A resort loved by Korea’s OST queen – The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Gangwon Province

▲ Governor Choi Moon-soon of Gangwon Province, South Korea (top photo), along with popular singers LYN and Jung Dong-hwan, came to Taiwan to promote the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported by Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Taipei

The “2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics” will be held in February next year in Gangwon Province, South Korea. To attract Taiwanese tourists to visit, Governor Choi Moon-soon of Gangwon Province personally came to Taiwan on the 17th to promote the event. He said, “Gangwon Province boasts breathtaking winter scenery and has been the filming location for popular Korean dramas such as Descendants of the Sun and Goblin. In addition to watching the sporting events, visitors can also step into the filming locations and experience the tourism charm of Gangwon.”

With heavy snowfall in winter and long winter seasons, Gangwon Province is blessed with stunning snowy landscapes, which led to it being chosen to host the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The Games will take place from February 9 to 25 next year across three regions: Gangneung, Jeongseon, and PyeongChang. To attract visitors to join in this grand event, renowned actress Bae Young-ae has been invited as the ambassador for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Additionally, the “OST Queen” of Korea, famous singer LYN, known for performing theme songs for numerous Korean dramas such as My Love from the Star and Descendants of the Sun, as well as South Korea’s “King of Singers” Jung Dong-hwan (THE ONE), will perform the Olympic theme song.

▲ Governor Choi Moon-soon of Gangwon Province, South Korea. (Photo / Reporter Chang Yi-zhong)

Choi Moon-soon stated that Gangwon Province, with its distinct four seasons, is the favorite holiday destination for Koreans and is famous for its many beautiful ski resorts, such as the Yongpyong Ski Resort, known as the heart of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and Alpensia. In addition, the region features a 212-kilometer-long scenic coastline, the world’s only divided road symbolizing national division, and the DMZ, a natural ecological treasure trove. These picturesque landscapes have often served as filming locations for Korean dramas and movies. From the once Asia-wide hit Winter Sonata to recent hits like Descendants of the Sun, Goblin, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Sister’s Slam Dunk, all were filmed in Gangwon Province. The popularity of these Korean dramas has significantly boosted local tourism. For example, over 170,000 Taiwanese tourists visited Nami Island in 2016. “As the host city of the Winter Olympics after more than 140 years, it’s a special opportunity to promote winter tourism in a region that rarely sees snow. Starting our promotional efforts in Taiwan, we hope to showcase the charm of Gangwon Province to the world.”

▲ South Korea’s King of Singers Jung Dong-hwan. (Photo / Reporter Chang Yi-zhong)

▲ South Korea’s OST Queen LYN. (Photo / Reporter Chang Yi-zhong)

Speaking about their impressions of Gangwon Province, Jung Dong-hwan said what impressed him most was the warmth of the locals, feeling a strong sense of hospitality every time he visited. LYN mentioned that Gangwon Province has many beautiful mountain views and crystal-clear water, attracting many people for vacation in the summer, which reminds her of a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere in Gangwon.

To promote the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, an Olympic promotion pavilion will be set up daily from now until the 19th, from 10:00 to 20:00, at the Xinyi Atrium Square of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. It will provide Taiwanese visitors with travel information about Gangwon Province, VR skiing experiences, photo zones, and other interactive activities related to the Winter Olympics.

▲ The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics experience pavilion is being held at Xinyi Atrium of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in Taipei. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)