The announcement was made at a signing ceremony in South Korean capital Seoul.

Park is one of the country's most recognisable footballers and scored 13 goals in 100 international appearances for his country.

He represented his nation at major tournaments including at the 2002 World Cup, which South Korea co-hosted with Japan.

"My memories of representing South Korea at the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 are very special to me, so I know the importance of the Winter Games for all the athletes that are preparing to take part," the 36-year-old said. 

"I am proud as an athlete and also as a Korean to be supporting Pyeongchang 2018 and I am looking forward to supporting a great event next year."

Park currently serves as a club ambassador for English Premier League side Manchester United, where he played his football from 2005 to 2012.

Park won four Premier League titles and along with the FIFA Club World Cup, as well as four Dutch Eredivisie crowns with PSV Eindhoven.

Park retired in 2014 due to injury and went on to study sports management at De Montfort University in Leicester.

"It is an honour for Pyeongchang 2018 to have Park Ji-sung as an honorary ambassador," Pyeongchang 2018 President Lee Hee-beom said. 

"He is admired not only for his successes on the field, but also for the sportsmanship that he displayed throughout his impressive career. 

"We hope that Park’s many fans will follow in his footsteps and support the Games as well as all the competing athletes.”