There are just over two weeks left until the
2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics kick off.
Busy putting the final touches on the global
celebration of sport,... the organizing committee
has given everyone a sneak peak at what to
expect during the opening and closing ceremonies.
Our Lee Ji-won reports from PyeongChang.
The concepts have been revealed for the opening
and closing ceremonies of the 2018 PyeongChang
Winter Olympics -- they are...
"Harmony"... and "Convergence."
On Monday, the organizing committee and the
directors of the ceremonies held a press briefing
to share some of the details and the preparations
they're making.
(Korean)
"From the harmony of tradition and modern-day
culture... to that of nature and modern buildings,...
harmony is a basic Korean value.
Through 'convergence,' Korea has been able
to spread its culture worldwide and become
a leading IT nation.
With performances that illustrate these two
values, we hope to convey the messages of
'peace' and 'passion.'"
They also unveiled the Olympic cauldron for
the ceremonies.
The cauldron resembles a moon jar, a type
of traditional Korean white porcelain, representing
Korean notions of beauty through empty space
and simplicity,... as well as conveying the
message of 'participation' and 'harmony.'
While the specific layout of the ceremonies
could not be shared, they did reveal the basic
storylines of the events.
The opening ceremony is based on the journey
of five children searching for answers to
'peace,'... and features Korean legends and
history.
The closing ceremony focuses on the challenges
ahead with musical and dance performances.
To the question of whether North Korean art
troupes will perform in the opening ceremony,
Director Song said that while it hasn't been
confirmed, the International Olympic Committee
has mentioned an appearance by Pyongyang's
Taekwondo performers before the opening ceremony
begins.
It's expected to be extremely cold on the
days of the ceremonies, so the committee also
explained its plans to deal with that.
On top of constructing a wind screen around
the Olympic Stadium, they have also built
40 patio heaters and 18 wind-proof shelters
around the venue to prevent hypothermia.
The committee will be providing visitors with
winter gear including hot packs, blankets
and raincoats,... but said it's vital that
spectators dress warmly and come prepared.
In preparation for the more than 20-thousand
spectators expected to come to the opening
ceremony, the committee has also prepared
a range of transportation services,... one
of which is the 'GO PyeongChang' mobile application.
The application launches on Wednesday and
will display all the different ways of getting
to the venues,... and help out with reservations.
With just over two weeks left until the Games
kick off,... the organizing committee said
it'll do its best to warmly welcome the world
and make PyeongChang 2018 an unforgettable
experience.
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News, Pyeongchang.
