South Korea to thoroughly analyse shortfalls revealed in hosting jamboree: PM

SEOUL - South Korean government will thoroughly analyse the shortfalls revealed in the hosting of the 2023 World Scout Jamboree, Prime Minister Han Duk Soo said Monday, after the event was marred by a heat wave, a typhoon and a lack of preparations.

According to Yonhap news agency, Han made the remark during a Cabinet meeting, as the event concluded Saturday after going through significant challenges blamed on poor preparations, as well as a heat wave and a powerful typhoon that forced the relocation of around 40,000 participants to various parts of the country.

"This World Scout Jamboree has brought forth numerous implications for us. The government will have time to thoroughly analyse and reflect on the tasks that this event left us," Han said, underscoring the "unprecedented challenge" encountered.

The quadrennial event, which kicked off Aug 1, opened at a campsite in Saemangeum, a reclaimed wetland on the southwestern coast, but faced severe criticism for lacking the facilities to host the young Scouts from around the world during a scorching heat wave.

The event experienced an early departure of some participants, including those from the United States (US) and Britain. The remaining participants were later evacuated to various inland areas to ensure their safety from Typhoon Khanun.

"The difficulties faced during the initial stages of the event were mitigated through concerted efforts by the central government," Han said.

He, however, added that some tasks requiring attention remain, referring to the severe criticism of a lack of facilities and poor management.

Earlier, Yonhap reported that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday thanked religious circles, businesses and others who he said helped smoothly wrap up the 2023 World Scout Jamboree following turmoil, his office said.

Yoon expressed his gratitude during a weekly meeting with his senior secretaries, saying "national brand image" is more important than anything for a country whose economy is heavily reliant on external factors.

"I thank religious circles, businesses, universities and numerous local governments who played a big role in protecting the national brand image by smoothly wrapping up the jamboree. I also thank the people for welcoming the jamboree Scouts," he was quoted as saying by presidential spokesperson Lee Do Woon.

Due to the relocation, religious circles, businesses, universities and other members of society stepped up to the plate to donate various supplies and offer lodging at their facilities.

Lee said Yoon also praised the military, police, firefighters and other public workers who worked hard to ensure safety at various jamboree events. - BERNAMA-YONHAP