![PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea. - [Image via Korea.net on Flickr.com]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/12/6/660x290/b_502x220x82/pyeongchang-winter-olympics-in-south-korea-image-via-koreanet-on-flickrcom_1722377.jpg "PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea. - [Image via Korea.net on Flickr.com]")
South Korea's conflict with its neighbor North Korea has already led to a sharp decline in its Tourism industry. The impending threats of a nuclear war have led many countries to send out travel advisories to their citizens to avoid visiting the border between South and North Korea. A report by CNN provides some of the facts relayed in this article.
Caught between China and United States of America
To cope with nuclear threats in North Korea, South Korea has decided to abide by the decision of the United States of America to position the THAAD anti-missiles.
This infuriated China as she believes that this would only escalate the tensions present between the two countries.
Decline in tourism
To show her displeasure, China has discouraged travel agencies from sending citizens to South Korea for holidays. Since she is heavily dependent on the income it receives from big Chinese spenders, the Korea Tourism Organization has reported a 40 percent fall in the number of tourists coming from China.
This decrease has certainly affected the number of visitors heading to PyeongChang to witness the 2018 Winter Olympics, which has historically attracted fewer supporters than the competitions in summer.
Russia banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics
The latest announcement made by the International Olympic Committee, to ban Russian's involvement in the Winter Olympics as a result of its country "systematic manipulation" of the Olympic's anti-drug regulations, further adds to the Winter Olympic woes South Korea is facing.
The absence of one of the world's major winter sports contenders from the competition was a major shock.
Even though the International Olympic Committee has stated that it would still welcome Russian athletes who are able to prove that they do not take part in such malpractices, many prominent athletes have yet to decide if they would still participate in the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Russia's absence at the 2018 Winter Olympics would also greatly reduce the potential tourism revenue gained from Russian supporters and spectators.
A lot of effort has been made to publicize and prepare for the competition. The Olympic flame already arrived on November 1, and torchbearers all over the nation are on their 100-day journey to carry the flame to the opening ceremony in Pyeongchang. With only two months to go, we are still uncertain about the viewership of the 2018 Winter Olympics and can only hope for the best for the games.
