How did the World Scout Jamboree go so wrong? | About That

More than 30,000 people were forced to evacuate the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea due to sanitation issues, extreme heat, a looming typhoon and a COVID-19 outbreak. Andrew Chang explains how in some ways, the event was in trouble before it even began.
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[@atothepowerof6]

UK scout here (Unit 75), we heard and were part of many news stories throughout the 3 weeks we spent on our trip, none have explained it better than you, so props for that! 👏 It's a shame knowing that a lot of the things that did happen could have been prevented, regardless, we still had a great time seeing the sights. People have asked me: would I do it all over again, and I absolutely would, no questions asked. I will always look back on my time in Korea fondly, it has become almost a second home to me. There were challenges, but to know we faced them is, in itself, a success. Everyone was incredibly hospitable, the atmosphere was electric. 🇰🇷 I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Here's to Poland 2027!

[@gamja7697]

The budget was over $100 million! They went on unnecessary trips abroad to "study" scouting events at winery tours, luxury cruises, and sightseeing tour packages that were funded by the budget. They spent less than 10% of the total budget on the actual facilities and supplies for the event. Then, the government and various large scale businesses had to step in to help bail them out... not to mention scouting organizations themselves suffering massive additional expenses. Worst of all is the once in a lifetime opportunity these young people had at great personal financial cost was ruined by corrupt and intentional mishandling of funds.

[@scottleo8363]

What you mentioned is not true. Some government workers went abroad and they really went but the trips were NOT funded by the 100 millions dollars budget. Anyways, Korean gov’t will actively investigate their spendings very soon. Please don’t say a thing that is not true.

[@gamja7697]

@scottleo8363 the trips were funded because they were expensed on the ledgers. It's already confirmed and being reported on in South Korea on Korean media outlets, but it's blocked from official reporting outside Korea as apparently some kind of damage control. If you are bilingual, it won't take long to learn the truth.

[@abahbad9728]

Commercialised😾! True scouting spirit killed by greed of opportunists. Shame!

[@sanghwakyung1501]

@@gamja7697 Why I'm not shocked. We can look at the result I mean something is off with that budget

[@gamja7697]

@sanghwakyung1501 any foreigner that has worked on government funded projects in Korea knows about the tremendous waste on "showy" things that produce a zero net outcome for the actual project. There were thousands of opportunities along the way for 6 years for organizers to notice flaws in the preparation and plenty of money to hire people that could do a decent job.

[@CSprouty]

As a uk scout, this perfectly describes what happened in the buildup of the jamboree and the few days that we were there. Thanks for such an amazing report!

[@thebestellie]

i was about to comment the exact same thing! this is very accurate...

[@bourjoism3917]

This happens when officials are corrupted and cut corners…they truly put the kids life at risk and should be investigated

[@kyoungnam1754]

pro-China local government forced this location against more logical location. To develop pro Chinese government facility(like airport or casino for money laundry etc). or moving Chinese people at this region for mass immigration

[@jamesnash6101]

Yep.... it always come down to the money. You should look into the money tree. Or there should be class action lawsuits. There is an old sayings; "the cheap is always expensive." Also, I wonder if there is insurance involved?

[@ic7967]

First days of Jamboree, there wasn't enough water to drink and not enough food for all. Especially for the kids with special needs it was the biggest problem.

[@fislen-e1d]

There was a mistake at first, but then things got a little better with the central government's follow-up. Meal and sanitary air-conditioning buses have improved immediately. A forest and valley temple sea culture program outside the campsite has been added.

[@RKim-iq9ld]

Maybe next time don't send fragile kids with special needs to a typhoon zone in the middle of august

[@らーみ-g8v]

@@RKim-iq9ld 日本で開催された janboree はもっと過酷な気象 でした　もちろんもっと強い台風も きましたが大きなトラブルは ありませんでした

[@jamesnash6101]

I agree, I would demand a complete refund. And that includes any and all out of pocket expenses.

[@jamesnash6101]

​@@RKim-iq9ldstop blaming the children. The host should have known their clients. And planned accordingly. You do understand that special needs children are part of the Scouts. The host knew, or should have know this. And they had how many years to plan? So stop blaming the kids or clients.

[@k-matsu]

Sounds like some serious organizational incompetence, not only from the Korean organizers but from the scouts' administration in general. How could ANY organiser in their right mind plan to hold a jamboree in Korea, in August, and NOT anticipate the potential for extreme heat and/or typhoons. Those are literally the two most common weather conditions in Korea in August! Its as if someone planned to hold a jamboree in Northern Minnesota in January, but failed to plan for the possibility of snow! That isnt incompetence -- its utter stupidity!

[@mimiwinarto9164]

That's ok. Failure and disaster are forgiven because South Korea is a democratic country, the west's ally, unlike China. Imagine this disaster took place in China!!!

[@JanBruunAndersen]

When in doubt, follow the money. Someone handed out a lot of brown envelopes to ensure that South Korea got to host the jamboree.

[@davidlevy706]

@@JanBruunAndersen Corrupt government officials in South Korea? Inconceivable!

[@Zat77]

ego!

[@vn9393]

My child is with the US contigent. Their arrival was delayed by one day because the US camp was not ready. By the time they arrived, the site only had enough tents for 2/3 of the contigent so 1/3 of them have to sleep on the floor of the registration tent. Also there was enough food for them so some of the scouts didn't eat the first night. The US doctor on site indicated that the caloric ( I've heard 600 calories?) intake was not enough for them to sustain for the activities and the heat. The kids still want to be there but the US scout commisioner pull out due to safety and the camp didn't have COVID quarantine protocol and some of our scouts were positive. Well after the Jamboree is over then the organizer and World Scout organizer have sit down and do a (SSC) meeting and learn from this mistep Jamboree and be more prepared for the next one. BTW, SSC stand for Start,Stop and Continue.

