{"id":2201886,"date":"2023-08-04T08:00:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T23:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2201886"},"modified":"2023-08-03T18:45:16","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T09:45:16","slug":"south-koreas-world-scout-jamboree-marred-by-heatwave-and-poor-conditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/08\/south-koreas-world-scout-jamboree-marred-by-heatwave-and-poor-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s World Scout Jamboree marred by heatwave and poor conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"
The 25th World Scout Jamboree <\/span>kicked off<\/span><\/a> on Aug. 2, 2023, with around 43,000 young Scouts from 158 countries gathered at Saemangeum Reclaimed Area on South Korea\u2019s southwestern coast. The event was marred by the country\u2019s severe heat wave, as <\/span>108 participants<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>mold in boiled eggs<\/span><\/a> distributed to the participants.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n The occurrence of heat-related illnesses and food issues during the 25th World Scout Jamboree raises serious questions about South Korea\u2019s preparedness for hosting such a massive international event. The nation\u2019s response to these challenges appears to reflect a lack of anticipation and planning in terms of the weather and the logistical requirements of feeding and sheltering tens of thousands of youth. With the <\/span>death toll<\/span><\/a> from the summer\u2019s heatwave already rising, the government\u2019s failure to adequately address the heat wave\u2019s impact on the jamboree is concerning, particularly considering the vulnerable age group involved.<\/span><\/p>\n The mishaps and oversights, such as spoiled food and <\/span>alleged overcharging<\/span><\/a> at the venue for basic necessities like toilet paper, not only put the safety of the participants at risk but also tarnishes South Korea\u2019s image as a host nation. This could have long-term implications on the country\u2019s ability to attract and successfully host similar large-scale international events, thereby affecting its reputation and potential economic benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n