The flame for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games was welcomed to southern Island of Jeju on its relay journey to PyeongChang. The flame, which travelled from Athens to Incheon International Airport on Wednesday, was flown south to Jeju Island from which the torch will travel up the Korean Peninsula. Thursday’s leg in the island will span 21.4 kilometers featuring 85 torchbearers on the way.

As well as road runners, the torch was conveyed on unique modes of transport. For the first 200-meter leg of the Jeju trek, the torch rode on a Hyundai electric car IONIQ. K-pop singer Kim So-hye, the torchbearer for the beginning segment, held the flame during the car ride. 

The torch also took a ride on the horses in light of the strong equestrian culture in Jeju Island. Officers from Jeju Municipal Mounted Police carried the torch on horseback along Gomaro road near Gomajang, an equestrian yard from the Joseon era.

Towards the evening, the torch will head to Jeju beach for the welcoming event at Tapdong Seaside Amphitheatre at 6 p.m.

The flame will continue its Jeju trek over 76.9 kilometers across the island via 82 torchbearers on Friday. The torch will then fly out to the coastal city of Busan where the remaining relay will continue from Saturday.


(mjk625@heraldcorp.com)