[@bmkmymaggots]

sounds like a nice experience. a scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances

[@shad0wrune]

An the US ran away as the scary naïve contingent there were. Complain to your contingent, nothing wrong with the Jamboree. Adapt and overcome, that is the way of scouts, not running away with the tail between your legs

[@shrachel90]

So sorry really sorry Present government, especially president Yoon has to take a responsibility all of things. He doesn't deserve to be a president of Korea.

[@SpaceKarenMonkeyKiller]

Are they scouts or pampered children? I can't tell a difference anymore. Oh no how can they live with 600 calories for a day, the horror. That mother in the video is absolutely right. Joining the scouts is meant to help them deal with hardships. Nowadays any sign of hardship they book hotel rooms lol.

[@avocadotoast8957]

​@shad0wrune love that you think you know what you're talking about. I live in South Korea. The humidity here during summer makes the heat much harder to bear. They should have been better prepared. But to blame SK for no covid protocols when tens of thousands of people are voluntarily traveling here for an event.. even with proper protocols that's a risk you as a participant are taking for attending a public event

[@TheMakoyou]

You guys had a terrible time at the F1, Soccer World Cup, and Winter Olympics held in Korea, do you guys still expect anything from Korea?

[@elisehoward8936]

I am a uk scout that went on the jamboree and this seems like the most truthful report of what happened I’ve seen yet. I still had a great time even after all the problems but I just wish that I could’ve had a proper James experience

[@SW-li7gd]

Shame on whoever organized this

[@ytn00b3]

Korean Woman's Right and Family Planning organized this.

[@JanBruunAndersen]

Organised? You can call it organise if you want. I would not.

[@nippononna]

Many South Koreans seem to think that the K-pop music festival will make this South Korea Jamboree outstanding.

[@lttml6039]

It's sad that all South Korea has is K pop!

[@kristah7223]

Many Koreans do not think like that. The corrupted Yoon's government pushes hard the media to shape public opinion in a similar manner, leading up to the upcoming year's election.

[@johnpark4650]

As a Korean, we're well aware that the Jamboree was already in the drains, we just had to make it up somehow to avoid rock bottom.

[@fislen-e1d]

​@@lttml6039We provided many experiences of nature and temple folk art area together. There are many things besides kpop in Korea, and scouts enjoyed it

[@fislen-e1d]

We've seen how many activities and experiences the scouts have had outside the campsite, but you just don't know anything here.

[@aerk120000]

I know that they were blaming the typhoon that was coming in, but it is a well established situation that you usually have a rainy July followed by a hot August. This could have been planed for well in advance. 6 years should have been enough time to establish a proper venue and facilities. If the typhoon were the only problem, then they could more easily have been forgiven, but it was not.

[@shininggoldengirl7891]

it says something about this camp that i spent a night sleeping on a stretcher on the ground of a hospital hallway, in the constant lights and people walking around me, and that was the best night of sleep i had there

[@drtyboy]

"Reclaimed tidal flat" That's Latin for: We shouldn't put anything there.

[@NANICU]

The organizers clearly earned their incompetence badge.

[@not.supermario]

Surprised they earn a badge in the first place.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

There have been 25 world jamborees, including in such countries as Philippines, Thailand, Japan (twice), and even in South Korea in 1991. That first S Korea event should have prepared this year's organisers, as it too was plagued by rain storms and flooding. Poland is next, at Gdańsk in 2027, and I know they'll be better prepared.

[@jpsion]

oh yeah, lots of camps in poland. No worries there. There is a shower joke there, but Ill take the high road.

[@alejandrananni7821]

Hay dos puntos. Uno. Que a Corea le falto más visión para el lugar del campamento, pero por otra parte supieron movilizarse. Dos. Los chicos tienen que aprender que en la vida nada es perfecto, que siempre se van a tropezar con problemas y tienen que saber adaptarse buscando una mejor solución si quieren salir adelante. La vida es así, con altas y bajas. Al final los chicos estuvieron muy contentos y agradecidos por las atenciones y amabilidad de todos aquellos que les brindaron su hospitalidad con los brazos abiertos. Por lo menos mi hijo se lleva una gran experiencia y aprendizaje para tratar de ser mejor. Está feliz y satisfecho de este gran campamento como lo es el Jamboree. También hay que saber ser agradecidos. Yo doy gracias al gobierno de Corea del sur y a todos aquellos involucrados quienes hicieron mucho para que finalizara este magno evento. Gracias🙏 El Scout ríe y canta en sus dificultades. "SIEMPRE ADELANTE" ⚜️✌️

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yep and the U.S held the last one 4 years ago

[@rm_alfaro]

​@@jpsion Oh please, don't be shy now! Kindly spill the tea!😂

[@elstongunn4277]

@@jpsion okay, like, I shouldn’t have quietly chuckled at this, but I did. I have the utmost respect, heartache, and feelings of disgust and horror for the TRUE suffering the prisoners experienced and died from at the camps. But your low-key, sardonic comment did make me chuckle a bit.

[@0SxR9s3DQ]

The biggest cause of the unavoidable events of this year's Jamboree in Korea is political influence. Originally scheduled to be held was Goseong, Korea 32 years ago. Irresponsible operation method of politicians in charge, embezzlement of operating expenses, environmental management of the Saemangeum venue, the government that caused trouble, the people and companies that dealt with it I am an ordinary Korean citizen, but I apologize to the members around the world for not being able to help. We respect the Jamboree members around the world

[@mountaintop421]

which government are you talking about? why are you mixing up with the local provincial government, Jeonbook, who actually organized and operated with the present central government. The current central (Seoul) government even didn't requested this Jamboree to be held in this region of Jeonbook. The previous Moon government initiated and organised and hired local people and businesses from local province called Jeonbook. The only thing the Central government did is to execute the government fund for what the local government requested for what it was going to do. Are the current federal Ottawa government responsible for what Manitoban local government did for its local economy and for the previous federal government who requested the Jamboree to be held in Manitoba?

