The torch that will be used to light the main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Asian Games arrived in the host city of Incheon on Wednesday.

After a 36-day torch relay throughout South Korea, the flame will travel around Incheon's downtown and arrive at the main stadium in Incheon for the opening ceremony on September 19.

The torch was first lit on 9 August at the New Delhi Stadium in India, where the first Asian Games were held in 1951, to demonstrate the torch's history and legitimacy.  After that it was combined with another flame that had been lit at Manisan, Ganghwa-do.  Since then, it has travelled through 70 cities and towns across the host country and it is finally about to complete its long journey.

One of the torch bearers runs along Sejongdae-ro with Gwanghwamun as a backdrop, in Seoul on September 16. (Photo: Korea.net)

The torch, embodying the Asian continent's hope for peace and harmony, was designed to resemble a crane, the official bird of Incheon.

Seoul Mayor Park Wonsoon lights the flame in Seoul Plaza on September 16. (photo: Korea.net)

9,296 broadcasters, journalists and photographers will be covering the 17^th Asian Games.  The Korean media registered 1,087 staff from major TV networks, such as KBS, MBC and SBS, while Japanese media registered 770 personnel from TBS and NHK.  CCTV of China registered 370 people and TPT of Thailand registered 142 staff members.

Japanese and Chinese make up the majority of the foreign press.  Both countries will send more than 300 press members.  The Chinese press, including Xinhua News Agency, registered 387 and Japanese press, including Kyodo News Agency, registered 383 press members.

If the 107 media members from Taiwan, 67 from Hong Kong and 24 from Macau are added, the total from the greater China region is 585.  The major global news agencies such as Reuters, AP, AFP and Getty Images registered 166 staff, while most South East Asian and South Asian countries registered two digital press members.

Thailand and Indonesia are sending 83 each, 65 from India, 59 from Viet Nam, 48 from Bangladesh, 36 from Malaysia and 31 from Iran.  North Korea registered about 20 press crew.

(Source: ShanghaiDaily.com / ocasia.org / Danang Today)