The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic team mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi, were introduced to the world in 2016. Soohorang, which means "protection tiger" in Korean, is the mascot for the Olympic Games, while Bandabi, meaning "moon bear," represents the Paralympic Games. Soohorang, as the Olympic mascot, embodies the spirit of the Games and signifies the protection of athletes, spectators, and all participants. The white tiger is a traditional symbol in Korean culture and is considered a guardian figure that brings good fortune and wards off evil spirits. Soohorang has a vibrant color palette of white and sky blue, reflecting the snowy landscape and clear skies of PyeongChang. Similarly, Bandabi, the Paralympic mascot, represents the importance of unity and participation for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Powder, Coal, and Copper embody exactly what both the Sydney and Sochi games were trying to accomplish, but couldn’t. Three animals, distinctly cartoonish, but with enough humanity to make the goggles adorned by two of them seem normal, and enough charm to look loveable. Look at the rabbit sticking its tongue out! And the bear’s grin! If not for the banner informing us that these three are the official mascots (really? I thought they were competing), they’d take the top spot. Alas, they fall just short.
After months of preparation, including stocking up the Olympic Village and keeping an eye on the games biggest competitors , the Pyeongchang Olympics are underway. Soohorang not only has a challenging spirit and passion, but is also a trustworthy friend who protects the athletes, spectators and all the participants of the Olympic Games, the website reads.
Similarly, Bandabi, the Paralympic mascot, represents the importance of unity and participation for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. The Asiatic black bear, also known as the moon bear, has cultural significance in Korea and symbolizes strong willpower. Bandabi's color scheme includes shades of green and dark blue, representing the forests and rivers of PyeongChang.
A Definitive Ranking of Every Olympic Mascot
Who needs athletes when you have anthropomorphic yetis?
By Shaker Samman Feb 9, 2018, 5:40am ESTBoth mascots aim to capture the essence of the Olympic and Paralympic Games while celebrating Korean culture and promoting inclusivity. They serve as joyful and lovable ambassadors for the Games, engaging with fans and igniting excitement among audiences worldwide. The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic team mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi, represent the spirit of the Games, embody traditional Korean symbols, and promote unity and inclusion. They are symbols of protection, good fortune, strong willpower, and the natural beauty of PyeongChang. These mascots play a vital role in establishing a connection between the Games and the global audience, fostering enthusiasm and engagement among spectators and participants alike..
Reviews for "The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic team mascots as ambassadors of Korean culture"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic team mascots to be quite underwhelming. The design and concept of the mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi, did not resonate with me at all. Soohorang, the white tiger, seemed generic and lacked any distinct features that would make it memorable or tied to the host country. Bandabi, on the other hand, a black bear, felt more like a generic teddy bear and didn't represent the spirit or culture of South Korea. Overall, I felt that the mascots lacked creativity and failed to evoke any excitement or connection to the Olympic Games.
2. Michael - 2 stars
I was disappointed with the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic team mascots. Soohorang and Bandabi didn't capture my attention or interest. Soohorang, in particular, felt like a missed opportunity to represent South Korea's rich cultural heritage. Instead, it looked like a simple cartoonish white tiger that could have been seen anywhere. Bandabi, while a black bear, lacked any unique features that would distinguish it as a symbol of the Olympic Games in South Korea. Overall, I found the mascots to be forgettable and unimpressive.
3. Emily - 1 star
The Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic team mascots were a complete disappointment. Soohorang and Bandabi were lackluster and uninspiring. Soohorang didn't resemble a fierce white tiger, but rather a generic stuffed animal. Bandabi, the black bear, was equally forgettable, with nothing special about its design or representation of South Korea. It's a shame that the host country missed an opportunity to create mascots that could have truly showcased the spirit and culture of South Korea. Overall, I was thoroughly unimpressed with the mascots and felt they were a missed opportunity for the Olympic Games.