According to official PyeongChang Olympics sponsor KT, the world’s first village equipped with 5G networks opened in Daegwallyeong on Wednesday, in the presence of senior officials from the IT company, the local government, and the organizing committee for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. (Image: Yonhap)
PYEONGCHANG, Dec. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – A secluded town in Pyeongchang has been revamped as a ‘5G technology village’ where Olympics-goers from all over the world will be able to experience next-generation innovations.
According to official PyeongChang Olympics sponsor KT, the world’s first village equipped with 5G networks opened in Daegwallyeong on Wednesday, in the presence of senior officials from the IT company, the local government, and the organizing committee for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Dubbed ‘Pyeongchang 5G Village’, the new project is set in Uiyaji Wind Village, a remote town located at an altitude of over 700 meters not often visited by outsiders.
Taking center stage in the village is a two-story café packed with the latest technologies including 5G networks, augmented reality, mixed reality, and holograms, where tourist information and drone experience services will be available.
On one side of the building, a media wall will be set up for visitors to play body action recognition-based games, and play videos of the town filmed by drones.
On the second floor of the café, a 5G AR market will display a traditional market in a 360-degree video where visitors can purchase local specialties.
Uiyaji Wind Village was chosen as the venue to host the Pyeongchang 5G Village, KT’s 6th GIGA Story project, given its proximity to Olympic venues, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety teamed up with the local government and the telecom giant to help revitalize the small village.
Electric cars and charging facilities are docked in front of the café, and visitors can drive them around nearby ranches, while smart ‘healing’ chairs and streetlights which change color and music based on visitors’ moods will welcome Olympic travelers.
A secluded town in Pyeongchang has been revamped as a ‘5G technology village’ where Olympics-goers from all over the world will be able to experience next-generation innovations. (Image: Yonhap)
With shuttle buses scheduled to run between Pyeongchang county and Uiyaji Village during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic games, KT is hopeful that many international visitors will visit the village to see South Korea’s advanced 5G technology.
“We hope to work together with the residents of Uiyaji Village and show people from around the world how exciting and impressive winter sports and 5G technology can be,” said KT CEO Hwang Chang-gyu.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
