yongin (January 6, Everland), Gwangju (January 7, Chungsuk Park), Seongnam (January 8, Central Park), Goyang (January18, Ilsan Cultural Park), Paju (January19, Imjingak), Yeoncheon (January 20, Jeongok-ri Prehistoric Site), Uijeongbu (January 20, Uijeongbu City Hall), and so on. From January 10 to 16, the torch relay takes place in Incheon and Seoul.

Separately, a celebration for the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympic Torch Relay will be held in Anyang (March 2, Anyangcheon Stream / Parksuk Bridge)

Gyeonggi Province plans to celebrate the arrival of the torch with cultural performances every night during the torch relay event period in the spirit of the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Torch Relay slogan, ‘Let Everyone Shine.’

The 677 representative individuals from diverse backgrounds who will serve as torchbearers including former SK Wyverns baseball coach Lee Man-su, honorary Gyeonggi Province public relations ambassador Christina, and project manager Kim Hyun-a, who oversees assistance provided to North Korean defectors.

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province is providing diverse support to ensure the successful hosting of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Last year, in conjunction with Seoul and Gangwon Province, Gyeonggi held the Kim Yeon-a Ice Show, undertook promotional events among foreign tourists, and concluded an agreement to promote the purchase of tickets for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

During the remaining period of the Pyeongchang Olympics, Gyeonggi Province will actively support participating athletes in performance improvement through the provision of training and venues; it has also made and is distributing photo menus for restaurants in the province. In addition, government officials and volunteers are being assigned to aid in the successful execution of events.