View source for Pyeongchang County

{{Short description|County in Gangwon-do, South Korea}}
{{Distinguish|Pyongyang|Pyonggang County}}
{{Redirect|Pyeongchang}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Pyeongchang
| native_name                     = {{nobold|평창군}}
| native_name_lang                = ko
| settlement_type                 = [[List of counties of South Korea|County]]
| translit_lang1                  = Korean
| image_skyline                   = Alpensia 20170202 04 (32506763362).jpg
| imagesize                       = 
| image_caption                   = [[Alpensia Resort]] and a [[wind farm]] in Pyeongchang
| image_blank_emblem              = Pyeongchang.svg
| blank_emblem_type               = Emblem of Pyeongchang
| etymology                       = {{lang|ko|平}} "peaceful" or "flatland", {{lang|ko|昌}} "prosperity" or "flourishing"
| image_map                       = Gangwon-Pyeongchang.svg
| mapsize                         = 
| map_caption                     = Location in [[Gangwon Province, South Korea]]
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_name                = [[South Korea]]
| subdivision_type1               = [[Provinces of South Korea|Province]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Gangwon Province, South Korea|Gangwon-do]]
| parts_type                      = [[Administrative divisions of South Korea|Administrative divisions]]
| parts                           = 1 ''eup'', 7 ''myeon''
| area_total_km2                  = 1463.65
| population_total                = 40,448
| population_as_of                = September 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jumin.mois.go.kr/|title=Population statistics |date=2024|website=Korea Ministry of the Interior and Safety}}</ref>
| population_density_km2          = 30
| population_blank1_title         = Dialect
| timezone                        = UTC+9
| population_blank1               = [[Gangwon dialect|Gangwon]]
| translit_lang1_type1            = Hangul
| translit_lang1_info1            = {{lang|ko|평창군}}
| translit_lang1_type2            = Hanja
| translit_lang1_info2            = {{lang|ko|平昌郡}}
| translit_lang1_type3            = {{nowrap|Revised Romanization}}
| translit_lang1_info3            = Pyeongchang-gun
| translit_lang1_type4            = {{nowrap|McCune-Reischauer}}
| translit_lang1_info4            = P'yŏngch'ang-gun<ref name=Roman>{{cite web |url=http://geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-1007395&fid=3480&c=south_korea |title=P'yŏngch'ang-gun: South Korea - name, geographic coordinates, administrative division, and map |work=Geographical Names |access-date=8 July 2011}}</ref>
| image_flag                      = Flag of Pyeongchang.svg
}}
'''Pyeongchang''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|,|p|j|ʌ|ŋ|'|tʃ|ɑː|ŋ}} {{respell|pyung|CHAHNG}},<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aaja.org/pyeongchang_pronunciation |title=AAJA MediaWatch on Pyeongchang Pronunciation
 |access-date=16 February 2018}}</ref> {{IPA|ko|pʰjʌŋtɕʰaŋ|lang}}; in full, ''Pyeongchang-gun'' {{IPA|ko|pʰjʌŋtɕʰaŋɡun|}}) is a [[Administrative divisions of South Korea|county]] in the province of [[Gangwon Province, South Korea|Gangwon-do]], South Korea, located in the [[Taebaek Mountains]] region. It is home to several [[Buddhist temple]]s, including [[Woljeongsa]]. It is about {{convert|180|km|mi|abbr=on|lk=off}} east southeast of [[Seoul]], the capital of South Korea, and connected by expressways and high-speed passenger railways. Pyeongchang's slogan, "Happy 700 Pyeongchang", is taken from its average [[elevation]] of approximately {{convert|700|m}}.

