Blame game under way in South Korea as outcry over scout jamboree intensifies

Media outlets in South Korea have labelled the country's hosting of the World Scout Jamboree a "national disgrace", a "survival game" and a "worst nightmare". A public outcry has built up online and strangers were seen approaching scouts on the streets, apologising on behalf of their nation and handing out gifts.

- Raphael Rashid

South Korea has successfully hosted big events such as the Fifa World Cup and Winter Olympics, but mismanagement of the global scouting event, which struggled with heat and hygiene and eventually had to be evacuated due to an incoming typhoon, has left many wondering: where did it all go wrong?

Although there have been many accounts of positive experiences at the jamboree in the south-western county of Buan, the event was plagued with problems.

During its early days, the Guardian received photos showing tents in flooded fields, toilets overflowing with faeces and a lack of soap or toilet paper. According to attendees, there was a sanitation problem, long lines for showers, resource mismanagement and little natural shade during a prolonged heatwave. Hundreds of scouts were taken ill from heat and insect-related ailments.

Even before the evacuation order led to scouts being moved to university dormitories, training centres and hotels around Seoul and other inland cities, the world scouting body asked the government to find ways to end the event early. The UK contingent withdrew early, citing poor conditions, at a reported cost of fim.