[@0SxR9s3DQ]

@@mountaintop421 (There may be some typos due to automatic translation) Certainly, the responsibility of the current government and former regime in Korea. Saemangeum and Jeonbuk public officials, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and utility bills were intervened, so there are operational limitations as the Korea Jamboree Association. Certainly, some of the unavoidable things this time have been influenced by political forces. (For example, a politician suggested an unscheduled bts participation in a K-pop performance after the closing ceremony.) Of course, in the end, I respect the World Jamboree Association and the members. .I wish for a bright future for the members. Thank you for your valuable opinion sir.

[@sinclair2269]

Great report, I had no idea things were so dire. Glad everyone came together to get the scouts out safely.

[@OZARKMOON1960]

What an absolute shame for all the kids who so looked forward to this event - possibly the only one they could get to in their scouting years. Immediately thought of who is footing bill for over 4k participants in hotels for the UK contingent and any others who bailed on the whole thing. Sounds like not much of the huge budget was used to actually prepare for the jamboree itself, but rather for those on the committee to dither about and 'take fact finding trips' for five years only to come up short earlier this year and realize they'd done nothing of substance. Really hope those responsible are held accountable with the strictest punishments possible.

[@wonderfulworld3265]

F1 Grand Prix, Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and all of other international events held in South Korea puts participants at risk or is criticized for being underprepared. I don't understand why so many organizations decide to hold the tournament in South Korea.

[@nippononna]

At the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics held in South Korea, norovirus infection caused by food poisoning spread, and it is well known that two Swiss athletes were infected and had to be quarantined.

[@krashd]

I've heard in the past that corruption is rampant in South Korea and that more than one president has been indicted for it in the past. Not a great reputation for such an advanced nation.

[@wonderfulworld3265]

Thx for comment,@@nippononna Food poisoning and rotten food always happen at big competitions in Korea. Also, at the 2002 Japan-Korea Soccer World Cup, Korean fans visited the hotel of the country that was competing with South Korea and made noise on the streets all night long, depriving the players of their sleep. In South Korea, this is done as a "strategy", and it is also famous as a country that lacks courtesy and hospitality as a host country. That's why even in F1 and the soccer World Cup, after the game is over, the players escape from Korea and go to Japan to celebrate and party with their friends. Korea is not a country that has the capacity to host people from all over the world.

[@annapacyniak3940]

Please they had 6 years to get ready, scouts paid a lot of money to be there and for what? I get typhoon but the rest is shocking

[@sommmeguy]

The scouts will go away with an experience they'll never forget. A real outdoor challenge overcome!

[@jamesnash6101]

Not after they are told of the corruption and greed involved. Bull spit on you positive experience spin. This event was all about exploitation and greed. Ya.... I'm not from South Korea. So that government can't silence me so easily.

[@arunk5307]

If it is more than one troop attending , we need an event management plan. Cannot simply say that they are scouts they will survive, and "Experience" card will not sell.

[@IZTheOne]

Let's just admit they were not prepared to host this event. Although they had 6 years or so to prepare for it and the budget given to do it. They dropped the ball and now trying to save face.

[@teklife]

i'm a single person who has done events, small events, dance parties, but i know a little bit about planning an event for a group of people to attend, and doing such a large and long running event out in the open like that, in the summer, it seems inconceivable how it could have been overlooked that it's just not logical or acceptable, and the fact that this was SIX YEARS in the making is just mind boggling!

[@TheMakoyou]

But I think Japan did a great job the summer before last. I was most surprised that there were only 70 clean-up crews for 36,000 people attending. Maybe it's not the same to compare the Olympics, but there were 50,000 volunteers at the Tokyo Olympics.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

Actually, it is always held in summer, no matter the location. I was at the last jamboree in West Virginia and it definitely had issues (not as bad as this one, though).

[@GBSheridan]

What a disaster. Just ugh. What a disappointment for everyone who spent so much money to go there.

[@fislen-e1d]

The campsite was not good, but the meals and hygiene soon improved, and there were many other pleasant experiences provided. Both nature experience, history and culture experience, concert accommodation, meals, and transportation were provided free of charge

[@jamesnash6101]

Ok.... how much did it cost per person? Or was there a group rate?

[@Kalani_Saiko]

My sister went and still had an enjoyable experience, all things aside. She did say that her group had issues with reporters near the end of it, though.

[@ivr0t006]

@@jamesnash6101 it was about £4000 per person, for my group anyway

[@ガンバッシュ]

Everyone in the world, Korea and Japan are completely different. So don't get me wrong. Korea and Japan are not the same in terms of culture, environment, and people.

[@joyce132]

When I first heard of the story, I thought of corruption. It doesn't surprise me as I had worked at something similar in Korea. And it's not exactly hidden. It's out in the open.

[@monkiki5035]

Very wrong. Bad organiser. This is what we are paying for. Putting our kids life in danger. Please investigate all officers & organiser & scout association

[@jamesnash6101]

I agree 100%. Because this is completely unacceptable.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

Which scout association?

[@meowv34]

it unfortunately seems like it’s becoming a trend in south korea for big events involving the youth to become horrible disasters. lucky it seems nobody died here. but it is a worrying trend. it is heartening to know that the korean people are very mad about this too.

[@heathervandewalle8954]

BTS Busan concert was a total mess the powers that be created and BTS had to straighten it all out.

[@らーみ-g8v]

@@heathervandewalle8954 janboreeとは全くかけ離れた 内容ですね

[@paddlefitdad]

Sounds like the organizers watched the Woodstock 99 and Fyre Festival documentaries and decided it was the perfect game plan to follow.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

My brother was at Woodstock 99. That’s exactly what I was thinking. My trip to see the Pope in New York was a similar disaster but luckily it was a day trip.

[@arunk5307]

"Be prepared" is our motto, not sure how they missed that.

[@Annaktram]

My friend was there..from what I’ve seen and heard ( can’t even explain all the problems) it was not…fun to say the least. they could only get cold air from sitting in the bus for 1 hour or 2 and the food didn’t have enough calories and was not exactly made for that kind of weather besides that they got sendt to Seoul after not long time at the main place?? And just visited basic tourist attractions

[@jamesnash6101]

Ok.... so what was promised and what was delivered? There might be recourse of a complete refund, a class action lawsuits, or a complete boycotted of the next event in Poland. Until these grievances are addressed.

