Bandabi - The Paralympic Mascot

The official mascots for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were launched on 2 June 2016.

An Asiatic black bear named “Bandabi” and a white tiger named “Soohorang” will each represent the Paralympic and Olympic Winter Games. Both animals appear in South Korea’s foundation mythology and are closely associated with Korean culture and folklore.

Introducing Bandabi – the Paralympic mascot

The bear is symbolic of strong will and courage. The Asiatic Black Bear is also the symbol animal of Gangwon Province. In the name “Bandabi,” “banda” comes from “bandal” meaning “half-moon”, indicating the white crescent on the chest of the Asiatic Black Bear, and “bi” has the meaning of celebrating the Games.