2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics

290 days to Winter Olympics, the most anticipated International event by winter sports athletes and spectators all over the world.!

The venue for this spectacular competition will be held in  Pyeongchang and Gangneung in South Korea from 9 February to 25 February 2018.

 PyeongChang Mountain Cluster will host the snow sports events, 

 and Gangneung Coastal Cluster to serve as ice sports events.

Wish I could be in Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium to witness the glorious opening ceremonies and watch

Located in Gangwon area, 84% of Pyeongchang territory comprising of mountains with average elevations of 750 m above the sea level. It received the most annual snowfall, therefore most of the ski resorts scattered here and it's the hub for winter sports.

To facilitate the event, KTX is constructing 120 km rail line connecting Seoul and Pyeongchang. It should be completed in 2017, this high-speed train would cut the travelling time between these two cities in just one hour.

Introducing official mascots: 

Soohorang for Winter Olympics and Bandabi for Paralympics 2018.

Received these official souvenirs from KTO Singapore for being part of 

2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Supporters Team.

Soohorang (수호랑), the white tiger has been long considered Korea’s guardian animal. “Sooho (수호)” meaning protection in Korean and “Rang (랑)” comes from the middle letter of “Ho-rang-i (호랑이)” for “Tiger.” It's also the last letter of “Jeong-seon A-ri-rang (정선 아리랑)” a cherished traditional folk song of Gangwon Province, where the Games will be held. 

Soohorang not only has a challenging spirit and passion but also is a trustworthy friend who protects the athletes, spectators and all participants in the Olympic Games.

 Soohorang Doll - ₩20,000 Bandabi Doll - ₩20,000.

Bandabi (반다비), the Asiatic black bear with a half-moon mark on the chest symbolises strong willpower and courage in the Korean folklore. “Banda (반다) is derived from “ban-dal” which means half-moon. “Bi (비)” stands for the celebration of the Games.

Bandabi has strong willpower and courage. It is a warm-hearted friend who takes the lead for equality and harmony and encourages athletes to push themselves beyond their limits. We will look forward to Bandabi's amazing activities.

These good quality soft toys, hip-sack (₩39,000) and ear muff (₩21,000)

are manufactured by The North Face - the official partner of 

Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics Winter Games.

 Skiing lesson in Muju Deogyusan Resort.

Living in Singapore, we don't have any chance to experience any winter sports in this tropical country.

Therefore, during XXII Olympic Sochi 2014, I visited Korea in February and 'die die' want to learn skiing compared to ice skating or figure skating. My thought was I just need to slide down and I have 2 sticks to support me...

 

 Oh dear~ my feet not under my brain's control and jellified

when I stood at ski slope for the beginner. 

You can read our experience here.

I would have won a Gold medal for falling every one metre?!!

Gosh~! Tha's so embarrassing... even Daehan Minguk Manse (Song Triplet) have mastered the skiing skill and slide down like pro skiers in this video!

Actually, we planned to bring kids go to Phoenix Snow Park 

for skiing on our last trip in Dec 2015, but we're not feeling well 

so stayed in the Resort have fun snow tubing and...

feeding animals like goats, lamb, dogs, rabbits, chicken and pigs there.

I'll quickly post the long overdue trip in Korea after this and my home renovation review... so please stay tuned~!^^

Updated: 101 News about Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018

Meanwhile, you might want to check out my previous articles on some attractions nearby Pyeongchang: 

Ojukheon House and Municipal Museum.

(filming location of 'Saimdang, Light's Diary' 

casting of hallyu stars Song Seung-heon and Lee Young Ae).

 Seongyojang Hanok House

(K-drama Hwang Jin-Yi (황진이), Princess Hours Gung (궁) and 

Princess’ Man (공주의남자) were filmed here).
Some of the Pyeongchang Promotional Video was shoot at this charming 
 Hwallaejeong Pavilion surrounded by beautiful Lotus Pond and vast garden. 

 Check out this video : Lee Young Ae outside the pavilion. 

 You can experience Dado (다도체험) Korean Tea Ceremony and 
learn the etiquette while enjoying the outdoor view from the pavilion.

It's nice to see our Dado teachers again even it's just few seconds in this video.
선생님, 항상 건강하고 행복하게 지내세요~.

 How about having healthy and lavish Hanjeongsik. 
We felt like royalties during Joseon Dynasty.
They also served authentic Chodang Sundubu - a must try~! 

Jumunjin Lighthouse and Seawall

(Filming location of Korean Drama 'Goblin' 

Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na).

For more information about Pyeongchang Winter Olympic, please refer to this link.

Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 4-4]

This should be the last posting for VIP Invitation Tour. Really sorry for taking up to three months to complete blogging it.

Kim eonni was panicking searching for us when we reached IFC Mall from KBS Exhibition Hall. We're late half and hour late as miscommunication on the timing. Therefore we immediately hop to the bus and go to the Incheon airport.

Jas eonni, Tere and few other members proceed to check-in counters as their flights were earlier. Lucky, Naz and me were waiting at Lotteria. Kim eonni ordered food for us first while waiting for Jas eonni and Tere to join us.

 Lunch for our team as we didn't eat at IFC Mall.

My Mozzarella Cheese Burger.

 Where were Kim eonni and Jas eonni?!

 

Shopping at AK Plaza Duty Free Shop. Actually, I only bought

moisturizing cream to prevent cracking skin in winter, the rest

were for my sister's friend.

 

Self tax refund counter with helpful and nice volunteer staff.

Please note that it's relocated to Gate 24 and 41 instead of Gate 27. Please check this link for more information on the procedures on immediate tax refund when purchasing goods at tax free shop or claiming back tax refund at other locations.

 

Self Tax Refund machine with language selections

which is super user friendly and easy to use.

 

After claimed our tax refund, we headed to Korea Traditional

Cultural Experience Center for free activities to kill time.

 

You can buy Korean Traditional souvenirs here.

We'd to register for Dancheong wooden keychain painting, as you can see there were a lot of people also interested in this activity, we're put in the waiting list...

 

Signed guest book with calligraphy pen.

 I love Korea very much (한국 많이 사랑해요)~!

 

Too bad that Hanbok Experience only available for those 

boarding Gate number above 100, where you can go there 

however there will be no way to return here.

Traditional Dancheong Painting with 5 basic colors (Obangsaek)

of blue, red, yellow, black and white.

Besides functioning as decoration and protection against wind, rain and harmful insects. It also has symbolic of preventing fire and defeating evil spirits.

 

Heard the announcement that Royal Family Procession was going to start,

so I quickly painting the dancheong and ran out for the procession.

 

 

Crown Prince and Princess. 

Last time they didn't have photo session with the royal family, but now you're allowed to take photos with them. Of course I didn't want to miss this chance... I wish I'm in hanbok too.

 

 King and Queen.

 

 Princess.

 With Royal guards, lady in waiting,... 

No wonder Incheon Airport has been voted as the best airport in the world. You don't need to worry that you'll get bored with so much activities and they're free of charge. 

After bidding good bye to Lucky and Naz, we went separately to the boarding gate. That's ended our unforgettable and memorable VIP Invitation Tour.

On the flight back to Singapore with Korean Air.

This trip was made possible by VisitKorea organised by Korea  Tourism Organization.