Honorary Ambassador Kim Yu-na and Do Jong-hwan carry the Olympic flame at the Incheon International airport in Incheon, South Korea, on Nov 1, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

The friendship connecting people across borders was underlined during performances of dance and music shows by Greek children and South Korean artists who opened Tuesday's event.

Local youth choirs sang the national anthems of Greece and South Korea as well as the Olympic anthem as the Greek, and South Korean and Olympic flags were hoisted.

Spectators cheered when Kim Ki-hoon, veteran South Korean Olympic champion in short track speed skating, entered the stadium and passed the Flame to the last Torchbearer, Greek champion in alpine skiing Yannis Proios, who lit the cauldron. Proios has qualified for the February Games.

Choreography inspired by ancient Greek art performed by Greek actresses and dancers playing the roles of ancient Greek priestesses and youth (Korai and Kouroi) followed.