World Scout Jamboree, South Korea, August 2023

The 25th World Scout Jamboree is being held in Saemangeum, South Korea from the 1 August to 12 August 2023.

This event takes place every 4 years and is organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement. It is being held in a purpose built camp that will host approximately 40,000 scouts and leaders from 170 countries.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers planning to travel to South Korea for the Scout Jamboree should:

• be aware that international travel guidance and event guidance may change at short notice
• review the latest FCDO foreign travel advice for South Korea, including entry requirements, quarantine restrictions and any challenges related to the climate (such as unusually high temperatures) 
• review and follow the latest travel health advice for South Korea: see the TRAVAX South Korea country page for further information
• be aware of precautions they should take to reduce their risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) before, during and after travel as detailed on the fitfortravel website COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page

Furthermore, travellers attending the jamboree should consider:

• Mass gatherings such as this can lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Travellers should be up to date with routine UK schedule vaccinations, including MMR, and check if primary vaccination or boosters may be required before travel
• Being aware of the insect-borne and tick-borne disease risks present in some parts of South Korea, including Japanese encephalitis, tickborne encephalitis, dengue and malaria and know how to avoid insect bites.
• Rabies is a risk in South Korea; all travellers should be given advice on rabies prevention, vaccination and post exposure management.
• Exercising care with food and water precautions, respiratory and hand hygiene.
• Staying well hydrated, including managing travellers diarrhoea
• Practising sun safety as temperatures in South Korea can reach 30'c during the day.
• Having a valid comprehensive travel insurance which covers COVID-19 related illness or unexpected delays (Scouts.org.uk has specific information on insurance for those attending the jamboree)
• Seeking medical advice abroad if they are experiencing any symptoms of infection or illness.

The following TRAVAX advice pages may also be useful for travellers to South Korea, and can be sent to the traveller via the suitcase function:

• mosquito bite avoidance
• personal safety
• accident prevention
• sexual health risks
• travelling with medication

On their return to the UK, travellers should be aware to seek urgent medical attention if they develop a fever or flu-like illness, and to tell a healthcare professional of their recent travel history.

Useful resources

• World Scout Jamboree Website
• Scout Association UK – Jamboree Information