More than 500 people, including athletes, sports industry experts, officials and other stakeholders gathered outside the Gangwon Provincial Government building for the ceremony.

Both flags were raised during the hour-long celebration, as preparations continue to gather pace for the Games.

Speed skater Lee Sang-hwa, who won 500 metres gold at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, was joined by ice sledge hockey player Jung Seung-hwan to hoist the flags with the Olympic Anthem playing in the background.

Speed skater Lee Sang-hwa (second from left) helped hoist the flags to mark the 1,400-day countdown ©Pyeongchang 2018



Those in attendance, which included those from the cities of Pyeongchang, Gangneung and Jeongseon - which will all host events during the Winter Games - ended the ceremony by shouting slogans pledging a successful delivery of the Games.

Pyeongchang 2018 is due to open on February 9, with the Closing Ceremony on February 25.

The Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled to take place from from March 9 to 18.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
March 2014: "Stand-out" Pyeongchang 2018 Sliding Centre introduced in Ceremony
February 2014: Pyeonchang 2018 President carries Olympic Torch after reaches Sochi
January 2014: Special lecture organised by Pyeongchang 2018 to help developing world understand Winter Olympics
November 2013: IOC President Bach "really very confident" in Pyeongchang 2018
May 2013: Pyeongchang 2018 launches new Olympic emblem