S. Korea to host Winter Youth Olympics for first time in Asia

[Gettyimages Bank]

SEOUL -- The Winter Youth Olympic Games will take place in South Korea's eastern province of Gangwon, well known for its mountainous and forested landscapes, in January 2024. South Korea has become the first Asian country to host the international sports event that would be attended by some 1,900 athletes from about 80 nations.

The Winter Youth Olympic Games (WYOG), designed for young athletes aged between 15 and 18, is held every four years. The multi-sport event organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) features various winter sports such as Alpine skiing, Ice hockey, and speed skating. Previously, the WYOG was held in three regions -- Lausanne in Switzerland, Norway's Lillehammer, and Innsbruck in Austria.

The fourth WYOG will be held in four areas in Gangwon starting January 19 -- the ski resort of Pyeongchang, the port city of Gangneung, Jeongseon County, and Hoengseong County. During the 14-day competition, athletes will compete to win medals in 15 events.

The opening ceremony will take place in Pyeongchang and Gangneung at the same time. K-pop artists including girl band (G)I-DLE’s Shuhua will visit the event spot to interact with fans. South Korean volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung will also promote the WYOG through YouTube content.

"The Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games organizers are aiming to leave a lasting legacy for young people in the Republic of Korea," the IOC said in a statement on December 19. "Youthful creativity will be at the forefront of the Games, with the medals, mascot, song, and choreography all having been developed through extensive collaboration with young people."