“Korea House” to Be Established Near MPC for the First Time

A “Korea House” will be established in Athens for the first time in the nation’s history of participating in the Olympics.

The “Korea House” will function as headquarters to help Korean players and press personnel participating in the Games. Three or four officials of the Korea Sports Council & Korean Olympic Committee will maintain the place, and press conferences of national teams, daily briefings, interviews with medalists, and group meetings will be held there.

KSC/KOC has rented the second floor of a building only 500m away from the Main Press Center, securing a 200-pyong space complete with a press conference room, media room, lounge, offices, and shower facilities. Room and board is possible with bibimbap provided to visitors.

On July 8, President Lee Yun-taek of KSC/KOC said, “We will be able to provide swift and detailed reports to the people from Athens by holding in-depth interviews with medalists and coaches at the Korea House.”

The operation expenses, estimated at 700 million won, will be supported by several corporations including Samsung, a major sponsor of the Athens Olympics.

Sports powerhouses such as the U.S., Germany, and France have long run Olympic support facilities like the Korea House.

Hwan Soo Zang zangpabo@donga.com