Kim confirmed his departure from the committee for the next Olympic Winter Games earlier this month - citing a need for "new leadership and a stronger system that will effectively carry out various Games-related projects".
Cho was formerly the president of the 2018 bid committee as he helped the city beat off competition from Munich and Annecy to host the Games.
He will meet an IOC delegation during the upcoming Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games, with president Thomas Bach backing Cho to help deliver the event.
"The election of Yang-ho Cho as President of the Pyeongchang 2018 Organising Committee underlines the importance that the Republic of Korea and the Korean sports movement places upon the success of the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games," he said.
"We are pleased that President Cho has been elected so quickly and that he will dedicate himself to this important national project.
"I welcome him back to the Pyeongchang team. I am sure that he will deliver a great Olympic Winter Games for the athletes in 2018."