Koreas to have hectic joint training sessions ahead of Olympics

A South Korean delegation inspects the Masikryong Ski Resort in the North last week, in preparation for inter-Korean joint ski training and a friendly competition that are likely to take place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1. / Yonhap

By Choi Ha-young

The two Koreas will engage in hectic sports and cultural exchanges in the lead-up to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

Ahead of the official opening of the Olympics, they plan to hold joint training sessions at the Masikryong Ski Resort located near Wonsan, North Korea. The date has yet to be confirmed, but sources expect South Korean skiers are likely to train there for two days starting Jan. 31.

"We are about to confirm the specific schedule for the training," unification ministry spokesman Baik Tae-hyun told reporters, Monday.

After holding a joint training session on Jan. 31, they are expected to have a friendly competition on their second day at the resort.

On Feb. 4, a joint cultural event is likely to take place in a hall near Mount Geumgang. South Korean artists are planning about two hours of modern and traditional music along with literary events. The North Koreans may perform traditional music.

The government is reportedly trying to come up with measures to avoid breaching international sanctions against the North's nuclear and missile programs. Since the power plants in the totalitarian country are not capable of supplying enough electricity, Seoul may bring diesel oil to the facilities.

Asked about routes to deliver around 10,000 liters of diesel and expenses needed for the event, Baik said the ministry is closely consulting with its allies, including the United States.

In preparation for these events before the Olympics, a South Korean delegation inspected venues near the mountain and ski resort during a three-day tour last week.

According to the Olympics organizing committee, 31 North Koreans including athletes and sports officials will arrive at Gangneung Olympic Village, Jan. 31. "No preferential treatment is provided for North Koreans. They will also use the restaurant in the village like other participants," a committee official was quoted as saying.

The 140-member Samjiyon Orchestra, which will perform at the Gangneung Arts Center, Feb. 8, and at the Korea National Theater, Feb. 11, will arrive here Jan. 6. The art troupe is scheduled to return to the North Feb. 12.

On Feb. 7, North Korean cheerleaders, a taekwondo demonstration team and reporters will visit the South. Some 270 North Koreans are expected to stay at the Inje Speedium hotel in Inje, Gangwon Province.

At the opening ceremony for the Olympics, Feb. 9, the two Koreas will make a joint entrance under a "unification flag." The next day, a joint female ice hockey team will compete.

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