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Medical staff at a health center set up on the site of the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province, check on patients on Aug. 3. (Yonhap)

Diplomatic officials from the US and the UK have said they are communicating with the South Korean government to ensure the safety of their nationals participating in the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, on the southwestern coast of Korea.

In a statement to the press on Thursday, the US Embassy in Seoul explained it had been in contact with the organizers of the 25th World Scout Jamboree for several months to communicate about the jamboree.

The embassy added that as soon as it became aware of concerns about the venue and the provision of adequate services, it coordinated with the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America and the US Forces Korea to “ensure the safety of the US Scout delegation.”

“We will continue to monitor the situation and actively engage with South Korean authorities,” the embassy added.

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office also said that it is “continuing to monitor the situation at the 25th World Scout Jamboree,” according to the British Embassy in Seoul.

“Consular officials are on site to support attendees as planned and in line with standard practice for such events. We are in regular contact with both Scouts UK and the relevant Korean authorities to ensure the safety of British nationals.”

The World Scout Jamboree, which has attracted 43,000 participants from 158 countries around the world, has been plagued by a heat wave since it kicked off on Tuesday, with hundreds of participants complaining of heat-related symptoms. At around 4,500 people, the UK has the most youths of any foreign country at the event.

The sweltering heat is not the sole concern regarding the event. Complaints over the lack of basic facilities, such as restrooms and showers, have also been raised.

The event is scheduled to run through Aug. 12. It is understood that the governments of foreign countries are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the well-being of their citizens.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense has dispatched around a dozen military doctors, nursing officers, and first responders to the gathering, with 30 or more personnel to be dispatched Friday. The ministry is also planning to dispatch a corps of engineers to set up additional amenities such as shade and shower facilities as soon as they are ready.

By Shin Hyeong-cheol, staff reporter

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