A delegation of British scouts arrives at a hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Saturday afternoon after leaving the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree early.(Image courtesy of Yonhap)
BUAN, Aug. 5 (Korea Bizwire) —The 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, taking place amid a severe heatwave with temperatures surpassing 35 degrees during the day, is likely to be canceled.
In an official statement released on August 4, the World Scouting Organization expressed its recommendation to the Korean Scout Federation to consider concluding the event ahead of the original schedule and providing necessary support to the participants until they safely return home.
This direct call from the World Scouting Organization made it challenging for the jamboree, which was being hosted in the Saemangeum area of Buan, Jeollabuk-do, to continue as planned.
Several participating countries have already initiated their exodus from the event, particularly those with large-scale delegations. Among them, the United Kingdom, with over 4,500 scouts, the United States, and Singapore have already made the decision to depart the campsite earlier than anticipated.
Participants in the World Scouting Jamboree 2023 huddle in a vine tunnel at the campground. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Furthermore, countries like Germany and Belgium are currently contemplating withdrawing, which would essentially halt the Jamboree.
Lou Paulson, head of the Boy Scouts of America, cited adverse weather conditions as the reason for their early departure. The U.S. delegation, consisting of approximately 1,000 members, is reported to engage in regular programs at the Saemangeum camp on Saturday and then relocate to Camp Humphreys at the U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do until the 11th.
A representative from the jamboree organizers indicated that the withdrawal of the UK, Singapore, and the US is almost certain. Specifically, the United Kingdom is expected to leave starting from today. Additionally, Germany and Belgium are currently engaged in discussions regarding their participation.
Throughout its existence, the jamboree has faced criticism concerning the high incidence of heat-related illnesses, inadequate meals, and complacency among the organizers.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