Pyeongchang hosted the [[2018 Winter Olympics]] and the [[2018 Winter Paralympics]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/07/06/olympics.winter.pyeongchang.2018/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713073818/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/07/06/olympics.winter.pyeongchang.2018/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=S. Korean city to host 2018 Winter Olympics|date=6 July 2011|access-date=6 November 2011|publisher=CNN}}</ref> It was officially rebranded as "'''PyeongChang'''" (with a capital 'C') for the purposes of the 2018 Games, in order to avoid confusion with [[Pyongyang]] in [[North Korea]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/PyeongChang-Pyongyang-Olympics-Fans-Still-Learning-Where-Host-City-Is-421936333.html|title=Pyeongchang? Pyongyang? Olympic Host City Location Is Easily Mistaken|last=Swalec|first=Andrea|date=28 November 2017|work=[[WRC-TV|NBC4 Washington]]|access-date=15 February 2018|location=Washington}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Keating|first1=Josh|title=Pyongchang vs. PyeongChang vs. Pyeongchang|url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/02/is-the-olympics-host-city-pyongchang-pyeongchang-or-pyeongchang.html|website=Slate|access-date=23 February 2018}}</ref>

== History ==
Pyeongchang region was ruled by the [[Goguryeo]] Dynasty during the [[Three Kingdoms of Korea|Three Kingdoms]] period, and it was called Uk-o-hyeon (욱오현).<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, pp. 48–49</ref> After the [[Silla]] dynasty conquered the Goguryeo Dynasty and [[Baekje]] Dynasty, it was renamed Baek-o-hyeon (백오현).<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, p. 61</ref>

After the [[Goryeo]] Dynasty was established, it renamed Pyeongchang-hyeon. Then, it was under control of [[Wonju]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Goryeosa|publisher=1455|url=http://db.history.go.kr/KOREA/search/searchResult.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&limit=20&page=1&pre_page=1&codeIds=PERIOD-0-3&searchTermImages=평창현&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=평창현&searchKeywordConjunction=AND#searchDetail/kr/kr_056r_0010_0030_0090_0040/5/3/5/r}}</ref> When a 10-provincial system was enforced, the north of Pyeongchang region was involved in Sakbang-do, and the south of the region was involved in Jungwon-do.  When a new administrative system was carried out by King [[Hyeonjong of Goryeo|Hyeonjong]], the east of the region was involved in Dong-gyeo, and the rest of it was included in Yanggwang-do. An administrator for the region was sent from the central government, and it became independent of Wonju in 1299.<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, p. 75</ref>

When the [[Joseon]] Dynasty was founded in 1392, the region was promoted from a ''[[hyeon]]'' to a [[county]] (''gun'').<ref name="history">{{cite web|title=연혁|url=http://www.happy700.or.kr/index.happy?menuCd=DOM_000000105001002000|website=happy700.or.kr}}</ref> After the territory was divided into [[Eight Provinces of Korea|8 Provinces]] under the reign of King [[Taejong of Joseon|Taejong]], it was involved in [[Gangwon Province (historical)|Gangwon-do]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.provin.gangwon.kr/gw/portal/sub03_03|title=강원도 역사와 문화|website=www.provin.gangwon.kr}}</ref> After the territory was divided into 23 districts in 1895 with the 8-provincial system abolished, it was included in Chugju-bu. When a 13-provincial system was enacted in 1896, it was involved in Gangwon-do.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eng.pc.go.kr/?r=eng&c=355/358|title=Pyeongchang Culture & Tourism – History|website=eng.pc.go.kr}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Korea Special Olympics 13 (8377921153).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Pyeongchang, Gangwon – winter is cold but relatively dry, with clear blue skies.]]
[[File:평창지질.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Geology of Pyeongchang and Jeongseon area.]]
The altitude of Pyeongchang is wide-ranging, with 84% of its territory comprising mountains with average elevations of {{convert|750|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name="POCOG">{{cite web |url=http://www.pyeongchang2018.org/upload/volume/volume1%2006%20Environment%20and%20meteorology_low.pdf |title=VI. Environment and meteorology - Geographic Characteristics of PyeongChang and its Vicinity |access-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829031305/http://www.pyeongchang2018.org/upload/volume/volume1%2006%20Environment%20and%20meteorology_low.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2011 }}</ref>

Its best-known place, the township of [[Daegwallyeong-myeon]], averages between {{convert|700|and|800|m|ft|abbr=on|lk=off}} above sea level, with some areas over {{convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=on|lk=off}} high.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesbids.com/english/bids/pch2014.shtml |title=Pyeongchang, Korea |publisher=Gamesbids.com |date=2 August 2007 |access-date=7 July 2011}}</ref>

