What Does Soohorang Mean? Meet the adorable 2018 Winter Olympics Mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi that the internet is fawning over

Meet the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics mascots: white tiger Soohorang and Asiatic black bear Bandabi.

Credit: Shutterstock

You guys already knew this,but the Olympics always have a universal mascot. Mascot is a white tiger named Sooharang.

The Olympic mascot is always an animal or character that's symbolic of the host country and its culture. This year, the 2018 Winter Olympics is taking place in PyeongChang, South Korea, which is really, really cold. According to Olympic.org, white tigers have traditionally popped up in Korean folktales in the form of a guardian or protector. Tigers also symbolize trust and strength. (Cool little bonus, the color white is seasonally appropriate for the Winter Games, which take place in snowy, icy places. Obvi.)  .

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Additionally, the name "Soohorang" is not an accident. The Korean word "sooho" means "protection," and "rang" comes from the Korean word for "tiger," which is "ho-rang-i." In short, Soohorang is a protector of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Olympics.org goes on to explain the word "rang" is also part of the name for traditional folk music from the PyeongChang area. The music is called "Jeongseon Arirang."

Soohorang made his big debut in July at special events in Seoul and PyeongChang. Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 Gunilla Lindberg said,

It’s a beautiful animal, strongly associated with Korean culture. It also symbolises the close link between the Olympic Winter Games and the natural environment. I’m sure the new mascot will be very popular with Koreans and people around the world.

Crazy Suhorang Dance PyeongChang Winter Olympic 2018 평창 동계올림픽맛깔나게 춤추는 수호랑ㅋㅋ

Like traditional mascots, Soohorang is there to keep everyone pumped about the Winter Games and viewers watching from home engaged and happy. Be sure to spot him at the Opening Ceremonies taking place tomorrow, Feb. 9, on NBC. While the actual show is a secret, we know the rundown will look something like this:

1. Entry by the head of state
2. Playing of the national anthem
3. The parade of participants
4. The symbolic release of pigeons
5. The head of state declares the Games open
6. Raising the Olympic flag and playing the Olympic anthem
7. The taking of the Olympic oath by an athlete
8. The taking of the Olympic oath by an official
9. The taking of the Olympic oath by a coach
10. The Olympic flame and the torch relay
11. The artistic program