The 25th World Scout Jamboree kicked off on Aug. 2, 2023, with around 43,000 young Scouts from 158 countries gathered at Saemangeum Reclaimed Area on South Korea’s southwestern coast. The event was marred by the country’s severe heat wave, as 108 participants were taken to hospitals during the opening ceremony, most showing signs of heat-related illnesses. In addition to the health concerns caused by the weather, complaints arose regarding the poor conditions at the venue, including the discovery of mold in boiled eggs distributed to the participants.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Andy Chapman, chairman of the World Scout Committee, delivered welcome speeches during the opening ceremony. Authorities coordinated with nearly 7,000 Scout volunteers and local agencies to arrange emergency exits and take measures to protect young Scouts from the heat wave, including installing shade shelters and designating emergency shelters.