Torch bearers for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games raise their flames in front of the Mireuksaji Temple stone pagoda, a national treasure from the late Baekje period, in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do Province, on Dec. 2.
By Lee Hana
Photos = Yonhap News
The Olympic torch has completed its journey across Jeollabuk-do Province and has moved one step closer to next year's PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The torch began its Jeollabuk-do trip on Nov. 28 in Namwon, spending the next five days visiting major heritage sites and landmarks in Imsil, Muju, Jeonju and Iksan.
On Nov. 28, the torch traveled along the ramparts of the Namwon's Gyoryongsanseong Fortress, a 3,120-meter stone fortress built atop Gyoryongsan Mountain during Baekje times (18 B.C.-A.D. 660). Next, the torch burned brightly at the Gwanghallu Gardens, a site known as the setting of the folk tale "Chunhyangjeon," or "The Tale of Chunhyang."
On Nov. 30 in Muju, the torch visited the Taekwondowon, the largest taekwondo training facility in the world. There, the torch boarded a monorail up to the top of the Taekwondowon Observatory with an energetic group of taekwondo masters and trainees.
The following day the torch illuminated the Jeonju Hanok Village surrounded by locals enjoying drumming, dancing and singing of pungmulnori celebrations.
Finally, the torch paid a visit to the Imsil Cheese Village, an archaeological site in Wanggung-ri, Iksan, dating back to the royal court of Baekje, as well as to the Gyeongnam Railroad Village in Gunsan.
All in all, the torch lit up over 277 km across the entire Jeollabuk-do region.
Starting Dec. 5, the Olympic torch will continue its relay in Chungcheongnam-do Province.
Head of Muju's Korea Taekwondo Association Lee Do Woo (torch bearer), Secretary General of the Taekwondowon Kim Jung-heon (left), and other taekwondo athletes cheer for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games atop the Taekwondowon Observatory in Muju, Jeollabuk-do Province, on Nov. 30.
Lee Ha-young, a rising weightlifting star, carries the Olympic torch along the wall of the Gyoryongsanseong Fortress in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do Province, on Nov. 28.
hlee10@korea.kr
