PyeongChang Hosts 2007
PyeongChang Interski Congress

842 ski demonstrators and instructors from 30 countries participate in the congress

The YongPyong Resort, the birthplace of Korea's winter sports, was the venue of the 2007 PyeongChang Interski Congress that brought together 842 ski demonstrators and instructors from 30 countries, including host Korea, from Jan. 27 and Feb. 3.
The 2007 PyeongChang Interski Congress, titled "Snowsports for All,"was held ahead of the arrival of the IOC Evaluation Committee delegation which will make an inspection on PyeongChang, one of the three candidate cities vying for the right to host the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
Korea was the second Asian country to host it, following Japan, which held it twice in 1979 and 1995.
The three working groups of the Interski ― the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), the organization for professional ski instructors, the International Association of Ski Instructors (IVSI), the organization for amateur ski instructors), and the International Association of Skiing in Schools and Universities (IVSS), ― had their own sessions during the PyeongChang Interski Congress.
The congress also organized such side events as international ski classes, international ski school racing competitions, an eight-country demonstration /workshop session, a ski/board/Nordic show and a park/pipe show. Byun Tak, chairman of the PyeongChang Interski Congress Organization, said, "We, all the Koreans, have shown our capabilities in event operations as well as nationwide enthusiasm, hospitality and supports through varies types of international sports events, including the 1988 Olympic Summer Games, Winter University Games and World Cup soccer games." "You will be delighted to discover and experience the hidden and unmatched beauty of the legendary Korean winter and its state of art ski resorts, beckoning the international visitors,"he said. "I believe that the opportunity for the 2007 Interski Congress would lift the level of ski instructions and skills of Asian countries and contribute to the globalization of the Interski International at its best.
"Kim Jin-sun, governor of Gangwon Province and executive president of the 2014 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee, said, "We have so far made strenuous efforts to globalize and upgrade all things in the province and PyeongChang to international standards. One of the achievements PyeongChang has made in the process of these changes is playing host at the Interski congress."Kwon Hyeok-seung, mayor of PyeongChang, said 'It is a precious honor for PyeongChang, the 2014 Olympic candidate city, to host the Interski congress, considered to be one of the world's top three winter sport extravaganzas, and I sincerely believe that the congress, a festival of exchanging new technologies among winter sportsmen, would serve as an opportunity to further upgrade the skills of winter sports."The Korea Ski Association (KSA) applied to host Interski in the congress in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in January 2003.
The Interski board of directors agreed in October to use the official title of the next edition as the 2007PyeongChang Interski.
Interski had its beginning in Zurs, Austria, in 1951 with European alpine nations meeting to share information on technique and teaching methodology. From 1979, South Korea began to attend the congress, which consists of workshops, lectures, shows and demonstrations.HAPPY 700. The Yongpyong Resort is located at a very inhabitable range of 700 meters above the sea level.
The Yongpyong Resort is found at the eastern edge of Asia, about 200km from Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. With an annual snowfall average of 250cm, the surrounding area possesses a beautiful environment, which allows for the enjoyment of a wide array of winter sports including skiing from mid-November to early April. On its 4,300 acres, you will find a 45-hole golf course, 31 ski slopes, premium hotels, European-style condominiums and many other leisure facilities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The resort was born in 1975 as the first ever modern facility of its kind in South Korea. Now it is innovating a new leisure culture known as "Korea's Ski Mecca"with a growing reputation as an internationally-renowned resort.
Adding to the usual anticipation and excitement that makes up the joy of going on a trip, Yongpyong offers the mystic wonder of falling asleep with this joy. By 2010, YongPyong will have 2,800 rooms,
capable of accommodating 18,000 guests, together with some 20 facilities for hosting parties and conventions of various sizes.
The unsurpassed natural surroundings, abundant snowfall, and excellent snow quality highlight the attributes of its ski slopes. The total area of 1,620 hectares, with 31 ski slopes, 15 chair lifts, and 3.7km of gondola, offers skiers the best conditions for showing off their technique. nw

Ski demonstrators and instructors enjoy skiing during the 2007 PyeongChang Interski Congress.

(left photo) Participants of the 2007 PyeongChang Interski Congress. The Yongpyong Resort is bustling with the participants of the Interski Congress in skiing gear.

(from left photo) Korean President Roh Moo-hyun hands over the Plaque of Commitment to Han Seung-soo, chairman of the 2014 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee and Gov. Kim Jin-sun of Gangwon Province who also is chairman of the Execution Committee of the PyeongChang 2014 Winter Olympics at Cheong Wa Dae on Dec. 18, 2006. An event of the 2007 PyeongChang Interski Congress. A mascot gives a warm-hearted hug to a visitor.