The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics marked a significant milestone, being the first to feature dual-city hosting with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Korea participated with 71 athletes across six sports, aiming to strengthen its presence in both traditional and emerging winter disciplines. The event also served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, notably through the ‘Korea House’ in Milan, which received widespread acclaim from international media and visitors. The Olympics concluded with Korea securing 10 medals and ranking 13th overall, highlighting both athletic prowess and cultural engagement.
Athletes, officials, and international visitors were directly impacted by Korea’s performance and outreach. Key achievements included three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals, with standout performances from snowboarder Choi Gaon and short track skater Kim Gil-li, who was named MVP. The Korea House attracted up to 3,200 visitors in a single day, offering experiences such as traditional games, food tastings, and a Hanbok fashion show. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism played a pivotal role in analyzing media coverage and promoting Korea’s soft power.
The Olympics ran for 17 days, ending with a culturally rich closing ceremony at Verona Arena on February 23, 2026. Korea’s medal journey began early, with Kim Sang-kyum earning the nation’s 400th Olympic medal. The closing ceremony featured the handover of the Olympic flag to France, signaling preparations for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the Alps. The upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympics will take place from March 7–16, 2026, with Korea aiming for a top-20 finish and sending 56 participants across five sports.
Frequently asked questions include: What was Korea’s medal count at the 2026 Winter Olympics? Korea won three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals, finishing 13th overall. How did Korea promote its culture during the Olympics? The Korea House in Milan was recognized as the most popular national pavilion, offering cultural experiences and attracting thousands of visitors. What are Korea’s goals for the 2026 Paralympics? Korea aims for one gold and one bronze medal, targeting a top-20 ranking with 20 athletes competing in five sports.
Korea’s achievements at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics reflect a strategic blend of sports excellence and cultural outreach. The popularity of Korea House and strong media coverage highlight effective soft power initiatives. The medal results and MVP honors indicate progress in both traditional and new winter sports. Ongoing policy efforts to improve training and support systems are essential for sustained success. The transition to the Paralympics and future Olympic events will test Korea’s ability to build on these foundations.