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What it's like in Pyeongchang, South Korea - the host city of the 2018 Olympics

What it's like in Pyeongchang, South Korea - the host city of the 2018 Olympics

Pyeongchang (not to be confused with Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea) sits about the same distance from the border of North Korea and the capital of South Korea, Seoul.

What it's like in Pyeongchang, South Korea - the host city of the 2018 Olympics

The area has an average elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level, which gives it the nickname "the Alps of Korea." Mountains cover more than 80% of the terrain.

The area has an average elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level, which gives it the nickname "the Alps of Korea." Mountains cover more than 80% of the terrain.

Source: PyeongChang 2018 and Wikipedia

Pyeongchang is also one of the country's coldest places. During winter, cold air comes down from Russia and chills the area to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

Pyeongchang is also one of the country

Source: Wikipedia

At a recent concert held in the new Olympic Stadium, a 35,000-seat venue with no overhead cover or heating system, six people were stricken with hypothermia. January is the coldest month.

At a recent concert held in the new Olympic Stadium, a 35,000-seat venue with no overhead cover or heating system, six people were stricken with hypothermia. January is the coldest month.

Source: World Weather & Climate Information and Business Insider

Pyeongchang attracts winter revelers with its pristine skiing conditions. The largest resort, Alpensia Resort, has six slopes for skiing and snowboarding.

Pyeongchang attracts winter revelers with its pristine skiing conditions. The largest resort, Alpensia Resort, has six slopes for skiing and snowboarding.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization

Few people speak English, though the South Korean government has paid for English lessons for some people working in the service industry.

Few people speak English, though the South Korean government has paid for English lessons for some people working in the service industry.

Source: AP

Visitors hungry for Korean barbecue will find no shortage in Pyeongchang. But the local delicacies are dried pollack (fish) in stews and rice steamed with mountain herbs.

Visitors hungry for Korean barbecue will find no shortage in Pyeongchang. But the local delicacies are dried pollack (fish) in stews and rice steamed with mountain herbs.

Source: AP

People get around by bicycle, city bus, and car. High-speed trails built in time for the Olympic Games will carry visitors from Seoul to Pyeongchang in just over an hour.

People get around by bicycle, city bus, and car. High-speed trails built in time for the Olympic Games will carry visitors from Seoul to Pyeongchang in just over an hour.

Source: Olympic Games

At Woljeongsa Temple, visitors can explore ancient Buddhist temples set in a national park. It was established in the year 643.

At Woljeongsa Temple, visitors can explore ancient Buddhist temples set in a national park. It was established in the year 643.

Source: Woljeongsa Temple

The massive complex of temples and pagodas was destroyed during the Korean War and has since been rebuilt. Today, Woljeongsa Temple is one of Korea's 10 national parks.

The massive complex of temples and pagodas was destroyed during the Korean War and has since been rebuilt. Today, Woljeongsa Temple is one of Korea

Source: The Korea Times

In the mountain town of Daegwallyeong, visitors can tour a sheep farm, learn horse-riding, or try a cheese-making class. The sheep farm is often used as a set in in Korean movies.

In the mountain town of Daegwallyeong, visitors can tour a sheep farm, learn horse-riding, or try a cheese-making class. The sheep farm is often used as a set in in Korean movies.

Source: PyeongChang 2018 and Korea.net

Foreign hordes will descend on Pyeongchang starting in February for the 2018 Olympic Games. As of January, a reported 61% of the one million total tickets have sold.

Foreign hordes will descend on Pyeongchang starting in February for the 2018 Olympic Games. As of January, a reported 61% of the one million total tickets have sold.

Source: CNBC

As the Olympics near, all eyes will be on South Korea — and its neighbor to the north.

As the Olympics near, all eyes will be on South Korea — and its neighbor to the north.

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