The International Olympic Committee in a secret ballot on July 6th 2011 chose Pyeongchang South Korea to host the 2018 Winter Olympics Games. Now would be a great time for you to brush up on your Korean! This is a very exciting victory for South Korea. This was the third attempt for them and it was successful! South Korea almost won it for the 2010 and the 2014 Winter Olympic Games but didn’t quite make it. They were defeated in 2010 by Vancouver Canada and for the XXII Olympic Winter Games 2014 by Sochi Russia. The Sochi games by the way will be the first for the Russian Federation, that will make it an historic Winter Olympics event for that reason.

Korean Language

The Winter Olympics has been held primarily in European countries since the first one in Chamonix France in 1924. The only Asian country that has hosted the Winter Olympics has been Japan who held the Games in Sapporo in 1972 and Nagano in 1998.

For a country to win a bid they need to show that they can provide world class venues and accommodations. South Korea showed their determination even though they did not win the 2010 and 2014 bids by continuing to build those world-class facilities such as ski jumps and stadiums. They will be ready! If you plan to attend this would also be a great opportunity to learn to speak Korean.

Why do countries so enthusiastically bid to host an Olympics? The number one reason is economics, national pride is also a by-product of having hosted the Olympics in your country. After the Games are over and medals have been won there are new buildings and stadiums that were built which will then become permanent venues.

South Korea is a growing, robust country. It has a thriving economy that exports automobiles, petrochemicals, robotics, electronics and ships. South Korea belongs to the United Nations, WTO (World Trade Organization) and OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). Winning the Olympics will definitely add to their already very healthy economy. Pyeongchang which is east of the capital city of Seoul and is the third largest county in South Korea. It is already well know for winter sports. The Woljeongsa Buddhist temple which is located there is also well known. If you go be sure to learn some Korean!

Which country has hosted the most Winter Olympics? The United States wins this one, held the games three times, 1904, 1932, 1984 and 1996. Second runner up – France with three times in 1924, 1968 and 1992.

Filed under: Learn Korean

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