By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The nation's sports governing body Thursday submitted to the IOC an official bid for the city of PyeongChang to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The submission was made after the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) endorsed the mountainous resort city, 180 kilometers east of Seoul in April to become the country's candidate for hosting the game. A bidding committee was formed last week.
In a statement, the KOC said the government will fully support the successful hosting of the Winter Olympiad if PyeongChang is awarded the hosting right.
The IOC will accept applications through Oct.15. From Oct.16, candidate cities can start official campaigns worldwide.
The winning city will be finalized in July, 2011 at the IOC's General Assembly to be held in Durban, South Africa.
Germany's Munich, France's Annecy and China's Harbin are expected to join the race.
It is PyeongChang's third bid after losing to Vancouver of Canada and Sochi of Russia. If successful, PyeongChang would become the third Asian city to host the world's biggest winter sports event.
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
