The Organising Committee (POCOG) have now set themselves a series of targets for 2016 with the Games a little under three years' away.

"POCOG looks back on a year full of accomplishments and readies for the upcoming 2016 Olympic year, as the clock counts down on two years to go to the opening ceremony," a statement said.

Pyeongchang has faced notable challenges, in particular a lack of domestic sponsors, but fears on that front have been somewhat eased by the signing of Korean Air, Samsung, Hyundai and SK Group as Tier One partners this year.

Another concern is over tight construction deadlines for venues which need to be ready in time for a series of test events in 2016.

However, organisers claim that the Olympic Alpine skiing venue in Jeongseon would be used for an International Ski Federation World Cup event between February 3 and 7, despite it only being just over 50 per cent complete.

Freestyle skiing and snowboarding tests are also scheduled for the neighbouring resort of Bokwang from February 18 to 20 and February 25 to 27. 

"POCOG is moving forward with confidence after a very busy and productive year," said Organising Committee President Cho Yang-ho.

"We look forward to this next year of preparations and practice that will be put into action starting with our test events in February.

"The POCOG Team is excited to welcome the athletes to Pyeongchang and test operations as part of our preparation for a successful Games in 2018.

“I thank the staff of POCOG for their dedication and commitment this past year, and would like to extend heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year to all of our friends, colleagues, and winter sports fans around the world.”

Achievements claimed by POCOG in 2015 include signing up several tier two and three sponsors to provide various services at the Games, as well as the penning of four Memorandums of Understanding with key Korean agencies.

The slogan for the Olympics - "Passion. Connected" - was also unveiled, while organisers also claim an "enhanced web and social media presence" and progress with the Opening and Closing Ceremony plans.

A progress update on the construction of new venues has also been revealed, with the Gangneung Ice Arena, which will hold an International Skating Union Short Track World Cup test event between December 16 and 18, said to be 50.9 per cent finished and due for completion in November.

Meanwhile, the Alpensia Sliding Centre, which will stage bobsleigh, luge and skeleton, is 60.05 per cent complete with a target finish date of October.

October is also the target date for Jeongseon, which is at 57.5 per cent complete, as well as one of two ice hockey venues, the Kwandong Hockey Centre, which organisers have rated at 58.4 per cent.

The other ice hockey arena, the Gangneung Hockey Centre, is said to be at 52.4 per cent and due for completion in November, while the Gangneung Oval, which will be used for speed skating, is only 22.5 per cent ready with a target finish date of February 2017.

As well as the test events, other notable milestones for Pyeongchang next year will include the reveal of the Olympic and Paralympic mascots midway through 2016, while international and domestic volunteer recruitment will get underway.

POCOG will also have a presence at the Rio 2016 Olympics which begin in August.

"The plans are set and the calendar is full for the launch of a productive and prosperous year leading up to the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games," they said in a statement.

The 2018 Winter Olympics will run from February 9 to 25.