UK Scouts Relocated to Seoul Hotels as Heatwave Hits World Scout Jamboree in South Korea

Jamboree in South Korea

Thousands of UK Scouts attending the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea are being relocated from the jamboree site in Buan to hotels in Seoul, as a severe heatwave continues to grip the region. The event, which has drawn 43,000 young Scouts from 158 countries, has seen a significant rise in heat-related illnesses, prompting urgent measures to protect the participants.

In recent days, hundreds of people sought medical treatment for heat-related ailments, with 138 cases reported on Thursday alone, bringing the total to more than 700. The UK contingent, consisting of 4,500 Scouts, is the largest at the jamboree, and their relocation aims to alleviate pressure on the event site and ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

The South Korean authorities have been under pressure to manage the situation effectively and prevent negative coverage. The nation has invested heavily in improving conditions at the gathering, with "unlimited" air-conditioned buses, cold-water trucks, and additional sanitary and medical staff being brought in to aid the participants.

The decision to move the UK Scouts to hotels has raised concerns about the event's continuity. The World Organization of the Scout Movement has requested South Korea to consider the possibility of winding down the event earlier than scheduled, but the organizers have committed to addressing the issues caused by the heatwave with additional resources.

South Korea has issued its highest-level heat warning in four years as temperatures soar above 38°C (100°F) in some regions. The situation poses significant challenges for the young Scouts, who are attending their first global gathering since the pandemic. Most of the attendees are aged between 14 and 18.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for immediate action to address the challenges faced by the participants, including improved food quality and better amenities. The government has allocated funds to secure additional shaded areas, cooling masks, hats, sun cream, and ice packs to ensure a safe conclusion to the event.

The organizers have come under criticism for various issues at the event, including hospital bed shortages, waterlogged conditions, poor sanitation, and inadequate supplies. The situation has led to concerns among parents and close monitoring by the UK's Foreign Office.

As the heatwave continues to impact the World Scout Jamboree, authorities remain committed to resolving the challenges faced by the participants, ensuring their safety, and preventing further heat-related illnesses.