Minister Sang-min Lee Visits Saemangeum... "We Will Create a Safe Jamboree"

Inspection of Measures for Heavy Rain, Heatwaves, and Large Crowds

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min visited the Saemangeum site in Buan-gun, Jeonbuk, where the 2023 World Scout Jamboree will be held, on the 29th to check the preparation status and safety measures.

This visit was the first on-site inspection outside the flood-affected areas such as Cheongyang-gun, Chungnam, and Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongbuk, since Minister Lee resumed his duties on the 25th. It was conducted to make a final check on the preparations and safety measures ahead of the World Scout Jamboree event starting on the 1st of next month. Previously, the Jamboree Organizing Committee appointed not only the Minister of Gender Equality and Family but also the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism as co-chairpersons of the Jamboree.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min visited the Saemageum site in Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, where the 2023 World Scout Jamboree will be held, on the afternoon of the 29th to check the preparation status and safety measures.
[Photo by Ministry of the Interior and Safety]

On that day, Minister Lee received reports on the main facilities of the World Jamboree and the status of event preparations, and also inspected the convenience facilities at the campsite. He particularly focused on facilities to prepare for heavy rain and heatwaves, such as temporary pumping stations and drainage channels to prevent flooding of the campsite, and vine tunnels where participants can escape the heat. He also visited the main assembly hall where the opening ceremony and K-pop concert will be held to review crowd management plans.

Additionally, he visited the Jamboree police station and fire station to check the safety preparations for traffic, public security, firefighting, and emergency rescue, and encouraged the on-site workers. Minister Lee said, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is creating a safe Jamboree," adding, "We are especially preparing shade facilities to cope with heatwaves, drinks to prevent dehydration, and measures to prevent food poisoning." He emphasized, "From the 28th until the Jamboree ends on August 12th, we will operate medical centers, police stations, and fire stations to ensure that youth from around the world can return healthy and safe."

At the Jamboree fire station, he instructed, "Ensure that emergency fire access routes are secured 24 hours a day, and if a critical patient occurs, use helicopters to immediately transfer them to the hospital." At the Jamboree police station, he urged, "Since this is an event where young people gather, please thoroughly carry out initial responses even to minor incidents."

Along with this, Minister Lee emphasized to the Jamboree organizing committee, "Please manage the situation thoroughly and actively ensure there are no inconveniences regarding food, restrooms, shower facilities, and interpretation services."

The Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree will be held from the 1st to the 12th of next month at the Saemangeum campsite area in Buan-gun, Jeonbuk. Approximately 43,000 youth from 153 countries around the world will participate in the event.