Jamboree participants enjoying the temple experience. (Image courtesy of the Jogye Order)
BUAN, Aug. 5 (Korea Bizwire) —The 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum initially faced challenges with the withdrawal of some participating countries, but there is now a positive shift as the private sector, including religious communities and corporations, steps in to provide support. The central government is also actively involved in responding to the situation.
Efforts to address the heat-related illnesses, a significant concern, are gradually being implemented. The private sector is contributing by providing medical personnel and heat wave supplies, thereby improving accommodations for the youth attendees.
Samsung C&T, for instance, has been generous in its contributions. They are sending 15 sets of air-conditioned portable toilets, seven water trucks, and five generators to the event. Samsung Group has already donated 200,000 bottles of ionized water and vitamin water through the Korean Red Cross.
The group has also offered to assist in recruiting more medical staff and sent 11 medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff from Samsung Medical Center. Additional medical personnel will also be supported at large private hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital and Severance Hospital.
On Friday, Samsung made an announcement regarding the successful delivery of the ionized and vitamin drinks it donated to the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, Buan, Jeollabuk-do. (Image courtesy of Samsung)
Hyundai Heavy Industries & Construction (HHI) has played its part by contributing equipment and manpower to renovate and expand facilities such as showers. Numerous other companies and organizations are supporting the cause by sponsoring heat prevention items such as bottled water, ionized beverages, ice chests, hand fans, and parasols.
E-Mart Mall, one of South Korea’s largest retailers and an official sponsor of the Jamboree, delivered 40,000 bottles of water and 200,000 ionized beverages as emergency support to the venue.
South Korea’s Buddhist Jogye Order has shown tremendous solidarity by opening more than 170 temples to serve as campsites and lodgings for participants affected by the heat wave. This initiative aims to provide an opportunity for youth from around the world to safely experience and understand Korea’s traditional culture, history, and nature.
The government’s support is also extensive. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has deployed 104 additional cooling buses to the camp, bringing the total number to over 300 cooling buses, each capable of holding 40 people. The Ministry of National Defense has installed 64 shade structures and canopies covering a substantial area to provide relief from the heat.
To address issues with showers and toilets, the organization has begun deploying over 700 service personnel.
World Jamboree participants cool off at Geumsansa Valley in Kimje, Jeollabuk-do, as part of an off-campus program.
Meanwhile, the anticipated watershed moment for the K-pop event on August 6 has taken an unexpected turn, as the organizing committee is now contemplating rescheduling the event.
The highly anticipated ‘K-Pop Super Live,’ initially set to be held on Sunday evening at a special outdoor stage in Saemangeum, was supposed to showcase renowned K-pop stars like IVE.
Given the immense global interest in K-pop, particularly among young audiences, a significant and energetic crowd was expected from the jamboree participants. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the organizing committee is now reviewing the event’s schedule.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