===Climate===
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Pyeongchang County experiences a warm-summer [[humid continental climate]] (''Dwb'').<ref name=Peel>{{cite journal |author1=Peel, M. C. |author2=Finlayson B. L. |author3=McMahon, T. A. |name-list-style=amp |year= 2007 |title= Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification |journal= Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. |volume= 11 |issue=5 |pages = 1633–44 |doi= 10.5194/hess-11-1633-2007 |url= http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf |issn= 1027-5606|doi-access= free |bibcode=2007HESS...11.1633P }}</ref> Pyeongchang's winters are long and very snowy, while summers are relatively short.<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, p. 289.</ref>

Average temperature of Pyeongchang from 2001 to 2010 was 7.1&nbsp;°C, and it was lower than [[Gangwon Province, South Korea|Gangwon]]'s 9.0&nbsp;°C. Annual [[precipitation]] of the region from 2001 to 2010 was 1,555.0&nbsp;mm, and it was more than Gangwon's 1,491.5&nbsp;mm.<ref name="climate">{{cite web |url=http://www.climate.go.kr/home/cc_data/scenario_web_report/Gangwon_Pyeongchang.pdf |title= 강원도 평창군 기후변화 상세 분석보고서 |last1=기상청  | last2=강원지방기상청 |date=2016 }}</ref>

The warmest months of the year are July and August, with January and February being the coldest.
{{Daegwallyeong weatherbox}}

== Culture and tourism ==
[[image:Korea-Gangwon-Woljeongsa Nine Story Stone Pagoda 1723-07.JPG|thumb|Woljeongsa Nine Story Stone Pagoda]]
[[File:상원사동종 03.jpg|thumb|A part of [[Bell of Sangwonsa]]]]

=== Cultural heritage sites ===
In Pyeongchang, 16 heritage sites were registered by the South Korean government, and 45 Heritages were registered by the Gangwon Provincial Office.

The count of cultural heritage designations is as follows.
* Registered by the Nation: 5 National Treasures, 5 Treasures, 1 Historic Site, 3 Natural Monuments, 1 National Folklore Cultural Heritage, 1 Registered Cultural Heritage
* Registered by the local government: 29 Tangible Cultural Heritages, 2 Intangible Cultural Heritages, 4 Monuments, 10 Cultural Heritage Materials

====Temples====

{{Main|Sangwonsa}}
[[Sangwonsa]] is a temple on [[Odaesan]] Mountain that was originally established as Jinyeowon in 705. Although the [[Joseon]] Dynasty's policy was the prohibition of [[Buddhism]], it constantly donated to rebuild the temple. In 1401, King [[Taejong of Joseon|Taejong]] donated to the construction of Sajaam Hermitage. In 1465, King [[Sejo of Joseon|Sejo]] and  administrators donated to rebuild the temple.<ref>{{cite book |date=1464 |title=평창 상원사 중창권선문 |version=(in [[Middle Korean]]) |trans-title= Promotion of Virtue for Rebuilding Sangwonsa (National Treasure No. 292 of South Korea )}}</ref> Sejo's son, King  [[Yejong of Joseon|Yejong]] designated it as a memorial for his father. During the [[Third Battle of Seoul]], the [[United Nations Command]] ordered that the temple be burned, but a Buddhist monk prevented it. Instead, the Command agreed to burn only the doors of the temple.<ref>{{cite book |last= 한국학중앙연구원 |title= 한국민족문화대백과사전, 상원사 |url=http://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/SearchNavi?keyword=상원사&ridx=5&tot=32 |publisher= 한국학중앙연구원 }}</ref>

[[Sangwonsa]] has the following cultural heritage sites:
* The [[Bell of Sangwonsa]] (National Treasure No. 36)
* Promotion of Virtue for Rebuilding Sangwonsa (National Treasure No.  292)
* [[Wooden Seated Child Manjusri of Sangwonsa Temple]] (National Treasure No. 221)
** Wooden seated figure of the Manjusri Child's Enshrined Heritages in Sangwonsa (Treasure No. 793)
* Wooden seated figure of Manjusri and its Enshrined Heritages in Sangwonsa (Treasure No. 1811)
** Wooden sedentary figure of Manjusri's Enshrined Classical Kooks in Sangwonsa (Treasure No. 1812)

