Traditional markets ready to welcome tourists during Winter Olympic Games

Markets in PyeongChang and other parts of Gangwon province in South Korea have prepared a number of programmes to entertain tourists during the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, according to the Small Enterprise Broadcasting and Information Service (SEBIS) -- an agency that promotes Korean Traditional Markets.

The marketplaces plan to hold diverse events where foreign visitors will have a great time experiencing traditional Korean culture and enjoy a wide array of street foods.

For example, Jeongseon Arirang Market in Jeongseon, the venue for alpine competitions, will stage a performance of Jeongseon arirang, a regional variety of Arirang (a Korean folk song). Visitors to the Jeongseon Icicle Festival will have fun catching silver carp with their bare hands or ice fishing in the Joyanggang River from Feb 7 to 25.

Traditional markets in two main Winter Olympic sites, Gangneung and PyeongChang, will feature straw handicraft and other events for visitors to experience the Korean tradition. Additionally, the “Gangwon Product Pavilion” will sell an assortment of well-known local products, while running various events related to traditional Korean culture.

As Seollal or Lunar New Year -- one of the biggest Korean holidays -- falls during the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games, SEBIS said Seollal shopping scenes in traditional markets are expected to be quite a sight for foreigners.

Traditional markets in Gangwon have also arranged tours that include stops at the markets, Olympic venues and regional tourist attractions to facilitate access to the markets during the Olympics.

The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games is happening from 9 – 25 Feb 2018.