Park finished second behind Russia's Nikolai Kuzovlev at last week's event in Beijing.

Kuzovlev and Park currently first and third in the World Cup standings.

Sandwiched in between them is another Russian in Alexey Dengin, winner of the season-opening event in Colorado.

Cheongsong is renowned for its "magnificent, state-of-the-art ice structure", the UIAA said, as well as its "warm hospitality and the fervent interest in ice climbing which prevails in the region".

Shin Woon-seon will also be seeking home success to extend her lead in the women's circuit.

Russia's Maria Tolokonina is expected to mount the strongest challenge.

More Russian success could follow in the speed competition as Radomir Proschcheko seeks to build-upon his Beijing victory.

Tolokonina and compatriot Ekaterina Koshcheeva will battle for the speed title.

Ice climbing, a demonstration sport at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, is hoping to be included on the full Olympic programme at Beijing 2022.

The UIAA is separate to the International Sport Climbing Federation (ISCF), the body appointed to organise a sport climbing competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The ISCF broke away from the UIAA in 2007.

Action is due to begin tomorrow with men and women's lead semi-finals.

Finals in both speed and lead events are due to follow on Sunday (January 15).