Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said the tickets would be distributed to low-income families ©Getty Images

A total of 42,000 tickets for next month's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang will be distributed to low-income families in Seoul, Mayor Park Won-soon has announced.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government have purchased an additional 20,000 tickets after 22,000 were bought by 25 district offices.

The move comes as part of a series of measures from the Metropolitan Government to support the Games, due to take place from February 9 to 25.

Free shuttle buses from the South Korean capital, located around 126 kilometres from Pyeongchang, to Olympic venues will be provided to those given tickets.

Park said low-income and multi-racial families would also be offered free food and drink.

The free tickets will be for events which are not expected to be well attended, such as cross-country skiing and biathlon.

The free tickets will be for events which are not expected to be well attended, such as cross-country skiing and biathlon ©Getty Images
The free tickets will be for events which are not expected to be well attended, such as cross-country skiing and biathlon ©Getty Images

"This Olympics aims for social integration and is a means to enhance inter-Korean ties, Seoul will fully mobilise personnel and supplies to help the event," Park said, according to the Korea Times.

"This is more than a national competition; the event provides an opportunity to enhance societal friendships with citizens from all over the globe." 

"We will work as if the Pyeongchang Olympics is jointly hosted by Gangwon Province and Seoul."

Other measures which will be put in place by the Metropolitan Government include the dispatch of around 6,950 volunteers to Pyeongchang.

Vehicles such as 44 low floor buses and 50 taxis for those with a disability will also be provided.

Ticketing has been one of the main concerns for Pyeongchang 2018 in the build-up to the Games amid low sales.

Seats for events have been bought by banks and even President Moon Jae-in in a bid to ensure there are not empty venues.

Winter sports officials have admitted they are not expecting full venues during the event.

Pyeongchang 2018 have always insisted, however, that the bulk of sales would come in the days and weeks leading up to the Opening Ceremony on February 9.