[@Annaktram]

@@jamesnash6101 what are you saying?? They didn’t get what they were promised at all

[@nippononna]

According to Le Monde, a leading French newspaper, (Sentences in () are my reactions to the articles…) 1. World Scout Jamboree in South Korea Over 40,000 teenagers were plagued by a comedy of errors (comedy? Survival in hell, apparently). Filthy toilets overflowing with scorching heat, fields full of insects... but in the end, everyone had to evacuate from the campsite due to an approaching typhoon. Even without the problems of heat and typhoons, organizers were ill-prepared, according to the jamboree plan. South Korean organizers turned out to have ignored warnings for several years. (The failure of the Korean Jamboree cannot be blamed on a natural disaster like a typhoon!) 2. Scouts left the campsite and moved on to other cities and activities. For example, the Costa Rican delegation learned K-pop dances. (I don't understand the meaning of K-pop dance. Come to "World Scout Jamboree", why should they learn K-pop dance?) Captain Johnson, Costa Rica: “The scouts were a little sad at first because they were having a great time with participants from other countries at the Saemangeum. But we were really happy to continue the program here in Seoul. ' said. (Costa Rica seems to have enjoyed Korea, but it has nothing to do with the 'World Scout Jamboree' anymore, because K-pop dance can't help in the 'World Scout Jamboree'.) 3. According to local reports, the bus of the Swiss delegation crashed during evacuation. Three Swiss scouts on board the bus and five passengers on the other side of the bus were injured and taken to hospital. At noon on August 9 in Suncheon, South Korea, the bus of Swiss scouts who were evacuated from the camp of the 'World Scout Jamboree' due to an approaching typhoon collided with a route bus. Three Swiss scouts were taken to hospital with minor bruises. (Fortunately, the lives of the three Swiss scouts are not in danger, but it is unfortunate that the Korean side caused a traffic accident at this timing.) 4. This edition of the Jamboree was the first global gathering of Scouts since the outbreak of the pandemic and was attended by representatives of 155 countries. The scouts arrived in temperatures as high as 34 degrees Celsius, but hundreds fell ill from heatstroke and insect bites. Organizers sent in additional medical staff, supplies and water trucks. Matt Hyde, head of the British delegation, told Reuters: "We decided to leave because the toilets weren't cleaned, garbage was piled up and the scouts weren't getting enough food. We wanted them to experience a normal jamboree, which from our point of view was not safe for the scouts." Organizers said they increased the number of cleaning staff from 70 to 540. A person involved in the development of Saemangeum said, "There were too many people involved in the preparation of the event, and 'inexperienced management' was performed in important aspects such as hygiene management, which delayed the resolution of the problem." In 2017, the year South Korea won the bid to host the jamboree, problems were pointed out at campgrounds reclaimed from tidal flats, according to a publicly available South Korean government report reviewed by Reuters. Without solving the problem at all, they invited the opening of the camp for a budget of 2 billion dollars. (In other words, despicable Koreans who invite boys and girls to a survival game in hell and ignore warnings and use world events only for their budget. No consideration was given to the participants. )

[@maryearll3359]

Only 70 cleaners ! 70 to keep clean and sanitary conditions for 1,000's of Scouts ? Very sad for all of the youngsters. Such appalling facilities and planning. You have every right to be very very cross.

[@JBobjork]

@@maryearll3359 Tens of thousands of scouts even.

[@jamesnash6101]

WTF.... a budget of $2 billion, again..... $2 billion and 20,000 Scouts from 155 country's around the world attended this event. You do understand that this is very serious. So, if South Korea doesn't think that there will be a serious fallout over this debacle. Think again. Man oh man....I would not want to be an official in front of that train.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

That is a HUGE exaggeration. Many of those issues were actually fixed fairly early on.

[@ianlangbridge1649]

It’s a crying shame, as the parents of a fifteen year old who attended this broken dream we are angry. A lot of work went into getting these children to the Jamboree. For a tropical country with six years unable to plan a large scouting event is a poor show, compounded by delegations checking on the progress throughout the run up. Too many paid people failed to act, heads should roll.

[@lastminutesolutions]

Not even surprised as a Korean. Decisions are made by people good at sucking up to superiors, not by those with skills, knowledge or experience 🤷🏻 Would be a miracle if things go right

[@waynehersel3965]

I was a Boy Scout for 2 years, and look back on my time in the Scouts with very fond memories. We went to Regional Jamborees every year, learned alot, had a blast. How could this happen in a developed nation like South Korea? Afghanistan maybe, but South Korea?

[@yen-8680]

Corruption. The officials responsible to organise this literally use the funds to travel around the world, saying it as ‘research’. Only start preparations last minutes. 🥴 On the lighter note, this gives a real scouts experience 😂

[@user-jr6zr9rc2w]

This is the country where complexion and appearance based discrimination is completely legal and supported .

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

@@user-jr6zr9rc2whmm…you don’t think outright racism doesn’t happen in your country? Lol. I’m American and we are far worse.

[@변문강]

It's due to corrupted politicians in the jollado provence and the political opposition party. They have abad reputation from other korean provences and support the President's opposing party alot of bribery. They ruined the jamboree experience buy doing it there.

[@daisy-lz8zg]

This isn't the win you think it is. Yikes

[@yurimlee5115]

what is the Jamboree for? what these international youths get together in Korea? was it for Korea tour and watching K-pop concert? in the World Scout Jamboree in Korea , there was nothing of Scout aims, Jamboree's purpose....so sad

[@Kalani_Saiko]

There were scouting activities on site, you know

[@aqua2k210]

It’s a traditional event that takes place every 4 years with the aim of uniting scouts from across the globe. It’s a place where scouts share their culture and partake in scouting activities. Went to the 2019 one in West Virginia and it was one of the best camps I’ve ever been to. Up there with Philmont

[@kristah7223]

As a Korean residing in Canada, I've been watching numerous videos covering the 2023 Jamboree held in South Korea. I must admit that I feel a deep sense of embarrassment and regret regarding the apparent organizational shortcomings. My sincere hope is that South Koreans make thoughful choices in selecting their politicians and governments, ensuring that such mistakes won't be repeated in upcoming international events. 😢

[@theholyscriptofshrek]

Don’t feel embarrassed. I was there, and it was very entertaining to be apart of.

