Korean athletes who participated at the Vancouver Winter Olympics have returned home after 17 days of intense competition.

Led by figure skating gold medalist Kim Yu-na as the flag bearer, the 58-member team arrived at Incheon International Airport on Monday afternoon, receiving a warm reception by about a thousand citizens.

More than 300 journalists also flocked to the airport to cover their return.

After a joint news conference at the airport, some athletes moved to the Korea National Training Center, while others returned home.

The athletes on Wednesday will gather again at the center before attending a luncheon at the presidential office.

Team Korea won six gold, six silver and two bronze medals at the Vancouver games, marking its best Winter Olympics performance.