Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

Pyeongchang 2018 logoMenStyleFashion was invited by Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO London) to fly to Pyeongchang, South Korea. The purpose of this journey was to promote the ‘Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games’ and to get an insight into South Korean culture. This pre-visit to the Gangwondo Province which includes Pyeongchang, Gangneung and Jeongseon was a trip I was looking forward to and this was my first visit to South Korea.

MenStyleFashion was asked as digital media to make aware to all those that have never heard of Pyeongchang. Where is it? Pyeongchang is pronounced PYUHNG’-chahng. It is approximately 112 miles east of Seoul. Pyeongchang is located in Gangwon province in the northern part of the country, nestled in the Taebaek Mountains.

Over the several days of experiencing the South Korean culture, I want to inspire you, that when it comes to the latest of technology, South Korea is right up there. Therefore these Winter Olympics are going to be one of the most digital interactive games ever seen. I encourage those who are seeking an extremely thrilling adventure that the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018, is the place to come. When it comes to name recognition, the isolated South Korean ski resort remains resolutely off-piste and growing in awareness as we march closer to this global event. However, on arrival, I was pleasantly surprised by how many tourists were already flocking in to see it’s progress.

Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

Why Come To PyeongChang?

On this occasion, I was driven from Incheon international airport which is a 250-kilometre journey to the other side of the peninsula. Roughly a three and a half hour trip by car. But don’t worry this is South Korea the historical pioneers when it comes to road construction. So it comes to as no surprise, that a high-speed rail link connecting Seoul and Gangneung, a coastal city some 40km east of Pyeongchang is expected to open later this year. I can’t wait to experience that and the latest technology when it comes to rail transport.

The Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang 2018 is a major international multi-sport event scheduled to take place from 9 to 25 February 2018. On this occasion, we experienced part of Pyeongchang’s five-month programme of test events. I was taken to three test events, during the three-day stay. The first being in Alpensia which is a multipurpose ski jumping stadium. I was watching ski jumping for the females. On the second day, I was taken to the Phoenix Park Hotel and Resort to watch the FIS World Cup Snowboarding event. Finally, on the third day, I experienced the figure skating. Each of these events was in separate locations. Overall the drive and access were more than reasonable leading up to these games.

Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

Snowboard FIS, World Cup Competition

What a fabulous way to start the snowboard FIS, World Cup competition at Pheonix Park Resort. I am very familiar with snowboarders and what they are seeking when it comes to facilities. On this occasion, I was watching the halfpipe event. What better feedback to really appreciate what Pyeongchang has done than to ask the athletes themselves.

Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

Shaun White Snow Boarder

I ran into legendary snowboarder Shaun White from Canada. Who has had many years of experience around the globe and understands what is needed to produce the perfect half pipe.  In his own words

“The pipe is amazing right now, to be honest it one of the best for the year”.

Scotty James Snowboarder

I also asked Scotty James from Australia what he thought of the halfpipe. After speaking to Scotty, it was brilliant to see him winning the overall competition here in Pyeongchang. In his own words.

“The pipe is awesome here, they have put on an amazing show for us here. The pipe in comparison to other events is absolutely amazing”.

 

Gangneung Figure Skating Events

Because of limited space in Pyeongchang, many athletes and spectators will stay in Gangneung, which is hosting the ice skating events. The stadium looks amazing and was very easy to get access to. There was a huge crowd here when I turned up but the staff and organizers handled everything very well. The seats were comfortable and overall Pyeongchang, will not have an issue hosting the Ice Skating events.

Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The GamesWinter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The GamesWinter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The GamesWinter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium

When I saw the Ski Jumping Stadium I was terrified. How one earth can these athletes do such a brave sport. The Ski Jumping podium looked amazing and I know once everything has been completed this is certainly one to watch. The Korean people encouraging the athletes before and during their jumps was electrifying regarding atmosphere. The drum playing is certainly a nice cultural way to support the up and comping Winter Olympics. This facility is a familiar place among Koreans. You can head to the 90m tall ski jump lounge for gorgeous views.

Alpine skiing and figure skating are also among 26 competitions to be held at Olympic venues before the end of April, a hectic and challenging schedule for the hosts. However once again I want to reaffirm that the South Koreans have an amazing history when it comes to pioneering new things. This challenge for them is what I can see is an effortless walk in the park. The organizers are keen, positive and hard-working. I am confident everything will be completed well and truly before schedule.

Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

New Events To Be Featured

Just as exciting are the new events that will be featured in Pyeongchang. These new competitions are making a debut in 2018 include: snowboarding big air, curling mixed doubles, speed skating mass start and Alpine skiing team.

Phoenix Park Hotel And Condo

I stayed at the Phoenix Park Hotel and Condo for two days in the condo section. It was clean, spacious and had easy access to both the hotel and the ski resort. Depending on budgets there were plenty of budget and luxury choices. There was an option to cook yourself and if you want to you can eat breakfast at the hotel part. The bed was comfortable and the internet was super fast, this is South Korea. It had everything you needed for washing your clothes to ironing. It was a perfect place to stay with a group. It is close to all the shops, restaurants in fact you’re right in the thick of things.

Make sure you bring your own toiletry goods to ensure your condo stay is special.

Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games Winter Olympics 2018 Pyeongchang Top Tips For The Games

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About The Author

Gracie Opulanza

Global menswear and luxury lifestyle journalist. Co-founder and editor in chief of Men Style Fashion. GracieOpulanza.com is my personal blog.

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