[@mzone9591]

A very clear breakdown of wvents to date. Much appreciated.

[@skylugtransclan5811]

What happens to the Scout's motto "Be Prepared"?

[@janelee9376]

😅😅😅

[@ayie4u]

Exactly! 😂

[@Kalani_Saiko]

Be prepared can also mean knowing when to pull back. Things don't always go as planned and sometimes, pulling out and re-evaluating the situation is the best option, especially when your campsite is about to be hit by a typhoon.

[@laurad4486]

That's called child abuse... They deserve way better...

[@fislen-e1d]

The campsite was not good, but the meals and hygiene soon improved, and there were many other pleasant experiences provided. Both nature experience, history and culture experience, concert accommodation, meals, and transportation were provided free of charge

[@blueman8208]

It was not that bad. Most scouts said they had great time despite earlier issues

[@Kalani_Saiko]

They had actually mitigated a lot of those issues by the time this "news report" came out. Most of the scouts still had a blast.

[@정아-s7g]

As a korean, I am extremely sorry about this. My friend also went to the jamboree event and came back home in just 5 days, saying it was unbearable. I hope the government abmits how foolish this disaster was, and reward all the people who suffered.

[@Nemasl]

I've heard abot Jamboree when I was a scout in my teenage years. We always heard kinda scary storys abour it. Like that one guy who get lost at a mile long walk in australia and died... now, almost 25 years later, I'm glad my group never even thought about participating such things like Jamboree or a national camp

[@jagaloon216]

I love all the reports coming out about all the world locations the South Korean government officials visited to do research for the jamboree. Italy, Switzerland, Venice, London, Paris, France - a 7 day cruise from Shanghai - a cruise from Taiwan, a 12-day trip from Dec. 12, 2016 to Belgium, Italy, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic - an 11 day trip to the US jamboree but the officials only spent 2 days at the jamboree itself and the rest of the trip going to places like the Statue of Liberty, Wall street and Times square etc. The last time London held a scout jamboree was in 1920! Why did the officials need to visit there for research??? Let alone all the other locations which had of course not ever held a scout jamboree. The list of disgrace goes on and on. I don't really expect much from government officials but I think these ones should be ashamed of themselves and so should the South Korean people.

[@judgejung488]

이 작은 대한민국에도 지방정부가 있습니다. 지방정부는 중앙정부의 간섭을 싫어합니다. 특히나 잼버리 개최지는 가장 낙후된 지방입니다. 그들은 돈에 목말라하고 틈만나면 비리를 저지르려 합니다. 대한민국의 지난 정부는 그런 그들에게 가장 많은 표를 얻었음으로 관리하지 않고 돈만 줬습니다. 다음 정부는 그들 지방의 덕을 본 의원들에게 장악된 의회로 인하여 제대로 일을 할 수 없습니다. 적어도 내년 5월까지. 영국의 지방정부들은 모두 청렴하고 유능하고 부유한가요?

[@WendyKay84]

Why blame the people in general? It seems like a lot of the South Korean people are just as angry as you.

[@jamesnash6101]

All of the corruption is coming to light. Thanks for posting.

[@ongbookok9320]

Go and learn from Saudi Arabia how they manage millions of pilgrims every year under extreme temperature every year. It is definitely inexperienced and incompetent to organise such massive events, with catastrophic results. Bad for the image of the country.

[@toughcookie-t5p]

You can also google Saudi Arabia 2015 Meca stampede accidents. Saudi Arabia said there were 769 deaths, 934 injured. But foreign media said there were about 2000~2110 deaths.

[@henrysehgal658]

Nobody knows about the dead who were robbed @@toughcookie-t5p

[@VirgilVanDijk420]

I was a scout for the Irish contingent and no one could have prepared me for the heat but besides that I didn't get sick or any heat related incidents or get bit by anything

[@탱구-i7y]

It's our country, but I feel this situation is very serious. I'm so embarrassed, and I'm so sorry for them... (There may be an error because it is a translated version.)

[@apfelnamu2817]

OK..after all left the site due to typhoon, I heared quite possitively about their experience where they are now. Koreans felt hugely sorry for the young scouts. Civilians, companies, shops, temples, chuches, universities, cities and small towns ..... They have all voluntarily provided accomondations and/or various programmes. These news are missing in the youtube.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Yup. The media always reports the negative side because it gets more views. Hardly ever reports a balanced review.

[@sueann1985]

Should not have happened. Years to prepare and lots of money.

[@lilyhsu9223]

Because it is not about a trip to a foreign country. It is about scout spirits. You totally missed the point.

[@fislen-e1d]

There was a mistake at first, but then things got a little better with the central government's follow-up. Meal and sanitary air-conditioning buses have improved immediately. A forest and valley temple sea culture program outside the campsite has been added.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

Also, a lot of the scouts still had a blast on site. This is always left out of these news sites. Reporters were an issue for some units after the evacuations, news reports like this weren't helping that matter.

[@happyisland4908]

too expensive events for the worst service

[@jimorr820]

I attended the 1971 World Jamboree in Japan. We had a cyclone hit the campsite. We weather's the storm on site and some of us were evacuated after the storm passed to dry out. Then we returned to our camps dried out our gear and completed the jamboree. Its a favorite memory to tell tales of the experience. Challenge a Scout, get a better Scout. Yes there were dangerous conditions this time and evacuation was necessary but that doesn't make it a bad jamboree

[@jamesnash6101]

This was not about weather conditions. This was about complete incompetence and greed. I would not spin this. Because we also need to teach our children to stand up. When they are bieng taken advantage of. Did you know that: $2 billion was the budget? 20,000 attended? 155 countries are involved? So how this event was mismanaged was more that a slight mistake or snafu.

