Image of PyeongChang PyeongChang residents welcome IOC delegates

By Yoon Chul

PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission members seem to have confirmed the passion of PyeongChang residents in the city’s bid to host the 2018 Winter Games.

During the second day of their stay in the city, the delegates encountered residents in the streets who warmly welcomed the delegates by waving national flags and those of the IOC expressing their ardent hopes that PyeongChang will be selected to host the Winter Olympics in 2018.

The residents’ passion has gained further impetus with strong support from the Korean government and high profile figures such as President Lee Myung-bak and former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo who also served as the chairman of the bid committee for the 2014 Winter Games.

Amid warm hospitality from the bid committee and the citizens, the inspection members seem to be carrying out their inspection in a comfortable atmosphere.