Olha and her friend visited Korea to attend the 2023 World Scout Jamboree.
Ukrainian Scout members visiting the 117th-floor observatory of Lotte World Tower in Jamsil stayed in Korea until August 19, taking part in various cultural and sightseeing programs. On August 14, 2023, twenty-four Ukrainian Scouts wearing blue-and-yellow scarves symbolizing their national flag marveled at the Seoul skyline, exclaiming “Wow!” from the Seoul Sky Observatory.
“We came here despite the war because we wanted to deliver a message of peace to the world,” said Tamila Sevriuk (22), a Ukrainian representative. “Preparing for the Jamboree since last January was difficult during wartime, but we wanted to show that Ukraine remains strong.”
The biggest challenge for them was the participation fee of about $2,500 per person. The Scouts collected donations from institutions and charities, and covered the remaining 25% by working part-time jobs—one participant, Yaroslav Zabolotsky (17), worked as a waiter for five months to afford his trip.
During their stay, they visited Korea Tourism High School in Pyeongtaek on August 17 to introduce Ukraine to Korean students, and went to the Korean Folk Village together on August 18. Some participants were refugees currently living in Germany, France, or Austria.
Ivan Diachenko (18) fled to Austria with her mother and sister, while her father stayed behind in Ukraine to care for her grandmother. “I miss my father so much,” she said, “I send him pictures from Korea every day.” Artem Ketkov (14), now in Germany, recalled, “The air raid sirens and explosions still haunt me like nightmares.”
For the Ukrainian Scouts, the visit to Korea was deeply comforting. Anastasia Latushina (14) said, “When people heard we were from Ukraine, they warmly offered support and encouragement.” Serhii Kovelianko (16) added, “Some gave us fruit or snacks, others mosquito repellent—Koreans were truly kind.”
Their leader, Svitlana Melnyk (28), said, “Korea’s remarkable development despite past wars between great powers impressed us. We gained hope that Ukraine can overcome challenges just like Korea did.”
