The design of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics medals conveyed a simple and clear message that could be easily understood worldwide. The theme focused on the athletes' efforts and endurance in preparation for the Olympics, while also telling the story of Korea.
Inspired by the idea that language and writing form the foundation of culture, the design interprets Hangeul as "the seed of culture" and expresses it in three-dimensional form. The two-dimensional shape of Hangeul consonants evolves into three dimensions and is then cut into a circle. The side of the medal represents Hangeul, the seed of culture, while the front reflects the stem, symbolizing endurance and effort.
The strap was crafted from traditional 'gapsa' fabric used in hanbok, enhancing the design with an Eastern aesthetic. Snowflake patterns engraved on the strap, along with the embroidered Olympic rings and the PyeongChang 2018 emblem, complete the design, adding refinement and cultural depth.
