The ISU has confirmed four Short Track World Cup competitions will form part of the qualification procedure for Pyeongchang 2018 ©Getty Images

The International Skating Union (ISU) has confirmed four Short Track World Cup competitions will form part of the qualification procedure for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.

The countries and venues for the four World Cup events have not yet been confirmed.

Athletes on the short track circuit will have their first chance to secure a spot at Pyeongchang at a World Cup event set to be held in Europe from September 28 to October 1.

The second qualifier is also scheduled to be staged in Europe the following week from October 5 to 8.

Following a month-long break, the series then moves to Asia for the third qualification competition from November 9 to 12.

The fourth and final qualifier would then take place in Asia from November 16 to 19.

Short track speed skating at Pyeongchang 2018 will be held at the Gangneung Ice Arena ©Getty Images
Short track speed skating at Pyeongchang 2018 will be held at the Gangneung Ice Arena ©Getty Images

A total of 55 qualification places will be available for men and women, along with five places reserved for athletes from the host nation.

This could increase the qualification chances for athletes from other countries due to South Korea's prominence in the discipline.

Athletes from the 2018 Olympic host nation won five medals, two of which were gold, at Sochi 2014.

Following the World Cup events, the ISU will inform the National Olympic Committees of their allocated quota places.

Short track speed skating is due to be held at the Gangneung Ice Arena, which will also host figure skating.

The city is the location for all of the ice sports which are contested at the Winter Olympics, scheduled to run from February 9 to 25.