S. Korean gov't vows all-out support for PyeongChang's Olympics bid

SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's government on Friday declared its full
support for PyeongChang's bid for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, saying it is
working on details to significantly expand sports and transportation
infrastructure in the eastern resort city.
The declaration came after representatives from the prime minister's office and
13 ministries and government agencies met in Seoul to discuss state-level
measures to support PyeongChang's Olympic campaign, officials at the culture
ministry said.
"PyeongChang's hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics is a national agenda that will
raise Korea's national brand and status. The government will stage an all-out
campaign to support PyeongChang," said Kim Dae-ki, vice minister of Culture,
Sports and Tourism, at the meeting.
PyeongChang, located in the mountainous region of Gangwon Province, about 180
kilometers east of Seoul, was named South Korea's candidate city for the 2018
global showpiece in April.
PyeongChang is vying against Germany's Munich and France's Annecy. The three
candidate cities submitted their official applications to the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) in October.
Kim also called for clear and coherent strategies based on the Olympic spirit and
close cooperation among the bidding committee, the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC)
and the government.
The South Korean city was edged out by Vancouver, Canada, in its bid for the 2010
Winter Games, and by Sochi, Russia, for 2014.
At the meeting, PyeongChang's bidding committee briefed the government officials
on its strong points, including a concentration of stadiums and sports facilities
in a 30-minute driving radius, experience accumulated through two previous bid
failures, trust from the international sports community and unified national
support.
The IOC is planning to select the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics at its
general meeting in 2011 in Durban, South Africa.
brk@yna.co.kr
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