The Pyeongchang 2018 Paralympics has been the biggest Winter Paralympics to date,... and has been changing visitors' perceptions of disability.
Our Cha Sang-mi is in Pyeongchang to listen to what people there had to say about the global sporting event.
Following the successful hosting of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the spotlight is now on the Paralympics, already considered the biggest ever to date.
The International Paralympic Committee said ticket sales for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Paralympics have set a new record, with over 320-thousand tickets sold as of March 13.
The figure is more than the number of tickets recorded at the Sochi Paralympics four years ago, and almost twice the number of tickets sold during the 2006 Paralympics in Turin.

“With a new record number of tickets sold, thousands of visitors are here for the Paralympics, and some say their awareness of people with disabilities has changed after watching the Games."

“I used to think of this event as a special event for people with disabilities, but I realized that I was wrong. These are superb athletes, and their will and strength already make them winners."

"I think the Paralympians are so cool. I can't help but feel great respect for them, as they compete in such difficult sports despite their disabilities."

There are still many obstacles and stereotypes to overcome, but the changes are evident.

"People with disabilities are still biased, but I believe the Paralympics serve to such goal, to break down stereotypes and raise awareness of their potential. "

"Yes, a lot of awareness has been raised on the Paralympic games and the athletes since the 1988 Paralympics, but there is still more to be done."

And for some, the PyeongChang Paralympics is an event that has transcended barriers and set a new standard.

"It's been amazing, the Koreans have put on a really good situation for all the guests and my daughter just have won a golden medal, so that's pretty awesome "

PyeongChang 2018 is not only the first Olympic event that Korea hosts in 30 years, but it is also the result of how sports, culture and society have grown together to offer a platform and an arena for those who have never given up.
Cha Sang-mi, Arirang News, PyeongChang.