His words came as Organising Committee President Lee Hee-beom conceded that it will become easier to promote the Games once a new President is in office.

Elections are scheduled for May 9.

On Friday (March 10), Park Geun-hye was removed as the country's President following successful impeachment proceedings.

This sparked protests in which three demonstrators were killed.

Bach met with the Prime Minister and acting President of the Republic of Korea Hwang Kyo-ahn and with the speaker of the Korean National Assembly Chung Sye-kyun - two figures on opposite sides of the political divide - on his arrival in the country. 

He claims to be reassured about their commitment towards the Games.

"We could hear and feel the great support across the political board," said the German today during a tour of the Athletes' Village.

"They all assured us that whatever is happening with the campaign or with the election, which is due in May, the Koreans feel that these Games are a good opportunity for Korea to unite again and be united in support of their athletes. 

"Now the country is going through a difficult period of many political divisions. 

"The Games are a really good opportunity for Koreans to unite behind their athletes, team and Olympics."

Park became the first democratically elected South Korea leader to be forced from office after being impeached earlier this year.

The scandal centred around her links to Choi Soon-sil, her 60-year-old adviser, who exerted "undue influence" on policy-making despite having no official Government role. 

Dozens of South Korean politicians and businessmen have been implicated in the scandal, including Pyeongchang 2018 sponsors Samsung and construction contracts related to the Games.

Along with domestic instability, South Korea is also embroiled in another surge of tension with North Korea following a series of missile tests.

Relations with China have also soured after the controversial deployment of a United States' missile defence system in the country, ostensibly in response to the North Korean threat.

China increased restrictions on companies doing business in South Korea while cruiseship passengers refused to disembark when docking at the tourist island of Jeju earlier this week in a symbolic protest.

"We agreed that these Olympic Games will be open to everybody and this is the mission of the Games and to welcome the world," Bach insisted when asked about the likely fallout of this.

"I have no doubt everybody will be welcome here in Korea.

"The political tensions in the region will play no role here in this - this is the philosophy of the Games."

Given these distractions, Pyeongchang 2018 has unsurprisingly fallen down the priority list as far as the public are concerned.

Barely a dozen South Korean journalists attended a press conference held today following the IOC Coordination Commission inspection.

This is a number incomparable with the hundreds of local reporters attending similar events for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, although the two hour journey from Seoul will also have contributed.

"Until May 9, I believe that many people will be focusing on the political situation here," admitted Lee.

"And once the Government take off, we think situation will stabilise next year. 

"Politically we might have some different opinions. 

"But through Pyeongchang we believe the Korean people can be united."

Officials pointed-out the large crowds which attended some test events, particularly in ice sports, as evidence of strong support.

But they do admit that greater work is required to raise the profile.

"Part of this on-going promotional effort will also include the Olympic Torch Relay," Lee added today.

"The Olympic Torch and the Torchbearers’ uniforms were launched at one year to go, with the Torchbearer selection process expected to be launched in the coming months. 

"When the Relay gets under way towards the end of 2017, this will undoubtedly bring excitement to the whole country."