Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Hyunsook announces on July 25 the preparation status for the 25th World Scout Jamboree at the Government Complex Seoul in the capital's Jongno-gu District. (Yonhap News) 

By Lee Kyoung Mi

Six days before the opening of the 25th World Scout Jamboree, the government has completed its preparations to welcome the guests, after finishing an inspection of the campsites, infrastructure and activity programs. 

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Hyunsook held a briefing at the Government Complex-Seoul in the capital's Jongno-gu District on July 25 to announce the preparation status for the event slated to run from Aug. 1-12 in Saemangeum, an estuarine tidal flat region in Buan-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province. This year's event is expected to attract around 43,000 scouts from 158 countries.

The installation of infrastructure, including water and sewage lines, a temporary sewage treatment plant, parking lots, and accommodation support facilities, such as toilets, showers and drinking fountains, have all been completed. 

Along with the venues to be used as hospitals and a media center, a large assembly hall is also available for the opening and closing ceremonies and a K-pop concert. A high-speed, wireless internet service will be offered as well. 

Participants will be able to make fires or build rafts during survival programs, and enjoy active schedules including horseback riding, climbing and paragliding.

In collaboration with 14 municipalities in the province, a special program unique to this year's edition will be hosted. It features visits to Jeonju Hanok Village and the National Intangible Heritage Center, and temple stays in Geumsansa Temple in Gimje and Naesosa Temple in Buan-gun County. 

The highlight of the event eagerly anticipated by scout members from around the world is the K-pop concert featuring 11 K-pop acts including IVE, STAYC, NMIXX and ZEROBASEONE. 

Ahead of the opening of the 25th World Scout Jamboree, fire safety checks are being carried out on July 24 around Jiksocheon Stream in Buan-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province. (National Fire Agency) 

During the event period, a 24-hour all-source situation room will be operated to respond to diverse crises. The center will share information in real-time with police and fire departments in the region to rapidly react to accidents and fires. 

"The profile of K-culture will rise thanks to the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, and Korea's traditional culture and cutting-edge science technologies will become a good experience for scouts from around the world," Minister Kim said. "We will strive to prepare more meticulously for the remaining period so that the scouts can enjoy their time here safely and pleasantly."

km137426@korea.kr