{{Main|Woljeongsa}}
[[Woljeongsa]] is a temple on [[Odaesan]] Mountain established by [[Jajang]] the monk in 643. After it was established, it was consistently rebuilt. During the [[Third Battle of Seoul]], 10 buildings were  
totally destroyed by fire. Tanheo the monk restored Jeokgwangjeon, one of the burnt buildings, in 1964, and Manhwa the monk gradually reconstructed other buildings.<ref>{{cite book |last= 한국학중앙연구원 |title= 한국민족문화대백과사전, 월정사 |url=http://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/SearchNavi?keyword=월정사&ridx=0&tot=26 |publisher= 한국학중앙연구원 }}</ref>

[[Woljeongsa]] has the following cultural heritage sites:
* Octagonal Nine-story Stone Pagoda of Woljeongsa (National Treasure No. 48-1)
** Reliquaries of the Octagonal Nine-story Stone Pagoda of Woljeongsa (Treasure No. 1375)
* Stone seated figure of the Bodhisattva in Woljeongsa (National Treasure No.  48-2)
* Painting of Three Bodhisattvas originated from Wonju Guryongsa (Treasure No. 1855) (Placed in Wolljeongsa, possessed by Guryongsa)
* Clothes of the Buddhist monk Han-am (Registered Cultural Heritage No. 645)

====Historic sites====
The [[Pyeongchang Odaesan Historic Archive]] ([[Historic Sites of South Korea|Historic Site No. 34]]) was one of five archival locations in the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty for the [[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty|Annals of the Joseon Dynasty]] and [[Sonwon-kyebo-kiryak]].

===Festivals===
* Daegwallyeong Snow Festival
:Daegwallyeong Snow Festival began as "Daegwallyeong Winter Snow Festival" in 1992  by Daegwallyeong Ski Club. In 1993, the first  festival was formally held. Events of the 1st festival were skiing competition for locals, games of making snowmen, snow sledge competition, and sledge competition. Some games were added to next festivals, such as traditional games and snow car raising.<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, pp. 385–87.</ref>
: On 7–22 Feb 2018, 26th festival was held in hwenggye-ri, [[Daegwallyeong-myeon]] as a pre-event of the [[2018 Winter Olympics]]. Events include an exhibition of snow figures, snow sledge competition, international naked marathon, traditional folk performances, and Hwangbyoungsan Mountain hunting game.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.snowfestival.net/m/sub1_1 |title=대관령눈꽃축제 소개 |website=대관령축제위원회 |language= ko|access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref>
* Hyoseok Cultural Festival
: Pyeongchang is the hometown of [[Lee Hyo-seok]], a Korean novelist,<ref>{{cite book |last= 한국학중앙연구원 |title= 한국민족문화대백과사전, 이효석 |url=http://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/SearchNavi?keyword=이효석&ridx=0&tot=13 |publisher= 한국학중앙연구원 }}</ref> and this festival is held in Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village, where he grew up.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://korean.visitkorea.or.kr/kor/bz15/where/where_main_search.jsp?cid=126842|title=이효석문화마을|website=visitkorea|language=ko|access-date=10 February 2018}}</ref>

===Museum===
* [[Lee Seung-bok#Memorials|Lee Seung-bok Memorial Hall]]
: The Lee Seung-bok Memorial Hall is located in Nodong-ri, [[Yongpyeong-myeon]] to memorialize [[Lee Seung-bok]] who was a South Korean boy murdered by North Korean commandos in 1968. It was established in 1982, with building a memorial statue for Lee. Lee's house was restored in 2000.<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, p. 384.</ref>

===Tourism===
[[File:Odaesan Mountain.jpg|thumb|250px|A snowscape of [[Odaesan National Park]]]]
[[File:Daegwallyeong sheep farm5.jpg|thumb|250px|Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm]]
[[Odaesan]] Mountain is the home of historical Buddhist temples including [[Sangwonsa]] and [[Woljeongsa]].<ref>{{cite book |last= 한국학중앙연구원 |title= 한국민족문화대백과사전, 오대산 |url=http://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/SearchNavi?keyword=오대산&ridx=0&tot=42 |publisher= 한국학중앙연구원 }}</ref> It was designated as a national park in 1975. The highest peak, Birobong Peak is {{convert|1563|m|abbr=on}} high.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264215|
title=Odaesan National Park (오대산국립공원)|website=visitkorea.or.kr|publisher=Korea Tourism Organization}}</ref>

