The hosts of next year's Winter Olympics and Paralympics were chosen by the Gangwon Provincial Office to mark the day, which sees countries, groups and people plant and care for trees across the world.

More than 300 people took part in the event at the Alpensia Sliding Centre, which will be home to bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competition at the Games.

They helped plant 546 seedlings at the venue, which is located in Pyeongchang county, including fir and maple trees.

The number of seedlings represented the total number of gold, silver and bronze medals which will be awarded at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"I am delighted to be a part of Arbour Day in Pyeongchang today," said Taechul Rhyu, Pyeongchang 2018's director general of the environment.

"It is great to have the support of the local community in helping plant these 546 trees as a symbol of the Games but also as part of our environmental efforts.

"Pyeongchang 2018 is committed to acting on our vision of new horizons for sustainability and conserving the local environment is an important factor in that."

Participants included local residents and school children, while members of Pyeongchang 2018 staff and the Gangwon Provincial Assembly were present.

Dignitaries from Gangwon Province, including Pyeongchang Mayor Sim Jae-kook, also took part in the proceedings.

A special performance from the local children's choir, called "Pyeongchang Snow", was given during the celebration event, with their display preceding the tree planting.

Pyeongchang 2018 claim the event shows their commitment to hosting a sustainable Games.

Next year's Olympic Games will take place from February 9 to 25, with the Paralympics following from March 9 to 18.