By Lee Hana

According to CNN, the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games held in Korea this past winter were overall a cost-effective competition.

CNN provided an overview of this year's Games in an article titled "2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Fast Facts," published on July 27.

In the piece, CNN highlighted the fact that, "The estimated cost of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics was USD 10 billion, five times less than the Sochi 2014 Olympics, which were estimated to be the costliest ever."

The fact sheet also pointed out that Pyeongchang had lost the bid to host the Winter Games in 2010 and 2014 before finally winning the bid the third time around. "In total, 13 venues, split between Pyeongchang and neighboring Gangneung, were used during the 17 days of the Games. Six new venues were built, and additional venues were renovated for the Games."

CNN stated that, "The development of high-speed rail lines (KTX) was key to the country's Olympic bid," saying that, "The new train lines allow individuals to travel from Seoul to Pyeongchang in less than an hour."

Finally, the article listed some major milestones leading up to the launch of the PyeongChang Games, from the International Olympic Committee's announcement of the three host city applicants on Oct. 16, 2009, to the final decision made on July 6, 2011.

Other key events on the timeline include the unveiling of the official Olympics emblem in 2013, the announcement of the official mascots Soohorang and Bandabi in 2016, the arrival of the Olympic flame in 2017, as well as the confirmation of North Korea's participation in the Winter Olympics on Jan. 20, 2018, and the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 9, 2018.

hlee10@korea.kr