Jamboree Scouts explore Korea's culture, tourism destinations after leaving Saemangeum
Italian participants of the 25th World Scout Jamboree pose at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, Wednesday. The 300-member delegation is exploring travel destinations in Seoul and neighboring cities while staying at Inha University's dormitory in Incheon after leaving Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Lee Hae-rin
About 37,000 young Scouts and adult volunteers from over 150 countries participating in the 25th World Scout Jamboree are exploring regional travel points in Seoul and seven other cities after leaving the event's original venue on reclaimed land in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province, due to a typhoon forecast, the organizing committee said, Wednesday.
The programs arranged for Jamboree participants have diverse themes ranging from Korean traditional and pop culture to nature and high-tech industry field trips, which meet the quadrennial global event's mission of new experiences and exchanges, the committee said.
On Wednesday morning, 90 participants from Denmark and Norway experienced a K-pop choreography session and guided tour of media art exhibitions at HiKR Ground, a promotional hall at the Korea Tourism Organization's (KTO) Seoul Center.
The visitors especially enjoyed the K-pop choreography sessions, according to the KTO which added that more participants of other nationalities are also expected to visit the center.
Participants of the 25th World Scout Jamboree learn K-pop choreography at HiKR Ground, a promotional hall at the Korea Tourism Organization's Seoul Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been operating a Jamboree community center at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall to encourage exchanges among participants. The networking zone runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day until Sunday and features experience and photo zones offering events supported by embassies and private companies in Seoul.
The city government also operates a free shuttle bus every 20 minutes running between Seoul Plaza and 12 major tourist destinations in central Seoul from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day until Sunday. The bus itinerary includes royal palaces, a shopping district in Insa-dong, the former presidential compound Cheong Wa Dae and more.
Seoul is also set to provide outdoor activities ranging from hiking on Mount Nam, Mount Inwang and Mount Bugak, to water activities and wall climbing activities along the Han River. Indoors, Scouts are invited to a K-pop dance class at YGX Academy Headquarters, a field trip to Korean cosmetics giant AmorePacific, an esports tour to League of Legends Park and more.
Participants of the 25th World Scout Jamboree learn K-pop choreography at HiKR Ground, a promotional hall at the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
The 13,000 Scouts staying in cities of Gyeonggi Province will travel to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Hyundai Motor Group's research lab in Hwaseong. The western port city of Incheon offers city tours and field trips to bio-industry companies, such as Samsung Biologics and Celltrion.
Meanwhile, a music festival will be held at Daecheon Beach in South Chungcheong Province. In Sunchang, North Jeolla Province, Scouts are invited to experience the traditional Korean technique of making the regional specialty red chili paste.
Around 2,200 participants from Korea, Japan and Chile are experiencing Korean Buddhist meditation and tea ceremonies while staying at Guin Temple in Danyang, North Chungcheong Province. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism also said 12 of its temples in Seoul are offering temple experiences for Jamboree participants.
“The organizing committee will monitor the programs' execution status every day and work with local government to ensure that Jamboree participants can refresh their bodies and minds and have meaningful time for the rest of the stay,” Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Hyun-sook said.