40,000 Jamboree Scouts Complete Official Schedule... Scout Association "Thankful for Korean People's Warm Welcome"

2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree Closing Ceremony
'Early Departure' British, American, and Singaporean Scouts Also Attended
'K-Pop Super Live' Featuring NewJeans, ITZY, and NCT Dream
Secretary-General Alhendawi: "A Special Experience Facing Challenges... Will Remember Korea's Sincere Care and Hospitality"

The closing ceremony of the ‘2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree,’ held amid controversy, took place on the afternoon of the 11th at the Sangam World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

On the 11th, the closing ceremony of the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree is being held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Earlier, due to the northward approach of Typhoon Khanun, which led to emergency evacuations, Scouts from around the world gathered at the Sangam World Cup Stadium with bright faces on this day.

Scouts from the UK, the US, and Singapore, who had left early, also joined. The Scouts from around the world gathered in one place to watch the final official event, a K-pop concert, starting at 7 p.m.

The closing ceremony, which began at 5:30 p.m., opened with a highlight video showcasing the activities of the Saemangeum World Jamboree.

On the 11th, the closing ceremony of the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul, where scouts enjoyed their time watching the ceremony. Photo by Joint Press Corps

With about 40,000 Scouts from 140 countries standing at the Sangam World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Korean Scout Han Soyul, Irish Scout Owen O’Connor, and Ivorian Scout Anji Rafa Yopua recited the Scout Oath. Immediately after, Korean Scouts handed over the federation flag to the Polish Scouts, who will host the World Jamboree in four years.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed in his closing remarks, “(First, regarding the eventful past 11 days) I am sorry that the Scouts faced difficulties due to unprecedented heatwaves and typhoons caused by climate change.” He then thanked the public for helping the event proceed safely under difficult circumstances, saying, “I extend my gratitude to the volunteers, medical staff, military, police, firefighters, and all public officials and employees of public institutions.”

Prime Minister Han continued, “Our government proactively prepared for the approaching typhoon to ensure that all Scouts could leave the site and enjoy various programs safely. I hope the diverse cultures you experienced across Korea and the upcoming K-pop concert will remain beautiful memories for you.”

Ahmed Alhendawi, Secretary-General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, said in the closing declaration that afternoon, “Many things happened over the past few days. You faced all these challenges and adapted. You left a deep impression on the world with your strong spirit and determination.”

On the 11th, when the closing ceremony of the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree was held, scouts were watching the closing ceremony at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

He added, “I know this Jamboree was different from what you dreamed of. I know it was not easy for you,” and stated, “No other event has ever faced so many challenges and extreme weather conditions.”

He emphasized, “However, no other Jamboree in history has demonstrated the determination, creativity, and resilience of the Scouts here. You turned challenges into even more special experiences.”

Alhendawi also noted, “This is the first Jamboree to travel after evacuating the campsite,” and added, “We will cherish unique memories from this event.”

He further expressed, “This was possible thanks to many amazing volunteers who were with us at every stage of the journey,” and said, “I want to thank Korean Scouts, the government, and the Korean people. Many helped and showed sincere care and hospitality, so much so that I often stopped on the streets.”

He concluded, “In a world facing conflict, poverty, inequality, and climate change, Scouts are the force for good that our world needs. While expressing regret for what was not achieved, with great gratitude and determination, the energy of the Scouts will spread from here to all corners of the world.”

The 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree concluded on the 11th with a closing ceremony and the 'K-pop Super Live' at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where participants held up BTS photo cards distributed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The Jamboree participants who visited Korea will depart sequentially starting from the 12th after attending the closing ceremony and K-pop concert. Some national Scout delegations plan to stay in Korea after the Jamboree ends on the 12th to participate in cultural experience programs.

The government plans to provide accommodation support to Scouts who wish to stay even after the official World Jamboree schedule ends. Initially, those staying in Korea after the 12th had to find their own accommodations. However, on this day, President Yoon instructed Prime Minister Han, “After the closing ceremony, provide maximum support for accommodation, meals, transportation, cultural experiences, and tourism until all Scouts from every country have departed.” Following this, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety decided to continue providing necessary support such as accommodation after the 12th.

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