International Olympic Committee representatives on Wednesday kicked off field inspections in Pyeongchang, as the city in Gangwon Province vies for the right to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

IOC inspectors heard presentations at the neighboring Yongpyeong resort after a video message from President Roh Moo-hyun and a keynote speech by bid committee Chairman Han Seung-soo.

In his video message, the president noted that the Korean people are proud of their successful hosting of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games, and expressed hope that they would again be able to promote the Olympic spirit of peace and harmony in Pyeongchang. He added that having the world's only divided country host the winter games would further Olympic ideals and contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

The bid committee presentations highlighted Pyeongchang's merits such as the natural environment, weather, easy traffic access and eco-friendly accommodations for athletes.