Getting Ready for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics

Your girl Gina Bear doesn’t do many personal posts these days, but I feel like a few things need to be said in regards to the upcoming 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Besides the fact I’m freaking #excited I feel like this is a dream come true for me.

Many of us have always had some experience with the Olympics. Whether it be watching it on TV, attending or actually volunteering, it has touched our lives in some way. Why? Well, this is one of the biggest sporting events in history. Every time an Olympics is held, it promotes international understanding cooperation, and friendship. I love watching many countries come together and extend the hand of friendship through sports like North and South Korea have just done.

Anyway, it’s time to tell you all a story so sit down, grab the hot cocoa, spiked coffee or whatever your flavor is and have a listen.

Back in 2002, I was diligently watching the winter Olympics. It was a year after my country’s biggest tragedy, 9/11. My family and I sat watching the TV screen, proudly watching our athletes and America showing the world our flag and our people still stood united and strong. America was on the world stage again not because of a tragedy, but because of something positive that brings joy to so many people.

I was a young girl, dreaming about being a singer and watching Michelle Kwan figure skate and take the bronze medal. I remember so ardently wanting to be there cheering my fellow countrymen and women on in a historic sporting event. It was then I asked my dad if I could go to Salt Lake City and see the games myself to which he replied, “Just watch it on TV!”

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Where are the Olympics?

So there are two locations for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Sports like snowboarding, skiing, and cross country will be held in Pyeongchang. Most of the ice sports like figure skating and ice hockey (I’ll be seeing the men’s ice hockey! YUHS) will be taking place at the Gangneung Ice Sports Center.

Gangneung Gyeongpo Beach

Are you a fan of the Korean Drama Goblin? I am too. It’s also an amazing spot to take photos (as the East Sea and coast are incredibly beautiful displays of nature. As a tribute to the Olympics, there is an art display and Olympic rings featured at the beach. If you’re heading to Gangneung don’t miss the opportunity to selfie until your heart’s content. I know I did. A big thank you to my friend and amazing photographer Forest. The photos he took here are the best ones I’ve ever had.

Related: Five Fun Things to do at Seoul Olympic Park

Olympic Festival

Part of the perks of being a foreigner in Korea is being privy to amazing events to celebrate any event. Whatever event it may be, I bet you 1,000 won that there will be some sort of festival accompanying it. At most Korean festivals you will engage in hotteok, sweet potato and various booths selling foods and other goods. I always love Korean performances and Arirang. Of course there was also lots of Pyeongchang Winter Apparel and many of my friends made wonderful vlogs about the event. Check out Mika in Korea, Hugh from My Korean Husband, and Alex from MichinAlex to see all the shenanigans ensue. P.s. You’ll get to see my awesome friends and what a derp I am.

Related: Amazing Beach Stays at the Gangneung Seamarq Hotel

Right, so you all came here to find out what happened to the young girl sitting in front of the TV in a suburb of Chicago all those years ago. Finishing off my story, you can only imagine the disappointment a sad little Gina Bear felt and it was then I resolved to see the Olympics for myself one day. If you know me in person, when I set my mind to something, I dig my heels in and I don’t budge.

Now, here I am in South Korea, getting ready to see the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. I have the most obnoxious American flag jacket, beanie, and flag. I’m all decked out to cheer on my team and watch this stupendous show of friendship. It’s like a dream come true and I can’t believe it’s happening to me. Go Team USA! Pyeongchang, fighting!!!