Korea to host the 25th World Scout Jamboree in August

The Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min visits the site in Saemangeum where the 25th World Scout Jamboree will be held, on July 29. [Courtesy of Ministry of the Interior and Safety]

The 25th World Scout Jamboree will be held in Saemangeum, South Korea, between August 1 and 12, accommodating as many as 43,000 Scouts from 158 countries across the world.

The Saemangeum area in Buan County, North Jeolla Province, is 2.67 million square meters, equivalent to the size of three neighborhoods in Yeouido. With a length of 5.3 kilometers, walking from one end to the other in the area takes up to one hour and a half. To accommodate the attendees, around 22,000 private tents will be set up in the area.

According to the Saemangeum management committee, more than 50,000 people, including 43,000 Scouts and 8,000 staff workers, will gather to participate in this year’s World Scout Jamboree. The participants outnumber the population in Buan County of 49,817 as of June.

A thoughtful arrangement has been made to prevent crowd crushes and heat-related injuries amid the recent heat wave, the committee said. In a scorching heat wave during the event, the participants will be able to take a rest inside the 57 vine-shaped tunnels where nine types of crops, including pumpkins, are planted. The cool shape is also equipped with a refreshing water misting system, offering a pleasant escape from the heat of the day.

The committee has begun operating an on-site control room between July 28 and August 14 to monitor the progress and enhance its response to potential risks of safety incidents. While interpretation services in 14 languages, such as English and Spanish, will be offered, a Jamboree fire station will be operated from July 31 to August 12 in case of any fire incidents or other emergencies that may arise.

The Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min visited the area as a committee chairman to conduct a crucial final safety management inspection at the venue ahead of the event.

During his visit, which took place from 2 to 4 p.m., precisely the hottest time of the day, the minister focused on assessing the measures in place to tackle the heat and ensure the well-being of all participants. “Please make sure patients with severe conditions will be transferred to the hospitals by helicopters,” Lee said at the fire station. He also called on police officers to take further caution, adding that a quick response to even the slightest incidents as the event consists of the young age of participants. “The Jamboree event, which boasts a record-breaking attendance of 43,000 participants, will be an opportunity for us to showcase our nation’s culture and technology to the global youth community,” Lee said.

Korea will host its second World Scout Jamboree in 32 years since 1991. This year’s event, which boasts a theme of Draw Your Dream, offers a variety of on-site programs, such as escape the maze.

The organizers have gone the extra mile by preparing captivating off-site programs. A group of 14 cities and counties in North Jeolla Province will provide tourist programs, including a night tour of the royal palace and a temple stay experience. The Jamboree event also serves as a platform to promote Korean culture. A K-pop concert will take place on August 6, inviting 11 K-pop artists, such as IVE.

President of Poland Andrzej Duda will attend the event as Poland is the next host country.