By Margareth Theresia
Video = International Olympic Committee's official YouTube channel

The Olympic torch to start next year's Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon-do Province began its journey to Korea on Oct. 3 from Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

During the torch lighting ceremony, Greek actor Xanthi Georgiou, who served as a priestess, passed the torch to Belli Maria, a Greek cross-country skier-biathlete and the first torchbearer, who later gave it to figure skater Kim Hyun-gyeom, the first Korean torchbearer. 

Jin Jongoh, co-president of the competition's organizing committee, said, "The torch we lit together today merely marks the beginning and will continue traveling throughout the Republic of Korea to symbolize friendship, excellence and respect." 

"We take great pride in engaging youth, inspiring local communities and stimulating the development of young aspiring athletes through our slogan 'Grow together, shine forever.'"

The torch lit in Greece will be brought to Incheon International Airport on Oct. 8. Its tour will start at Seoul Plaza on Oct. 11, 100 days before the competition begins, and cover 23 cities for 80 days.

To mark Hangeul Day on Oct. 9, the tour under the slogan "Journey of Solidarity" will have 109 people participate. 

"As we announce the beginning of the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics with the lighting of the torch, we will thoroughly prepare for the rest of the year so that future generations worldwide can create unforgettable memories in Korea," Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Jang Miran said. "We ask for the nation's interest and participation in Gangwon 2024." 

As the first Winter Youth Olympics in Asia, the event will open on Jan. 19 and run through Feb. 1 in Gangneung and the counties of Pyeongchang-gun, Jeongseon-gun and Hoengseong-gun in Gangwon-do Province.

Figure skater Kim Hyun-gyeom (center), the first Korean torchbearer of the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics, on Oct. 3 runs with the Olympic torch at Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece at the torch lighting ceremony. (Hellenic Olympic Committee)

margareth@korea.kr