Seoul, South Korea - Nov 21, 2017
1. Seoul Railway station
2. Various of train named "Sancheon" at station
3. Passenger taking photos of train
4. Passengers walking
5. Passengers taking seats
6. Television in train
7. Various of train moving on rail
8. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Choi Myung-soo, director for International Media, Korean Culture and Information Service of South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism:
"It will take you around 80 minutes from Seoul to Pyeongchang on the new HSR, and less than one hour and 40 minutes from Seoul to Gangneung. That is to say, the HSR has shortened the distances, forming a one-day living circle, or even a half-day living circle. It thus not only solves the traffic problem, but also settles the accommodation problem, as you don't have to live near Pyeongchang."

Gangneung, South Korea - Nov 21, 2017
8. Various of Gangneung Railway Station

A new high-speed railway (HSR) will be formally launched by the end of 2017 in South Korea, to facilitate the traffic in Pyeongchang and Gangneung areas where the 23rd Winter Olympics will be held in 2018.

With almost all the relevant facilities, routes and stations set up, the South Korean railway department is running trial operations on the new railway, which are planned to last for more than one month.

The time saving HSR will cut the travel time between Pyeongchang and Gangneung City from current four hours and more to less than two hours.

The organizing committee of the 2018 Winter Olympics also expects the new HSR to help alleviate the pressure of accommodation around the competition venues.

"It will take you around 80 minutes from Seoul to Pyeongchang on the new HSR, and less than one hour and 40 minutes from Seoul to Gangneung. That is to say, the HSR has shortened the distances, forming a one-day living circle, or even a half-day living circle. It thus not only solves the traffic problem, but also settles the accommodation problem, as you don't have to live near the competition venues," said Choi Myung-soo, director for International Media, Korean Culture and Information Service of South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

During the 23rd Winter Olympics, the South Korean railway authorities expect to handle a maximum 21,000 people from the Incheon Airport, Seoul Railway Station and other terminals to competition venues .

The 23rd Winter Olympics is expected to be opened in Pyeongchang on Feb 9, 2018.