[@jimorr820]

@@jamesnash6101 yes, there were many organizational missteps that turned out dangerous. That doesn't mean the Scouts would necessarily had a bad experience. I followed a UK Scout on a channel Jamboree Jamie. In spite of it all, he had a good experience. That's what my original comment was aimed at.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

The media seems to be exaggerating a lot of things here, my sister was at this Jamboree and was on site until they were evacuated due to the typhoon. Yes, the conditions were pretty crummy for some of it BUT they still had a blast. Apparently a lot of kids were really upset they had to leave the site. I was also at the last WSJ in West Virginia, USA and we had our own issues, too.

[@decuisine2121]

It is a poorly organized (I shd say nothing was organized). Big chaos started from food house regulations. You are required to use their appointed logistic company, but there is no synchronuzation and support from the related authorities. It ended up multiple country food houses got their stuff stopped at port. In summary, it is a disappointing, disorganised and shameful event.

[@merelleverajankorva7336]

Finnish scout here. I think the media did not understand how dire the hygiene situation was. After they hired more cleaners they didn’t actually do anything they just stood and watched while one person clean there was no trash, cans or toilet paper in the bathrooms, and the trash was not emptied during the two week camp If you were physically injured you’d had to wait hours in the hospital because of all the heat, exhaustion patience, which wasn’t even bad because it was the only place that had AC and then you had to walk back to camp in the heat

[@azurecliff8709]

Operating funds stolen. In other words, they were scammed.　

[@jamesnash6101]

The government can't bury this. Also.... this debacle has nothing to do with teaching resilience. It has everything to do with poor planning and receiving a refund. In fact there should be a class action lawsuits. Or boycotting the next event. However, one positive spin on this could be lesson learned. Now the organization itself should plan and manage the next event. And that includes pre-approval involving anything involved with that event.

[@tikachu86]

The South Korean administration has proven time and time again that they're really bad at logistics, coordination, and disaster management. You'd think they'd learned from past mistakes like the Sewol and Itaewon disasters. It's really embarassing tbh.

[@useridcn]

​@@Jurk844if you have attended any scout events in South Korea, you know this organization is horrible at organization, coordination, and communication.

[@Mimikoo]

The World Expo should not go to Busan. SK has massive corruption in the government and are not capable of planning large events anymore. Busan concert highlighted the problems.

[@aden5297]

your examples are completely irrelevant because astroworld and Concordia were handled by private organisations, not the government. if korea can't even organise a simple scouting event for kids they should refrain from even trying. not to mention the MASSIVE amount of funds stolen by corrupt Korean officials.@@Jurk844

[@CadyCadwell]

nah, they're just simply corrupt.

[@letstalkabouttheworld400]

​@@CadyCadwellThe corruption safe index of korea is same as the US and above average in the world So it's nothing to do with corruption It's simply bc the mayor of province managed terribly, The SK government should have choose better city for this and better weather

[@todoada9046]

This is the worst Scout Jamboree ever seen. Because even the host country, the Korean team, could not stand the poor environment and fled early and took refuge in the hotel.

[@fislen-e1d]

There was a mistake at first, but then things got a little better with the central government's follow-up. Meal and sanitary air-conditioning buses have improved immediately. A forest and valley temple sea culture program outside the campsite has been added.

[@jamesnash6101]

What? Is that true?

[@nancykraus5127]

It can take years for groups to be able to send their scouts to a World Jamboree. I have been trying to get there since I was an Explorer Scout in the 1980's. I missed out on Japan as I could not make the airfare. Someday I still hope to get to a World Jamboree. I cannot imagine how disappointed the kids were over how badly this one has been planned and the storm was just an excuse to get out.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

The storm wasn't an excuse, the typhoon was quite literally set to land at the campsite.

[@suoizon]

meh I personally enjoyed my time after being evacuated

[@Kalani_Saiko]

@@suoizon This

[@useridcn]

People are surprised only because they only know South Korea from the images the country wants them to know "cool Kpop" "high tech companies", etc. If you ever lived there, in their culture, you will not be surprised about all these at all.

[@fislen-e1d]

한국은 1991년 잼보리를 성공적으로 개최했었다 1988 하계올림픽 2002월드컵 2018동계올림픽 역시

[@isabelleholley5363]

As a UK scout that when, this video basically ties everything up. Someone us in our group didn't get enough food as they didn't provide it.

[@isabelleholley5363]

We also weren't let onto the site until the next day. And we where the first evacuated

[@isabelleholley5363]

Three people fainted on the first day

[@antoinebachmann6253]

why does this summary not mention the fact that three fourths of the funds budgeted by the government to build infrastructure at Saemangeum, finished instead in politicians’ pockets?

[@sharpcanines3347]

thanks for this in depth look at the situation

[@fislen-e1d]

There was a mistake at first, but then things got a little better with the central government's follow-up. Meal and sanitary air-conditioning buses have improved immediately. A forest and valley temple sea culture program outside the campsite has been added.

[@MaseratiQuattro]

just imagine 40 degree weather with intense humidity, meager food, unhygenic toilet and mosquitos i bet even special forces cant execute their missions in this circumstances

[@whatifschrodingersboxwasacofin]

They obviously weren’t prepared. Oh, yes I DID. 😮

[@MrEjidorie]

The fiasco of he World Scout Jamboree must be humiliating for South Korean people. The South Korean authorities should learn a lot of bitter lessons in order not to repeat the same mistake.

[@hendrsb33]

If officials had 6 years to plan this event, they could have planted shade trees as well as build a few permanent support facilities (emergency shelter, first aid, showers, etc.) with the idea of developing the land for future profitable use after the Jamboree had concluded... like a World Campsite. The place could've been nice after 6 years.

[@arunk5307]

Not only 6 years they had 24 WSJ experiences (around 100 years) before them.

[@jamiealger7246]

Shame on you, South Korea! You guys are still a developing country. Do not ever claim that you are equal to us, G7 again!

