Today marks another significant point in the build up to the Olympic Winter Games, being exactly 500 days until the opening ceremony.

While the big day is getting closer, the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG) is getting ready to take its preparation to the next level by focusing on Games-time operations. As venue constructions are on time for completion, PyeongChang will rehearse for the actual event by hosting a series of test events from November to April next year.

Organisers note achievements and work in progress:
-In less than 17 months until PyeongChang takes center stage, POCOG is making the transition from the planning phase to operational readiness.
-Six out of twelve venues will be newly built and six venues will be refurbished to meet international sporting standards. As of September, 88% of the entire construction program is complete and right on track for the test events starting in November.
– The high speed railway will be completed in June, 2017 and will reduce travel time between Seoul and PyeongChang from three hours to an hour and Incheon International Airport and PyeongChang from 3.5 hours to less than 2 hours. Similarly, the second Youngdong Expressway will be ready in June.

IOC representatives, including IOC President Thomas Bach and Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg, visited the host city a few days before the 500 days-to-go mark and commented: “We see great progress in PyeongChang,” and “keep the enthusiasm, keep the energy!”