Olympic torch to come to Seoul for first time in 30 years

The torch for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games will arrive in Seoul on Friday. It is for the first time in nearly 30 years for an Olympic torch to come to town since the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

A number of Seoul citizens and celebrities will carry the torch, running through various places in Seoul for four days from Friday. The torch bearers include Lee Sang-min, a retired basketball star and assistant coach for Samsung Thunders in South Korea’s professional basketball league, Park Yong-taik, an outfielder of the pro-baseball club LG Twins, actors Choi Soo-jong, Ha Hee-ra and Park Bo-gum, along with 42 citizens recommended by each of Seoul’s district offices and municipal organizations.

The Olympic torch will travel 103 kilometers on four courses for four days. On Friday, it will depart form Digital Media City in Mapo-gu and tour Sinchon, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul Station and the Gwanghwamun Square. On Saturday, the torch will run the course leading to Gwanghwamun, Daehangno, Seoul Forest and the Jamsil Olympic Stadium. Sunday’s course involves the Jamsil Olympic Stadium, Gangnam and the National Museum of Korea. On Monday, the torch will travel from the Seoul National Cemetery to the Hangang Park via the 63 Tower.

yeah@donga.com