[@latlj1283]

calm down..... Lol

[@janelee9376]

It’s the incompetent government leaders to be blamed not the people. I highly respect the people who voluntarily provided all possible kind acts for the scattered youths who deserved a real Jamboree experience.

[@diane9247]

Oops! The officials forgot to BE PREPARED! 😎

[@saridarwin6517]

LOL how funny the Korean used to mock "mosquitos" as like it was not from them

[@martytrueblood5902]

if they only had a moral compass

[@MaryMorley-k9d]

Wow, great reporting Andrew.

[@fawwazr.w1802]

And worst on the first day there was a shortage of officers even just to distribute food. How can they handle sanitation etc. Impossible to do...

[@fislen-e1d]

중앙정부가 후속조치를 시작하고 식사 위생 냉방등이 빠르게 개선되었습니다. 조직위의 잘못입니다. 태풍대피와 새로운 숙소로의 이동도 매우 잘 이루어졌고 모든 문화 자연 역사 지역 체험이 다양하게 제공되었어요

[@rng72]

He didnt mention anything new that all the other news agencies have already reported. He basically repeated the information. I was hoping for some new insight

[@naeunmarx4509]

Koreans take this situation much more seriously than anyone here, and they believe that they cannot forgive officials who treated the children like this. Also, they consider the young members as their own children and are willing to do everything they can to help them.

[@DushanBauer]

I have read in some news that Korean organizers did not even speak english...like you organise an international event and the main management does not speak at least on world language? WTF??

[@PuckDudesHockey]

Excellent report... thank you very much!

[@fislen-e1d]

There was a mistake at first, but then things got a little better with the central government's follow-up. Meal and sanitary air-conditioning buses have improved immediately. A forest and valley temple sea culture program outside the campsite has been added.

[@avocadotoast8957]

Yes, the preparation wasn't properly done. But the reality is that Korean summers are hot, humid, and bug infested. How do you expect to keep the bugs away? I live here and thats just not a possibility unless you stay indoors 24/7

[@todoada9046]

The biggest problem would be the lack of minimum hygiene and safety management. Despite the huge budget invested in it. Most of that budget would have gone into the pockets of South Korean politicians. All the participation fees, which the children of the participating countries worked hard for over a year, were wasted. Korea ruined the dreams and efforts of children.

[@fislen-e1d]

There was a mistake at first, but then things got a little better with the central government's follow-up. Meal and sanitary air-conditioning buses have improved immediately. A forest and valley temple sea culture program outside the campsite has been added.

[@mikemcdonaldart]

This was Fyre festival of Scouting.

[@janechoy2073]

Thank you for this explain vid!

[@atanlongjuki]

It clearly showed us even though south korea boasted that they are a developed country but in actuality they possesed a third world mentality.

[@catherinethemba]

So much for their ' Be Prepared' motto.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

I was part of GSUSA in my home state and I’m honestly not shocked. Even back home things just were terribly organized all around, including camp.

[@teijaflink2226]

Sounds idiotic to gather that many tourists (most teens) in one place and in a dump lol, why let that many teens come if you can't take care of them.

[@hureunsuk]

While there were initial problems, the way they dealt with them was quite impressive. The Korean government and local council had some mismanagement at first, but they quickly took action to address the issues by providing better facilities and offering alternative cultural activities. The weather didn't cooperate in South Korea - there were severe flooding problems followed by unexpected, intense heat and humidity that brought along swarms of insects, making the camping experience unbearable. Unfortunately, all the scouts had to evacuate the campsite due to a typhoon. However, both the government and local communities stepped in to support the scouts by organizing alternative cultural activities after they left the campsite. Life doesn't always go as planned, and we can learn from mistakes to become more resilient.

[@bmkmymaggots]

yes, and: scouts should be able to deal with those issues. they are not in a 5star hotel....

[@lttml6039]

But this is an international event that they should have lots of time to prepare for, no excuses for putting these kids' health at risk!

[@nippononna]

On the first day of the jamboree, there was no forecast of a typhoon heading for South Korea. Therefore, it is unreasonable for South Korea to blame the failure of the jamboree on natural disasters. The reason for the raging mosquito outbreak was that the bottom of the tent was a plastic pallet, and the under of the plastic pallet was a puddle where mosquito larvae were raised.

[@Kalani_Saiko]

@@bmkmymaggots Mate, it's an international event. Some countries would not know such conditions (aka the UK). Plus, the typhoon destroyed the campsite after the full evacuation.

[@RomanesEuntDomus.]

This programme should be called "Aboot that" 😂

[@davidmark866]

“If you can survive this, you’ll do fine on mars!”

[@AhJodie]

Wow, how amazing!

[@andrewharrison8436]

The heat was predicted and manageable. Lack of shade and poor sanitation were two major avoidable hazards. I don't know if the medical centres could have managed if hygiene and shade had been sorted out but they couldn't cope as it was.

[@heathervandewalle8954]

So funny they wanted BTS members not in the military to perform at this event. BTS had enough of political corruption and passing the buck from their last experience "helping out". Won't go in depth of what happened, but it was very very bad and BTS ended up footing the bill with sponsors they had to line up as well as their own money not to mention they did the promotional concert for free. It was supposed to be paid for by the government since it was in BUSAN to promote Busan's bid for World Expo 2030 (which I am sure they didn't/won't get because the entire scenario of what went down did nothing to recommend Busan as the place to hold that worldwide event. The free concert took place on October 15, 2022 and the "powers that be" royally messed up everything, for their own self interests and totally took advantage of the BTS musical group. I do not think highly of their government at all. Lots of corruption. Shame on them for the way they handled this.

[@josehernandez-fs9ek]

Good lessons to learn

[@williamriley5118]

What a complete mess!

[@fislen-e1d]

There was a mistake at first, but then things got a little better with the central government's follow-up. Meal and sanitary air-conditioning buses have improved immediately. A forest and valley temple sea culture program outside the campsite has been added.

