National Affairs

The 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games takes place in London this summer under the motto “Inspire a generation.”

From London To London (1948~2012)

The national host for the 2012 Olympics is particularly meaningful for Korean nationals, harkening back to when they hosted the 1948 Summer Games, the first time that the Republic of Korea competed as an independent nation under the Korean flag after liberation in 1945. Over the last six decades, Korea has hosted major international sporting competitions including the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the FIFA World Cup in 2002, growing into a sports powerhouse.

Excitement and expectations are growing high among the athletes of Team Korea, hoping to bolster the national medal tally for a top-ten finish, aiming at more than ten golds. The National Olympic athletes are playing their part to help make London 2012 a lifetime event that will inspire a generation, practicing and refining techniques to deliver the best performances possible. In 2012, the Korean government will set up its first on-site training camp in the country’s Olympic participation history.

Korean artists come together to celebrate London 2012

London 2012 comprises several side programs including the Inspire projects held across the UK, alongside the Cultural Olympiad that culminates as the London 2012 Festival slated from June 21 to September 9.

Korea also hosts a number of entertainment events from June 2 to September 9. Throughout the summer, “All Eyes on Korea” will showcase Korea’s modern and traditional culture at multiple venues across the capital’s iconic artistic complex and the Korean Cultural Centre UK (http://london.korean-culture.org). The festival invites Londoners and Olympic travelers from all corners of the world to discover some of the best of what Korean culture has to offer.

 

 
The Olympic Flame at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony ignited on July 27 and world athletes participate in the weeks-long journey until August 12. The London 2012 Paralympic Games are also set to take place from August 29 to September 9.