Forget tourism: Pyeongchang’s legacy probably debt and anger

PYEONGCHANG, Korea, Republic Of – The equation was supposed to be simple. To build a world-class ski destination, simply add the Olympics and wait.

But even as South Korea basks in the glow of global attention, hope is fading that Pyeongchang will do what was promised — turn an impoverished backwater into a premier Asian ski hub.

The close of the games are approaching. Some worry the Olympics will saddle the region with a legacy of massive debt and the perpetual maintenance of a handful of hugely expensive venues that no one knows what to do with.

The things that had always isolated the area — heavy snows, long winters and mountains — were a blessing in securing the games. But when the visitors leave, many of the province’s problems will remain.