South Korea Evacuates World Scout Jamboree Participants as Typhoon Approaches
BUAN, South Korea – On August 8, 2023, South Korea began the process of evacuating thousands of teenage participants from the 25th World Scout Jamboree, as a typhoon approached the region. The participants were moved from the campsite in Buan, located in the southwest of the country, to safer areas primarily around the capital city of Seoul.
The decision to evacuate comes after the jamboree faced numerous challenges, including a widespread heatwave that left hundreds of scouts ill and complaints from parents regarding the organization of the event. These issues led to the earlier withdrawal of scout contingents from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Typhoon Khanun, which has already caused significant damage in southern Japan, is expected to hit southern regions of South Korea on Thursday before continuing its path up the peninsula. Weather forecasters predict strong winds and heavy rainfall as the typhoon approaches.
Scouts at the campsite in Buan spent Tuesday dismantling tents and preparing to leave. More than 1,000 buses were deployed to transport the remaining 36,000 scouts from over 150 countries to safer locations. Police helicopters and patrol cars will escort the convoys during the evacuation process.
Interior Minister Lee Sang-min assured that the scouts would be hosted in various areas across South Korea, with Seoul and its surrounding province of Gyeonggi accommodating over 16,000 scouts.
The decision to evacuate comes after complaints about poor sanitation at the campsite. The head of the UK Scouts revealed that this was one of the reasons for the early withdrawal of their contingent. The minister stated that local authorities would inspect the cleanliness of accommodations and toilets in the new locations.
The organizers assured that most participants would have their own rooms or share with one other person in the new accommodations.
“This is the first time in more than 100 years of World Scout Jamborees that we have had to face such compounded challenges,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered an emergency response team to ensure the smooth implementation of the evacuation plans.
Due to the approaching typhoon, Polish President Andrzej Duda canceled his plans to visit the event in South Korea this week. Poland is set to host the next World Scout Jamboree in 2027.
The jamboree has unfortunately tarnished South Korea’s successful track record of hosting major international events, including the summer and winter Olympic Games and jointly hosting the soccer World Cup with Japan. Currently, the port city of Busan is bidding to host the Expo in 2030.
Despite the challenges, the jamboree is scheduled to continue until August 12, with alternative programs and a K-pop show being organized by the South Korean government.
Reporting by Hyunsu Yim and Park Ju-min in Seoul and Hyun Young Yi in Buan; Editing by Ed Davies and Sonali Paul