- On-site venues inspections and the Youth Olympic Village in Pyeongchang and Gangneung on October 18

- Minister YU, “We will meticulously inspect and prepare down to the smallest details”

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) Minister, YU In Chon, inspected the preparations for the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024 (Gangwon 2024) in Pyeongchang and Gangneung on October 18 (Wed), touring the venues and the Youth Olympic Villages. Minister was joined on-site by KIM Jin Tae, the Governor of Gangwon State, KWON Hyuk Yeol, the Chairman of the Gangwon Provincial Council, and KIM Chul Min, the Secretary General of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee.

Minister YU received a briefing from the organizing Committee on the Gangwon 2024 preparations at Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang. The inspection covered overall readiness and detailed measures, including amenities, cold protection, and snow removal, to ensure all participants can comfortably watch the games and enjoy the event.

He then visited the ski jumping center at PyeongChang Alpensia Sports Park and the ice sports venues at Gangneung Olympic Park. In Gangneung, alongside Governor KIM Jin Tae and Chairman KWON Hyuk Yeol, Mr. YU inspected the Gangneung Oval, which will host the opening ceremony, and the Hockey Centre. These competition venues, previously used during the “Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018,” will be handed over to the Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee by Gangwon State following the completion of ongoing maintenance at the end of October.

Minister YU also inspected the Youth Olympic Villages at Gangneung–Wonju National University (GWNU) to ensure athletes’ comfort. The villages for Gangwon 2024 are located in GWNU and High1 Resort in Jeongseon, using existing university and resort facilities to be environmentally- friendly. GWNU has already completed renovations of three buildings—Myeongjin-Guan, Yulgok-Guan, and Saimdang-Guan—last summer, ensuring a pleasant environment for the athletes. In addition, various activities[1] will be operated within the villages during the competition period, allowing young athletes to experience K-culture and naturally interact with peers from different countries.

Minister YU In Chon stated, “We will leverage the knowledge and experience gained from the ‘Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018’ to provide an impeccable environment for athletes from across the globe.” He added, “In the remaining 90 days, we, along with the Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee, Gangwon State, the host cities, and related agencies, will unite as one team. We are committed to ensuring a successful event by meticulously inspecting and preparing down to the finest details.”