Two major ski resorts in the county were the home of the 2018 Winter Olympics. [[Alpensia Resort|Alpensia ski resort]] has six slopes for skiing and [[snowboarding]], with [[piste|runs]] up to {{convert|1,400.0|m|ft|abbr=on|lk=off}} long, for beginners and advanced skiers, and an area reserved for snowboarders. The resort is open year-round.<ref name=Visitkorea2>{{cite web|url=http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1133075 |title=Gangwon-do » Pyeongchang-gun » Alpensia Resort |publisher=Korean Tourism Organization  |access-date=9 July 2011}}</ref> Alpensia hosted the majority of the Olympic snow events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1RUDHXS4UZ|title=올림픽의 감동! 설레는 질주해볼까<nowiki>｜</nowiki>1. 알펜시아 리조트|date=10 January 2018}}</ref> [[Yongpyong Resort]], which has a total of 28 ski slopes, hosted the technical alpine skiing events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1RUDHPY2OX|title=올림픽의 감동! 설레는 질주해볼까<nowiki>｜</nowiki>2. 용평리조트|date=10 January 2018 |website=서울경제 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217014835/http://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1RUDHPY2OX |archive-date= Dec 17, 2018 }}</ref>

Alpensia will be the focus of the 2018 [[Cultural Olympiad]], with a new, purpose-built [[concert hall]] within the resort with an indoor water park.<ref name=POCOG2>{{cite web |url=http://www.pyeongchang2018.org/language/eng/sub05/sub05_01.asp?hb_Mode=readArticle&hb_BoardManager_ID=BDGGAA01&hb_BoardItem_ID=41939 |title=Press Release: PyeongChang 2018 boosts cultural Olympiad plan with new Alpensia concert hall (SportsFeatures.com) |date=23 July 2010 |publisher=PyeongChang2018 |access-date=9 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318102225/http://www.pyeongchang2018.org/language/eng/sub05/sub05_01.asp?hb_Mode=readArticle&hb_BoardManager_ID=BDGGAA01&hb_BoardItem_ID=41939 |archive-date=18 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Samyang Ranch is the largest highlands farm in Asia, located in the hills of Daegwallyeong at 850 to 1,470 meters above sea level. It is operated as a [[petting zoo]] and features a pastoral landscape. The ranch is operated by the leading Korean food and dairy company [[Samyang Foods]], the first company to introduce ramyeon instant noodles into a poverty-ridden South Korea in the 1960s. It is the filming location of the drama ''[[Autumn in My Heart]]'' and the movie [[Lovers' Concerto (film)|''Lover's Concerto'']].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pyeongchang, nature's playground – Tourist Sites|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1364123|website=visitkorea|access-date=7 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141211123833/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1364123 |archive-date= Dec 11, 2014 }}</ref>

==Sport==
Pyeongchang hosted the [[1999 Asian Winter Games]] and [[2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games]]. The [[2018 Winter Olympics]] were also held in Pyeongchang, as well as the [[Biathlon World Championships 2009|2009 IBU Biathlon World Championships]].

=== 1999 Asian Winter Games ===
{{Main|1999 Asian Winter Games}}
The [[1999 Asian Winter Games|Asian Winter Games]] was held in 1999 in [[Gangwon Province, South Korea|Gangwon Province]] including Pyeongchang. Originally, it hoped to host the 3rd Asian Winter Games, which [[North Korea]] gave up; however, [[Harbin]] was announced to host the 3rd Games. It was decided that Gangwon would host the 4th Asian Winter Games at the same time.<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, p. 777</ref>

In total, 799 athletes participated in the Games. [[Alpine skiing]], [[cross-country skiing (sport)|cross-country skiing]], [[biathlon]], [[short track speed skating]], and [[figure skating]] events were held in Pyeongchang.<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, p. 778</ref>

===2018 Winter Olympic Games===
[[File:Korea Special Olympics 30 (8382985380).jpg|thumb|right|One of the venues that was used for the 2018 Winter Olympics (taken in 2013).]]

