Controversy Over Reverse Discrimination at Accommodation for Jamboree Korean Scouts... 'Hope to Stay'

Most Troops Staying at Church Hope to Remain
Programs Including Swimming and Recreation Underway

Most of the Korean scouts at the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree, who were assigned to accommodations considered inferior compared to those of overseas participants, expressed a desire to remain at their current lodging. According to a government official, a survey conducted among the scouts staying at an educational center of a church in Yongin revealed that they decided to stay. It is reported that 9 out of 10 scouts wished to stay at the church.

On the morning of the 10th, members are divided into teams and conducting recreation activities in the auditorium inside the church.
[Photo by Sae Eden Church]

On the 8th, about 480 Korean and Chinese scouts set up accommodations at the church. The church, having hosted numerous events inviting overseas veterans of the Korean War, is providing conveniences such as meals and medical support based on its experience hosting large groups. On the 8th, the scouts visited the Caribbean Bay water park within Everland in Yongin, and on the 9th, they participated in indoor recreational activities.

According to the church, the overall satisfaction of the scouts was high. Although there was an opportunity to move to better accommodations in Yangpyeong, 90% wished to remain. However, to improve lodging and meal conditions, about 30% moved to Yangpyeong, leaving 256 scouts (210 Koreans and 46 Chinese) currently at the church accommodations.

A church official stated, “We are providing support befitting the spirit of the Jamboree, and the children are showing great satisfaction,” adding, “We plan to continue providing active support until the very end.”

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