By Charles Audouin
Photos = Heo Man-jin from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Olympic torch for next year's Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon-do Province (Gangwon 2024) has arrived in Wonju, Gangwon-do, 50 days ahead of the event.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Minister Yu In Chon that day was joined by teachers and students at Yukminkwan High School to jointly light the torch under the Gangwon 2024 Torch Tour.

In addition to Minister Yu, other leading figures attended the event like Gangwon-do Gov. Kim Jin Tae, head of Gangwon 2024's organizing committee Choi Jong-gu, committee co-president Jin Jongoh and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Kim Jae-youl.

Beginning on Oct. 11, the tour will end on Dec. 28 in Gangneung after passing through Busan, Sejong, Jeju Island and Gwangju as well as Gangwon-do's 18 cities and counties from Nov. 7.

After the event, Minister Yu checked preparation at the facilities of Welli HilliI Park in Hoengseong-gun County, where the freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions will be held.

"Fifty-two days remain until the competition and since this Olympics will have youth participants, I hope that all staff take extra care of the event over the remaining period." Minister Yu said while inspecting the main facilities such as an athlete's lounge, cafeteria for operations staff and medical room.

To run from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1, Gangwon 2024, the first Winter Youth Olympics held in Asia, will be hosted by the province's city of Gangneung and counties of Pyeongchang-gun, Jeongseon-gun and Hoengseong-gun.

caudouin@korea.kr