The Olympic excitement started in Korea with cute mascots, we often meet on the Internet and on television. So, shall we learn more about these mascots?


There are two mascots in PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; one is white tiger Soohorang and another one is Asian Black Bear Bandabi. 

Soohorang (Olympic Mascot)



At the 2018 Winter Olympics, Soohorang symbolizes the protection offered to athletes, participants, and spectators. 

The name is made up of the combination of Sooho and Rang; Sooho means protection in Korean, and Rang is the middle spelling of the "horangee" which means tiger in Korean. 

White tiger Soohorang is also the successor of Hodori, the mascot of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. 

Tigers in the Korea are traditionally seen animals. For example, according to a myth, white tigers are believed to be the protector of people in the villages. 

The Paralympic Winter Games will take place from March 9th to March 18th, following the winter Olympics, which will take place from February 9th to 25th.  

Bandabi (Paralympic Mascot) 


Bandabi symbolizes a warm-hearted friend who encourages the athletes to push themselves beyond their limits and a representative of equality and harmony. 
Bandabi is an Asian black bear and this bear species also a symbol of the province of Gangwon-do. 
The name "Banda" comes from the bear's name in Korean and "Bi" represents the celebration of the games. 
The bear is a part of the foundation myth of Korean people. According to the myth; a bear locked itself in a cave for 100 days, living only with garlic and mugwort because it wants to become a human. 
For many people, the bears are warm-hearted, reliable and strong willpower, which also coincides with the spirit of the Paralympic Games.

Kaynak: Korea.Net