With 2018's biggest event for Korea less than a month and a half away.
Preparations to welcome guests from across the globe shift into high gear.
These efforts are ongoing not just in select areas but covers the nation's main gateway
and the Olympic venues.
Our Cha Sang-mi takes us to these spots.
Incheon International Airport -- the gateway to Korea -- is busy preparing to host guests
from around the world during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
The PyeongChang 2018 mascots Soohorang and Bandabi welcome visitors with traditional
Korean performances.
(ENGLISH) "I think it's really exciting.
I am excited for the people who get to come here for the Olympics."
(ENGLISH) "Is gonna be a lot more people coming to Korea
and it's gonna be a lot more fun and parties and events.
It's gonna be great, I think, yeah "
The airport is only the starting point.
Welcome pillars have been set up at road junctions along the way to the Olympic venues.
The snow-capped pillars serve as a lighthouse for those going to the Games.
(KOREAN) 1 "I am so excited we are hosting the Winter
Olympics, and I feel honored I that could take a small part in the Olympic preparations."
(KOREAN) 2 "We are installing various sculptures like
the welcome pillars along five different highways and at two train stations that lead to the
Olympic venues.
We are also instructing business owners with the so-called 'Good manner exercise'."
While PyeongChang County is busy making sure it leaves a good first impression, a webtoon
contest exhibition took place in Gangneung.
Webtoon illustrators and cartoonists displayed the best of their talents with works related
to the upcoming Games.
Some wanted to show their passion for the upcoming Olympics through their artistic skills.
(KOREAN) 1 "I drew the painting while thinking about
the athletes who overcame their difficulties to prepare for the Games.
I wanted to encourage the athletes."
And some wanted to please visitors to the Games with the small gift of their portraits.
(KOREAN) 3 "I am happy to participate in the Olympics
preparations with my talent."
And if you see this poster with beoseon, some traditional Korean socks, on buildings in
Gangneung, feel free to drop in.
Gangneung city has created a cultural exchange to make foreign guests feel more at home through
the so-called "Welcome Shop".
As the name suggests, some 2-hundred businesses, such as cafes, restaurants and mobile phone
dealerships offer free wifi, drinking water and restrooms for Gangneung's Olympic guests.
And among them, there are shops where visitors have the chance to experience K-beauty and
Korean aesthetic culture.
In this welcome shop, as an additional service, makeup artists apply Korean make-up to visitors
free of charge.
(KOREAN) 2 "I am so glad I can contribute my talent as
a make-up artist and be part of the Olympics.
I will be happy to present K-beauty to foreign visitors."
Another Gangneung resident, an owner of a 25-year-old barber shop, says it is an honor
for him that his hometown is hosting such a big sporting event.
(KOREAN) 3 "I would love to welcome guests from all over
the world for the Olympics.
I will make sure you get the best haircut when you visit."
Residents and business owners at the Olympic host locations are looking forward to seeing
their towns bustling with visitors from around the world.
(Stand-up) "From Incheon Airport to shops and facilities
in PyeongChang and Gangneung, visitors can not only enjoy the Olympic atmosphere, but
also experience the best of Korean culture.
Cha Sang-mi, Arirang News, Gangneung."