PyeongChang in DC (평창 in DC)

PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Mascots to Tour DC Landmarks

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, the 2018 games’ official mascots made a special appearance in the U.S. Capital to greet the public, pose for pictures, and take in DC’s iconic landmarks including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building. Staff of the Korean embassy’s Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. shared information about the upcoming games and what the mascots Soohorang and Bandabi represent.

Soohorang, the mascot of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, took its motif from the white tiger, long considered Korea’s guardian animal. “Sooho”, meaning protection in Korean, symbolizes the protection offered to the athletes, spectators and other participants of the 2018 Games. “Rang” comes from the middle letter of “Ho-rang-i”, the Korean word for “tiger,” and is also the last letter of “Jeong-seon A-ri-rang”, a cherished traditional folk song of Gangwon Province, where the Games will be held. Soohorang represents not only a strong spirit and passion, but also a trustworthy friend who protects the athletes, spectators and all the participants of the Olympic Games.

Bandabi, official mascot of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, is an Asiatic Black Bear symbolic of strong will and courage, as well as being the symbol animal of Gangwon Province.
In the name “Bandabi,” “banda” comes from “bandal” meaning “half-moon”, indicating the white crescent on the bear’s chest, and “bi” has the meaning of celebrating the Games.