PyeongChang gets a thumbs-up for its “test events”

by Khaya Korea
Jan 10, 2017
3 min read

The Korean city of PyeongChang is now on the final straight in preparation for the Winter Olympic Games in 2018. This scenic mountain region has become a busy hub of sporting activity as a series of “test events” are literally putting the venues and facilities on trial. Over 26 winter sports events have been scheduled at the new venues in PyeongChang and Gangneung until April 2017. And so far, things are going very well!“The facilities in PyeongChang are excellent, especially the quality of snow. My only hope is that the conditions during PyeongChang 2018 are as good as they are today.” – Anna Gasser, Austrian snowboarder and winner of the Women’s Big Air FinalsSnowboard Big Air World CupIt all began with the International Ski Federation (FIS) Snowboard Big Air World Cup in November 2016. As PyeongChang 2018 will be the first Olympic Winter Games to include snowboard big air in its official program, the FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup has attracted wide attention. The event ended successfully and competing athletes expressed overwhelmingly positive views of the venue; with complimentary comments about the course, the spectacular landscape and optimal spectator environment.“

The whole area seems really cool. There are some things that need to be improved, but that’s why we have test events. I want to come back here for the PyeongChang 2018 Games and show an even better performance.” – Mark McMorris, Canadian snowboarder and Men’s Big Air Final winnerShort Track Speed Skating World CupFollowing the success of the FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup, the Short Track Speed Skating World Cup also received positive feedback from the athletes.

“The ice quality is so good I already feel like I’m skating at the Olympic Games. In fact, the facilities are much better than other international event venues I’ve competed in.” – Han Tianyu, Chinese double gold Olympic medalist

This three-day speed-skating competition was held at the Gangneung Ice Arena, the first test event for ice sports, and attracted close to 30 000 spectators!“The PyeongChang 2018 short track test event was spectacular. The venue was packed with fans cheering the athletes. Even though the venue can accommodate 12,000 spectators, it feels intimate, which makes it great for short track. After being part of the short track event I’m very excited about PyeongChang 2018.” – Apolo Anton Ohno, eight-time Olympic medalist and NBC sports commentatorGetting ready for the big finishIn preparation for the upcoming test events the new venues in PyeongChang and Gangneung are at a 90% completion stage. As the finishing touches are made for the Winter Games most of the outstanding construction work is now left to non-competition venues, such as the IBC and the Opening and Closing Ceremony Stadiums.PyeongChang WebsiteApproximately 3000 athletes and 1000 volunteers are expected to participate in these events over the next few months. For many this will be their first visit to Korea. Therefore the test events provide an invaluable opportunity for athletes and officials to familiarize themselves with the competition venues and local surroundings.

Further information on all the test events is available on the official PyeongChang website www.hellopyeongchang.com. Here you can find more facts and figures on ticket sales, event schedules and results.Khaya Korea is readyDuring their trips to Korea more than a dozen National Olympic Committees, broadcaster and sponsors have already visited the hotels, apartments and small boutique-hotels in the mountain as well as coastal cluster. Khaya’s team has sourced close to 1000 rooms for the PyeongChang Games. All of them are located close to the venues and offer excellent value-for-money.“Everyone who needs support for the Games should contact us”, says Khaya country manager Yeri Chun. “We now have an office close to the Alpensia venues as well as one in the coastal cluster in Gangneung”. Good Luck!