Foreign Media Also Concerned About the 'Heatwave Jamboree'... Could It Become an International Embarrassment?

As cases of heat-related illnesses surge due to the heatwave at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree being held in Saemangeum, Jeonbuk, foreign media have also been reporting on the damage. There are concerns that this could become an international embarrassment.

On the 3rd (local time), the British BBC reported that about 400 cases of heat-related illnesses occurred from the first day of the Jamboree. The broadcast stated, "With a heatwave warning issued, the temperature in Jeonbuk where the event was held reached 35 degrees Celsius," adding, "Many were treated at temporary medical facilities in the camping area."

On the afternoon of the 3rd, a heat illness patient is receiving treatment at the Jamboree Hospital within the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree campsite in Buan-gun, Jeonbuk. 2023.8.3 [Image source=Yonhap News]

The British daily The Guardian also covered the specific number of heat-related illness cases, saying, "Hundreds of Jamboree participants fell ill as South Korea wrestled with a prolonged heatwave." It particularly pointed out that the event was held on an 8.8 km² reclaimed land area, noting "there was almost no natural shade."

Other major foreign media also highlighted that the event is taking place on a sea reclamation site with insufficient shade, and reported interviews expressing significant concerns from the parents of attending youths.

The Jamboree, which runs until the 12th, is attended by 43,000 youths from 158 countries worldwide.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.