The eastern city of Pyeongchang could mount a third bid to host the Winter Olympics, despite losing the race for the second straight time last week.

Gangwon Province Governor Kim Jin-sun said it is up to Gangwon citizens to decide on another Winter Olympics bid.

Pyeongchang lost its bid to host the 2010 games to Vancouver, Canada, and the 2014 event to Sochi, Russia.

Governor Kim, however, did not rule out a bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics, saying the international sports community has advised the announcement of another bid as soon as possible, capitalizing on Pyeongchang's experience from its two previous challenges.

He cited for Pyeongchang's latest defeat an aggressive campaign by Russia.