Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, is ranked 13th among 18 best places to visit in 2018, which was selected by CNN (local time) on January 1.

“Those in the know might be lamenting the loss of one of Asia’s best-kept ski secrets, but the snowy spotlight is about to hit PyeongChang, a little-known mountain region in South Korea’s east,” CNN said.

Also, CNN added “Not to be confused with North Korean capital Pyongyang, PyeongChang is hosting the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, which will take place from February 9-25. Though lacking the dramatic peaks you’d find in Japan’s north, PyeongChang’s ski and snowboard scene offer a uniquely Korean experience, its modern, mid-sized resorts famed for decent powder and speedy lifts. Add in night skiing until 2:30 a.m., world-class beef, non-stop soju and yes, plenty of K-Pop, and you have the makings of an incredible snow holiday.”

“Hosting the Olympics of course prompts a need for improved infrastructure, meaning travel to/from/around PyeongChang is now easier than ever. Among the more notable enhancements is a new high-speed train line, which began operations in late December and can whiz visitors from Seoul to PyeongChang in just over an hour. Alongside the usual influx of restaurants, hotels and improved roads, officials have also been working to ensure foreign visitors won’t get tangled in the language barrier by developing high-tech translation apps and plenty of travel guides highlighting the area’s attractions.”

CNN selected the Portuguese Capé Verde Islands as the top spot. Followed by Botumsakor National Park, Malta, Serbia, Nevis (Caribbean), Banff in Canada, Nagano in Japan, Puebla in Mexico, Essaouira in Morocco, and Perth in Australia.

In addition, Rwanda, Greece Crete, Portugal Lisbon, Peru Kahamarka, Yunnan Province, North Carolina Ashville and New Orleans were included in 18 places.

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