Korea ready to welcome 43,000 young Scouts from around globe

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Hyun-sook speaks during a media conference at the Government Complex in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

World Scout Jamboree to open Aug. 1 with K-pop performances featuring IVE, StayC, Nmixx

By Jun Ji-hye

Korea has finalized preparations for the 25th World Scout Jamboree that will bring together over 43,000 teenagers from 150 countries, Gender Equality and Family Minister Kim Hyun-sook said, Tuesday, with only a week left before the event kicks off.

The world's largest youth camp, which is held every four years, will take place from Aug. 1 to 12 on reclaimed land at Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province, and aims at offering a chance for young people from around the world to learn about each other's cultures and build friendships.

Minster Kim said during a media conference that the construction of water supply and sewage systems, temporary sewage disposal plants and parking lots as well as shower and toilet facilities have been completed.

“A large venue where opening and closing ceremonies, as well as K-pop performances, will take place, Jamboree hospitals and a media center are also ready,” Kim said, noting that the K-pop performances, scheduled for Aug. 6, will feature 11 K-pop groups including IVE, StayC and Nmixx.

In case of any accidents, 17 medical facilities, including five offering emergency medical services, will be in operation at the event site backed by Wonkwang University Hospital, Gunsan Medical Center, Jeonbuk National University Hospital and Jeonju Hospital.

“The upcoming Jamboree will mark the first large-scale event to be held in Korea since before the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kim said. “The event will offer an opportunity to further boost the status of Korean culture such as K-pop and K-food, and to showcase the country's advanced digital technologies to youth from around the world.”

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed related government offices to prepare thoroughly for the possibility of a heat wave, heavy rain and floods as the event will be held in the middle of summer.