PyeongChang 2018 unveils measures to keep visitors warm during outdoor ceremonies

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, Jan. 23 (Yonhap) -- PyeongChang 2018 organizers on Tuesday announced a set of measures to keep visitors warm from the host city's freezing weather during the outdoor opening and closing ceremonies. PyeongChang, located some 180 kilometers east of Seoul, is known as one of the coldest regions in South Korea, as temperatures often drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius during winter, with biting winds. According to organizers, PyeongChang's average daily temperature was minus 4.5 degrees Celsius over the last 10 years, but because of powerful winds, freezing wind chill temperatures are expected to present a big challenge for the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies that will be staged at the Olympic Stadium, an open-air, pentagonal arena that can accommodate some 35,000 people. The PyeongChang Winter Olympics run from Feb. 9 to 25. "It's true that PyeongChang is known for heavy snow and biting winds," said Lee Hee-beom, who leads the PyeongChang organizing committee. "I heard some people aren't coming here because of cold weather, but I want to tell you that we've prepared thoroughly for that. So don't worry." To help visitors stay warm during the ceremonies, the organizers said they'll install wind screens around the stadium to block powerful winds. They'll also place 40 portable gas heaters between aisles and rows of the seats. There will be also 18 "heating rest areas," places with heaters. "We've checked the direction of the winds and most of them are northwesterly winds," said Kim Dae-hyun, director-general of culture and ceremonies for the organizing committee. "We know that wind chills temperatures are important." For spectators, the organizers will provide six heating items at the ceremonies: a rain coat, a small blanket, a winter hat, heating packs for hands and feet, and a heating pad that visitors can sit on. Organizers said they've expanded emergency medical facilities near the stadium from four to five, and 165 medical staffs will be ready to provide treatment to hypothermia patients. To reduce waiting times during outdoor security checks, organizers said they plan to provide quick inspection and offer fast-track services to those who lack mobility. Kim said the event's announcers, and mobile text messages, will provide spectators freezing weather alerts, but what's important is that visitors first prepare themselves for the cold weather. "We'll do our best to keep spectators warm, but we urge visitors to prepare for PyeongChang's cold weather before coming to the stadium," he said. kdon@yna.co.kr (END)