22 Jan 2018 | 10:05 AM UTC
South Korea: Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang Feb. 9-25
Winter Olympic games to be held in Pyeongchang Febraury 9-25; expect increased security measures and crowded conditions
Event
The international Winter Olympic games will be held in Pyeongchang from February 9 through February 25. Hundreds of thousands of tourists are expected to travel to South Korea to watch the games. Increased demands for transportation services and hotel accommodations in Pyeongchang and surrounding cities, including the capital Seoul, are to be anticipated. Increased security measures will also be in place around the venues throughout the games.
Context
Tensions have been high between South Korea and North Korea leading up to the Winter Olympics. However, the two governments agreed march under one flag during the opening ceremony in an attempt to improve relations.
In recent months, North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear program, despite pushback from the international community. In September 2017, Pyongyang tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, following a series of similar tests in the preceding months. An increase in inflammatory rhetoric and threats (including between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un) in recent months have led to increased concerns over a potentially dangerous confrontation involving the volatile state.
Advice
Individuals in South Korea are advised to keep abreast of the geopolitical situation and reserve travel and hotel accommodations as early as possible due to increased demand.
