English Scout: "Korea is unbelievably kind... Approached me with apologies and thanks"

Early Departure from Jamboree, British Scout Arrives in Seoul
Praises Korean Hotel as "Excellent" and "Very Safe"

British Scout members who left early from the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree (Jamboree) and came to Seoul said they are "safe" regarding the current situation.

According to the British BBC broadcast on the 8th (local time), Shannon Swapper, who sent her 15-year-old daughter to this Jamboree event, expressed relief, saying, "My daughter is currently staying at a very safe hotel."

She said, "(Previously) it was a situation where disaster followed disaster," adding, "Now I am glad it has led to a positive outcome." She continued, "The children want to spend time together," and "They spent a few days at the camp, but now they want to experience different cultures."

British Scout members who participated in the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree are heading to Deoksugung Palace in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 9th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Swapper also emphasized that after the British members moved to Seoul to escape the heatwave and harsh conditions, they have been warmly welcomed in many places.

She said, "My daughter says Koreans are unbelievably kind," and added, "Some stores gave discounts to the Scout members, and there was even a bakery that donated cakes when they arrived at the hotel." She further mentioned, "Strangers approached them to apologize and thank them for coming."

Meanwhile, Paul Ford, whose 18-year-old daughter participated as an international volunteer, expressed similar views to Swapper.

He said, "My daughter moved to a hotel in Incheon and said the facilities are 'excellent'." He added, "They are happy to leave the place where the disaster occurred," but also said, "They feel regretful about missing the opportunity to meet new people." He criticized, "The Scout organization must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure such incidents never happen again."

Amy Hopson, whose 20-year-old son participated as a volunteer in this event, said, "Although there were setbacks, everyone's goal is to ensure all members have a positive experience."

British Scouts: "Jamboree participation fee about 6 million KRW per person... Call for independent investigation"

British Scout members who participated in the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree are receiving bottled water at the Seoul Welcome Center installed at Seoul Plaza, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 9th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the UK sent the largest number of Scouts and officials, about 4,500 people, to the Saemangeum Jamboree this time. In particular, British members spent about 3,500 pounds (approximately 5.88 million KRW) to participate in this event, and some members reportedly raised money for over a year through fundraising and part-time jobs to afford this amount.

However, British members decided to withdraw from the campsite on the 4th due to safety concerns caused by the heatwave and moved to hotels in Seoul starting from the 5th.

Matt Hyde, head of the UK Scout Association, said in an interview with the BBC, "Each British Scout member spent 3,500 pounds, and many raised participation fees through fundraising or donations," adding, "We will urge for an independent investigation into this Jamboree."

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