The Olympic torch ended its journey through the South Korean capital of Seoul on Sunday afternoon. The torch received a warm welcome from Seoul residents and Chinese people living and studying in South Korea.
The 17th leg of the Olympic torch's global tour began at a park used during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Starting with the South Korean Olympic chief, more than 70 runners took 5 hours to finish the route. They were selected from different walks of life, including many who won gold medals at previous Olympic Games.
Kim Jong-kil, chairman of S. Korea Olympic Committee, said, "20 years ago, we held Olympic Games here. 20 years later, we passed Olympic torch on here. As the first torch bearer of this relay, I am really happy and honored."
Local residents and the Chinese community in South Korea have given great support to the Games.
The flame arrived in South Korea early Sunday morning.
The Olympic flame is to reach a total of 21 cities on five continents outside the Chinese mainland. It is scheduled to arrive in China to start its journey through the host country at the beginning of May.