The DPRK's arrival co-insides with the opening of the Athletes' Village. The accommodation facilities were opened in Pyeongchang and in Gangneuung, a village around 18 kilometers away. Both locations will host about 59-hundred competitors and officials with welcoming ceremonies starting Monday.

And amongst those arriving early on are China's speed skating team. The first Chinese contingent to touch down in Pyeongchang is one of its strongest, consisting of Sochi Gold medallist Zhang Hong and two-time short-track world champion Yu Jing. Following a month training in Changchun, the squad will compete across 19 individual events and one group competition. Their home for the next three weeks has a wide range of services including a hair salon, post office, a bank and a store.