Seoul to run Special Welcome event for Olympic visitors

SEOUL, Jan. 25 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government said Thursday it will kick off a 52-day event this week to welcome foreign tourists visiting the capital and the Olympic town of PyeongChang. "The Special Welcome event will start Friday for a 52-day run," a city official said. The Winter Olympics and Paralympics are set for Feb. 9-25 and March 9-18, respectively. During the period, banners carrying the phrase "Welcome to Seoul" in six languages, including English, Chinese, Thai and French, will be set up in Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Sinchon and Hongdae, Seoul's major tourists destinations, the official said. A variety of street performances will be staged at Gwanghwamun Square, and coverage of the Olympic Games will be aired live via big outdoor billboards in downtown Seoul, according to the official. Welcome booths will be set up at Incheon and Gimpo international airports, and Olympic Special Help Centers will be operated at major transportation hubs, such as Incheon Airport, Seoul Station and Cheongnyangni Station, the official said. Meanwhile, the country's biggest shopping festival, Korea Grand Sale 2018, kicked off last Thursday for a 42-day run throughout the country in line with the PyeongChang Olympics. (END)