International Olympic rivals Pyeongchang (IOC) vote in committee in Durban

The first Winter Olympic bid, a bitter defeat to South Korea Pyeongchang another pill to swallow deep national pride was stung, but victory on its third try has been hailed as "one of the happiest days for our country".

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International Olympic rivals Pyeongchang (IOC) vote in committee in Durban, Germany and France at Munich's crushing victory in Ennis on Wednesday for the 2018 Winter Olympics, won the right to host.

Yang Ho-cho, chairman of the Pyeongchang bid committee, told reporters, "This is one of the best moments in my life".

"This is one of the happiest days for our country, our people and millions of youths dreaming of winter sport."

International Olympic rivals Pyeongchang (IOC) vote in committee in Durban, Germany and France at Munich's crushing victory in Ennis on Wednesday to host the 2018 Winter Olympics to get right.

"The last time I was in the presentation and we failed. I cried and cried a lot," said Chun Lee-kyung, a former Olympic short-track speedskating champion.

"I didn't cry this time," she said. "It felt like a dream."

South Korea planned to congratulate the organizers were among the first.

Sochi 2014 chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said in a statement, "Like Sochi 2014, they offer an exciting "New Horizon" for the Olympic Movement".

"Together we'll take the power of Olympics to new territories. Pyeongchang will be an excellent host city and I look forward to working with them in the future."

"BIG PARTY"

London hosted the Olympic Games next year and the next British Olympic Association chairman Colin Moynihan Pyeongchang out for praise dished.

He said in a statement, "As the first Asian city outside of Japan to host the winter Games, Pyeongchang will bring the excitement of the winter Olympics to a new audience".

"We look forward to what we are sure will be excellently organised Games that make Asia and the Olympic Movement proud."

South Korea has already sunk billions of dollars over the years in Pyeongchang, building infrastructure for what the government said was a top national priority, hoping the world would one day come.

"So many Korean people and in Pyeongchang have been working so hard for so long," said Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna, South Korea's most celebrated winter sports athlete.

"I am just happy, so happy," the 20-year-old added.

IOC President Jacques Rogge said that patience and perseverance had prevailed in the end.

The Pyeongchang delegation, used to playing the part of good sports after losing close decisions, exploded after the decision was made in its favour and Wednesday night is likely to rock.

"A party, a big party," Park Yong-sung, president of the Korean Olympic Committee, said when asked what was planned.