{{Main|2018 Winter Olympics}}

On 6 July 2011, Pyeongchang was announced as the host of the [[2018 Winter Olympics]] and the [[2018 Winter Paralympics]].  The other candidates were [[Annecy|Annecy, France]] and [[Munich|Munich, Germany]].  It is the third Winter Games in [[Asia]] after the [[1972 Winter Olympics|1972 games]] in [[Sapporo|Sapporo, Japan]] and the [[1998 Winter Olympics|1998 games]] in [[Nagano, Nagano|Nagano, Japan]].  It also is the first Asian locality to host the Winter Games outside Japan. Pyeongchang won their 2018 bid after two previous failed attempts for the [[2010 Winter Olympics|2010]] and [[2014 Winter Olympics]], to which it lost to [[Vancouver, Canada]], and [[Sochi, Russia]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/8620658/Pyeongchang-named-as-host-city-for-2018-Winter-Olympics.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709115527/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/8620658/Pyeongchang-named-as-host-city-for-2018-Winter-Olympics.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2011|title=Pyeongchang named as host city for 2018 Winter Olympics|date=6 July 2011|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=7 July 2011}}</ref>

For the 2018 Olympics, Pyeongchang was marketed with the [[camel case|CamelCase]] spelling of "'''PyeongChang'''", so the global audience would not confuse it with [[Pyongyang]], the capital of neighboring [[North Korea]].<ref name=notpyongyang>{{cite news|title=Olympics: 2018 Winter Olympics … not in Pyongyang|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/olympics-2018-winter-olympics-not-in-pyongyang/|access-date=26 January 2016|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Manila Bulletin|date=26 January 2016}}</ref>  The two main facilities created for the 2018 Winter Olympics were the PyeongChang Olympic Plaza (where the opening / closing ceremonies and victory ceremonies were held) and the [[Gangneung Olympic Park]] (where the men's and women's short track, speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, curling events were held).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/en/index|title=The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games|website=pyeongchang2018.com|language=en|access-date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212043240/https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/en/index|archive-date=12 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>  The [[2018 Winter Paralympics]] was held in the same venues starting 9 March 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/en/paralympics/index#none|title=The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games|website=pyeongchang2018.com|language=en|access-date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308135255/https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/en/paralympics/index#none|archive-date=8 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Olympic venues and Dream Program====
In preparation for the 2018 Olympics, the region built facilities including hotels and a world-class ski resort, named [[Alpensia]].

The region also ran the "2018 Dream Program", a program initially created in relation to the 2010 bid. The 2018 Dream Program was the fifth iteration of this sports and cultural program, involving 124 participants from 31 countries, who were invited because they live where there is no snowfall and have no opportunity to participate in winter sports.<ref name=Position2018>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesbids.com/cgi-bin/news/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1204221477 |title=Pyeongchang Gets into Position for 2018 Olympic Winter Games Bid |publisher=Gamesbids.com |access-date=7 July 2011}}</ref>

===2024 Winter Youth Olympics===
{{Main|2024 Winter Youth Olympics}}

[[Gangwon Province (South Korea)|Gangwon Province]], which includes Pyeongchang, was chosen as the host for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics. Outdoor venues in Pyeongchang used in the 2018 Winter Olympics have been repurposed for the games.

== Transportation ==
Pyeongchang County is traversed from west to east by the [[Gyeonggang Line]] and [[Yeongdong Expressway]]. The railway and expressway both originate in the [[Seoul Capital Area|Seoul metropolitan region]].

===Trains===
{{Main|Pyeongchang station|Jinbu station}}

A new [[Korea Train Express|KTX]] line, named the [[Gyeonggang Line]], was built between [[Wonju]] and [[Gangneung]] via Pyeongchang for the [[2018 Winter Olympics]], connecting Pyeongchang to [[Seoul]] with a journey time of less than 80 minutes. The new line, which was officially opened on 22 August 2017, provides a main-line high-speed rail service that passes through Pyeongchang from west to east, with KTX trains calling at Pyeongchang station and Jinbu station (for the Olympic Stadium).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/12/22/2017122201213.html|title=경강선, 22일 정식 개통…KTX로 청량리서 강릉까지 86분 |work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]] |date=22 December 2017 |trans-title=Steel wire, 22 days officially opened ... 86 minutes from Kangwon-ri to Gangneung by KTX}}</ref> KTX trains to Jinbu station were increased for the duration of the 2018 Olympics.<ref>{{cite press release |author= Bureau of railroad operation, MOLIT |title=서울~강릉 KTX 올해말 개통, 114분 소요  |url=http://www.molit.go.kr/USR/NEWS/m_71/dtl.jsp?lcmspage=1&id=95079956  |language=ko |publisher=Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, South Korea  |access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref>

