Speaking at the Pyeongchang 2018 Legacy Symposium in South Korean capital Seoul today, Schmitt gave a presentation entitled "Why Olympic Legacy?" in which he discussed the impact an Olympic Games can have on a host city beyond the 17-day competition.

"Olympic legacy is a fundamental commitment of the Olympic Movement," Schmitt said, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

"Lasting legacy delivers lasting benefits for the community, the region and the nation.

"With the Olympic Games, the host city puts itself on the map.

"I am coming from Europe, and without Olympic candidature, I would never have known where Pyeongchang was.

"But now, since Pyeongchang is very familiar in the Olympic Movement, the name of this region and the host city is on the map forever.

"This is a type of legacy that can't be underestimated."

Schmitt also commented on how the Olympic Games can increase people's participation in sport, especially among young people, and the need for environmentally sustainable venues.

"People have started to understand why it's important for young generations to engage in sports," he added.

"They are a very important tool in education.

"Sports facilities have to be sustainable and follow strict environmental regulations.

"From the very beginning, they have to be friendly to the environment.

"They must also ensure economical energy consumption in terms of heating, lighting, ventilation and air conditioning."

At the start of the meeting, IOC President Thomas Bach sent a video message in which he said discussions on Olympic legacy come at "an important time in preparations for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games".

"We know that the Olympic Games can be a powerful catalyst for transformation and sustainable development for cities, and create positive legacies for all citizens," the German added.

"[Olympic legacy] is all about making sure hosting Olympic Games fits into long-term development plans for the city and region, and about organising successful Olympic Games in a way that promote sports, human development and spreads Olympic values of solidarity, friendship and respect."

Schmitt's own country of Hungary are currently involved in an Olympic bid race with Budapest battling Los Angeles and Paris for the 2024 rights.

In October, IOC Coordination Commission chair Gunilla Lindberg warned that a low-profile both nationally and internationally was the "biggest challenge" facing Pyeongchang 2018.

This is partly due to the relative remoteness of the location, currently a three-hour drive from Seoul, as well as the unfamiliarity with the region in comparison with other recent Olympic hosts like London and Rio de Janeiro.

Organisers are hoping to raise awareness with the ticket launch on February 9, to coincide with the one year to go milestone.

Pyeongchang 2018 was once again caught up in the South Korean political scandal yesterday when the Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister, Cho Yoon-sun, resigned after being arrested on charges of abuse of authority.

Cho was charged in connection with an investigation into the blacklisting of artists critical of the Government of President Park Geun-hye.

Park is currently facing impeachment proceedings following a cronyism scandal which is affecting all aspects of governance in the country.

Cho's departure could have an impact on preparations for the Games, but organisers have claimed that they are purely focused on the task at hand. 

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are events that transcend national or political issues," a Pyeongchang 2018 spokesperson told insidethegames. 

"Our team for Pyeongchang 2018 remain focused on Games preparation, building the facilities to a standard the athletes will welcome, organising a series of test events that will help us fine-tune our preparations, and activating promotional activities as we meet the various milestones leading up to the Games."