Scouts from Germany, Bolivia, Mexico and more accommodated in Gyeonggi Province

 

Scouts from Germany

Bolivian Scouts enjoying archery

Can you recognize anyone in the photo?

Members from various countries who left the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, Jeonbuk, to avoid Typhoon 'Kanun', safely returned after experiencing various activities in Gyeonggi Province from the 8th to the 12th.

 

In Gyeonggi Province, including Suwon, Yongin, and Hwaseong, the largest number of over 12,000 members unpacked their belongings. The province and local governments provided them with safe accommodation, tourism, and experiential programs. It was a tough situation for frontline officials who had to prepare for the approaching historic typhoon and respond to the 'mass migration' of scout members, but they eventually managed to welcome the guests without major incidents.

 

On the other hand, it was evaluated as a good opportunity for each city and county, as well as for South Korea, to be introduced to the world through the members who flocked to Gyeonggi Province for the Jamboree. According to Gyeonggi Province and each city and county on the 12th, 11,900 scouts from 88 countries evacuated to Gyeonggi Province. This is the largest scale nationwide. They were dispersed to various locations such as university dormitories at Myongji University and Kyonggi University, private company training centers, and public institution educational facilities.

 

The province formed a task force called 'Jamboree Member Stay Support TF' headed by Vice Governor Oh Byeong-kwon, and through organic coordination with city and county task forces, supported the safety, accommodation, and various programs for the scout members.

 

Governor Kim Dong-yeon held several related meetings and emphasized, "As the Jamboree is an international event, Gyeonggi Province should actively cooperate to ensure its successful conclusion by mobilizing all available resources." He further urged, "Let's warmly welcome the Jamboree members who have come to Gyeonggi Province and join forces to ensure that they have good memories and experiences."

 

Governor Kim Dong-yeon is inspecting the facilities at the Fire Department School located in Cheoin-gu, Yongin City, while inspecting the firefighting experiential activities of the participating members.

 

About 350 members of the Jamboree entered the Gyeonggi Fire Department School on the 8th. Among several lodging facilities, the fire department is the only one in Gyeonggi Province.

 

The scout members actively participated in programs such as fire hose waterproofing, rope descent, tightrope walking, survival swimming, fire helicopter rescue demonstration, and safety experience provided without interruption. They also watched Taekwondo, magic, and b-boying performances prepared by the Gyeonggi Fire Department, fully immersed in the charm of Korea.

 

On the evening of the 10th, the auditorium of the Gyeonggi Fire Department School, with 400 seats fully occupied, was filled with scout members to watch a Korean cultural performance, the highlight of the firefighting school experience.

 

As 12 Taekwondo demonstrators appeared with a resounding shout, applause and cheers erupted from all around. As they demonstrated Taekwondo movements, including breaking boards, the members didn't hesitate to take photos and videos with their smartphones. When the thrilling Taekwondo demonstration ended after about 20 minutes, it was followed by a standing ovation.

 

Jasper (16) from the Netherlands said, "This is my third time seeing Taekwondo at the Korean Jamboree, and every time I see it, I'm impressed." He added, "Opportunities like this are rare in the Netherlands, so I'm grateful to the Gyeonggi Fire Department for providing the chance to experience Korean culture such as Taekwondo and b-boying."

 

"Eastern martial arts as seen in TV or movies... Spectacular and impressive"

On the morning of the 10th, amid heavy rain from the typhoon, the meeting room at the Teleconvention Center on Suwon Campus of Kyonggi University was gradually filled with about 800 Jamboree members, totaling 1,196 seats.

 

They were scouts from Germany and Iceland, who watched various cultural performances such as 'Mooae 24', a representative cultural product of Suwon, along with folk games and fusion traditional music performances.

 

As the art troupe played lively traditional tunes, the curious eyes of the Jamboree members watched intently, capturing the scenes with digital cameras and smartphone cameras.

 

As actors dressed in Joseon Dynasty military uniforms and wielded swords and spears took the stage for the 'Mooae 24' performance, the members exclaimed in admiration, focusing their attention on the stage.

 

A scout from Germany said, "Yesterday, we had a great time experiencing Korean traditional culture such as archery operated near Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site." He continued, "We've only seen Eastern martial arts in TV or movies, but seeing them live, they seem even more spectacular and impressive."

 

The members experienced archery at Yeonmudae near Changryongmun in Paldal-gu, Suwon, on the 9th. The members who hit the goblin's face accurately according to the interpreter's command cheered loudly and made proud expressions. On the other hand, those who missed or shot in the wrong direction expressed regret with deep sighs.

 

Visiting Hwaseong Haenggung Palace to observe traditional Korean architecture built of wood, they continuously took photos with cameras or smartphones. Some members took commemorative photos in front of the model of King Jeongjo and the mannequin of a soldier in Hanbok displayed inside Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

 

A Suwon official said, "We actively utilized Suwon's resources to support the sudden influx of guests and the participating world youth in Suwon could create good memories."

 

translated from an article by Newsis

출처: 뉴시스 2023년 8월 12일 기사

https://www.newsis.com/view/?id=NISX20230811_0002411259&cID=14001&pID=14000