===Buses===
;Intercity Buses
Pyeongchang Bus Terminal and Jangpyeong Bus Terminal, Jinbu Bus Station and Hoenggye Bus Station are the main intercity bus terminals of the county. Daehwa Bus Station is also served by intercity buses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tour.pc.go.kr/?r=home&c=5/37/56 |title=시외버스안내|author=Pyeongchang county Office  |access-date=9 February 2018|language=ko |trans-title=Intercity Bus Information}}</ref>

;Transit buses
Local transit operators connect communities in the county to hubs at Pyeongchang Bus Station, Jangpyeong Bus Terminal, and Jinbu Bus Station.

===Road===
;[[Expressways in South Korea|Expressways]]
{{Main|Yeongdong Expressway}}
[[Yeongdong Expressway]]  passes through Pyeongchang from west to east. After the expressway was expanded in 1999 for the [[1999 Winter Asian Games|Winter Asian Games]], it takes about two hours from Seoul to Pyeongchang by car.<ref>관동대학교영동문화연구소(평창군지편찬위원회), ''평창군지 상'', Pyoengchang County, 2003, pp. 589–90.</ref>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" style="border: 1px #aaa solid;  border-collapse: collapse;"
!align="left" colspan="15" style="padding:2px 2px 2px 2px;"|<div style="background-color:#dddddd; padding:4px 4px 4px 8px;">[[Expressways in South Korea|Expressways]]
</div>
|-
!align="center" style="padding:4px 10px 4px 10px; font-size:9pt;"| {{South Korean Route Number|ex|50}} [[Yeongdong Expressway]]
|align="left" style="padding:4px 20px 4px 10px; font-size:8pt;"|  [[East Dunnae Interchange|E.Dunnae IC]] ↔ '''[[Myeonon Interchange|Myeonon IC]]''' ↔ '''[[Pyeongchang Interchange|Pyeongchang IC]]''' ↔ '''[[Soksa Interchange|Soksa IC]]'''  ↔ '''[[Jinbu Interchange|Jinbu IC]]''' ↔ '''[[Daegwallyeong Interchange|Daegwallyeong IC]]'''↔ [[Gangneung Junction|Gangneung JC]]
|}

; [[National highways of South Korea|National highways]]
Pyeongchang County is traversed from west to east by [[National Route 6 (South Korea)|National Routes 6]] and [[National Route 42 (South Korea)|42]]; [[National Route 31 (South Korea)|National Routes 31]] and [[National Route 59 (South Korea)|59]] pass through from north to south.

==Administrative divisions==
The district includes one town ([[Eup (administrative division)|eup]]), Pyeongchang-eup (평창읍; 平昌邑) and seven townships ([[Myeon (administrative division)|myeon]]):
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Image:Pyeong chang-map.png|300px|center]] ||
* [[Pyeongchang-eup]] (평창읍; 平昌邑): County seat
* [[Bangnim-myeon]] (방림면; 芳林面)
* [[Bongpyeong-myeon]] (봉평면; 蓬坪面)
* [[Daegwallyeong-myeon]] (대관령면; 大關嶺面): The center of winter sports that hosted the [[2018 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Daehwa-myeon]] (대화면; 大和面)
* [[Jinbu-myeon]] (진부면; 珍富面)
* [[Mitan-myeon]] (미탄면; 美灘面)
* [[Yongpyeong-myeon]] (용평면; 龍坪面)
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Pyeongchang}}
{{wikivoyage|Pyeongchang}}
* [http://eng.pc.go.kr/ Pyeongchang County government website] {{in lang|en}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180212043240/https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/en/index Pyeongchang 2018 website] {{in lang|en}}

{{Gangwon}}
{{Olympic Winter Games Host Cities}}
{{Paralympic Winter Games Host Cities}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|37|22|N|128|24|E|type:city|display=title}}

[[Category:Pyeongchang County| ]]