Pyeongchang, the picturesque mountains that hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018, is set to make a digital comeback in 2024 as South Korea takes the lead in embracing the metaverse. The Gangwon-do province, the chosen host for the Games, is breaking new ground by creating a virtual twin of Pyeongchang within the metaverse.
In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and Meta, South Korea’s Ministry of Science, ICT, and Communications (MSIT) is steering this initiative, aligning it with Gangwon-do’s broader metaverse project. The region has established the “MetaMOS Alliance” with various tech companies, aspiring to position itself as the premier metaverse city and ensuring that everyone can partake in the future of the Olympics.
Beyond the metaverse events, users will have the opportunity to actively engage in the Games through various games, virtual sports, and interactions with participants worldwide. Pyeongchang’s metaverse representation also serves as a showcase for Gangwon-do’s breathtaking landscapes, allowing virtual exploration of four of its most beautiful tourist spots.
While the metaverse concept may seem futuristic in many parts of the world, South Korea is already immersed in virtual life. Platforms like Naver’s Zepeto boast over 200 million users, primarily comprising teens and young adults. Even platforms tailored for specific audiences, such as LG U Plus Corp’s Kidstopia, have found success, highlighting the metaverse’s diverse appeal.
The 2024 Winter Olympics in the metaverse, a joint effort between the International Olympic Committee and Gangwon-do Province, aims for inclusivity with translation features in six languages. Despite only about 4% of South Koreans regularly using the metaverse, predominantly among children and teenagers, the involvement of major players like Naver and the Olympics hints at the potential for rapid change. The virtual event could be a transformative step, making the metaverse accessible to a broader audience and bringing the futuristic fantasy of cheering on snowboarders from a VR living room closer to reality.
