In South Korea, the Olympic flame made its way through the border region of Hwacheon yesterday, a part of the country which runs parallel with the Demilitarized Zone which separates the South from the DPRK. Recent talks between the two countries have seen a series of diplomatic breakthroughs and this most recent torch relay leg has received global attention in the wake of those discussions.

This stop marks the latest developments in the meetings which has seen an agreement for both sides to appear together under a "Korean Unification" flag during the Olympic Games opening ceremony on February ninth. They have also confirmed the participation of a women's hockey team made up from North and South players. Hwacheon, which is situated in Gangwon Province, sees the two Korea's as close as nine kilometers in some places. The area is mostly mountainous and is made up of farming communities, military bases and training grounds.