[@haydengoh4604]

To be fair as a fellow participant, and from the malaysian contingent i still enjoyed the jamboree despite the setbacks.

[@dvegh97]

I know what went wrong I was an IST for the World Jamboree a guy from the medical team told me they didn't have enough doctors and nurses for the entire camp the typhoon was Just a cover up the guy who was working the medical team said this his team leader said we have to close the camp early the team leader said that and he said to the medical team If anyone stays behind and help get everyone to safety they are not allowed to Join the staff somewhere more secure

[@monstertruckchannel9464]

embarrassing incident for South Korea

[@furrycrocss]

I was a scout for the US contingent. US was delayed by a day and we stayed at a nearby school in the gym (boys and girls were separated). When got to the campsite, we some of the equipment was wet and had to be aired out and only stayed on the actual campgrounds for about 3-4 days before leaving the camp and going back to the school for another ~4 days before leaving for the US. Mostly everyone had to walk everywhere in the heat due to transportation being full all the time. The UK (and I think Australia) left a day before us and I'm not sure what they did. The US went back touring and had a K-pop closing ceremony but unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it due to COVID and left Korea early by choice. I hope the 2027 scouts will have a better time in Poland.

[@toughcookie-t5p]

Not Australia. They remained till the end.

[@judgejung488]

시원한 삼림욕 휴양지를 제공해 드리지 못해 죄송합니다.

[@RKim-iq9ld]

Other than us. UK. Singapore. all countries remained. Many of them seemed to be enjoying themselves. The hiccups at the start was quickly corrected by sk. The canadians said they had minimal issues. Too bad about the typhoon. Maybe future jamborees shd be in the fall

[@francesatty7022]

I was UK IST and we went back to Seoul and managed to get hotel rooms - although it was about 4 to 5 people to a room, but we were lucky we weren't in schools or stuff that a lot of other contingents had to do

[@francesatty7022]

@@toughcookie-t5p really?? I thought every single contingent had to be evacuated

[@hiroshiwaguri7697]

Today I saw a news of New Jeans came to the Jamboree and checked the KZbin and finally found these horrible news. There must have been plural unintentional or even intentional mistakes or scums in both planning and the carrying out those plans. I hope South Koreans finally find out the reason and responsibilities behind the scene, and rightly sort them out.

[@RKim-iq9ld]

Sk found the reason. It was called don't have outdoor jamborees in the summer anymore. Signed mother earth.

[@Celeste-zd5zk]

​@@RKim-iq9ld jamboree japan was also in summer time. just don't ever do jamboree in korea.

[@Bluewater78]

S. Korea's audit bureau has launched a probe to see where everything went wrong. General incompetence and kleptocracy within the provincial government and organizing committee mostly staffed with locals, may be the main reasons for the mess (we should find out soon) as well as poor oversight by the Gender Equality Ministry (central gov't ministry), which had always been attacked for being ineffective and was slated to be abolished. I'm just surprised that the last minute intervention by the central government was able to at least salvage what was turning out to be a fiasco. I means they certainly did not expect to find new lodging for well over 30,000 kids within a day and there was no way they could have planned ahead to provide all those kids with alternate programs. Anyway those responsible for the mess need to pay.

[@悠々彼方S]

By the time the next president is elected, they will have forgotten what they decided, so it doesn't make much sense. They are good at deciding who the bad guys are, but not so good at remedying problems, plus they forget their mistakes after five years.

[@user-hj7pw1sm2z]

A boy having a seizure was not allowed in the hospital as it was too full so we had to take him back to his camp… it is as bad as it sounds the organising was so bad I cried when I had to leave my new friends… it was too hot and I hadn’t even done any activity’s yet as we weren’t allowed to leave camp when temp was too high (every day) sleeping in sand and mosquito bites was painful .. although the experience in soul was so good… sad about the camp tho

[@dutchwoutwouter1364]

My daughter had a great time up there, the Dutch continent brought extra tents, and yes it was hot but she still came back whit a big laugh on here face

[@carreraf7]

As a South Korean, I am very embarrassed about this. It reveals our country's vulnerable part. I am very sorry for all the kids and their parents on behalf of the country. Underneath Korea's rapid development and the popular k-culture, we still have significant problems like corruption. I'v lived in countries like Australia and Canada and I always thought South korea is still a developing country and still need to improve on basic things related to human itself. Economic growth has been the top priority for us and because of that we have been ignoring other things. I know what the weather in August like in Korea and that was just insane. Thats something most of the kids never experienced in their life because its extremely hot and humid at the sametime like sauna. We Koreans never go there for camping either. The reason they chose the spot was very political. The local government wanted to promote Saemangum to the world. The land was a river before but they filled it and trying to develop. Anyway apologize again and there are many other places to go to in Korea, so please visit Korea. Thank you.

[@carreraf7]

@@catsstreetkr ye? ㅋㅋ 아 나 한국인아니구나 ㅋ 네이버에새만금쳐봐 만경강 동진강 하구를연결하는곳이라고 나온다. 너한국인맞구나 아는척하면서 쓸데없이 시비거는거보니 ㅋ

[@carreraf7]

@@catsstreetkr ye? ㅋㅋ 아 나 한국인아니구나 ㅋ 네이버에새만금쳐봐 만경강 동진강 하구를연결하는곳이라고 나온다. 너한국인맞구나 아는척하면서 쓸데없이 시비거는거보니 ㅋ

[@janelee9376]

@@carreraf7맞는 말 했는데 시비라니요? 애초에 8월 한여름 땡볕이 되리란걸 알면서 그늘 하나 없는 간척지 뻘밭에 대책없이 텐트를 세우겠다 설계한 당국 책임이고, 현지사정을 잘 알고 있던 전라도, 대통령을 비롯한 모든 관계자 처벌해야 합니다!

[@blueman8208]

You don’t have to apologize. Most of the problems were due to bad weather.

[@lincliff663]

Please don't feel you have to apologise. There were many factors that have led to this outcome and (hopefully) people will learn from them. At least your Prime Minister returned from his holiday to take some responsibility.