Saffron Walden scouts head to Jamboree in South Korea

The jamboree is taking place from August 1 to August 12, and sees scouts from 158 countries come together once every four years to promote unity, community and togetherness.

Scouts age 14 to 18 are gathering in Gunsan-Si in North Jeolla province to learn new skills, experience new cultures and make international friendships with fellow scouts.

The trip includes three days exploring Seoul and a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where they will see the original demarcation line between North Korea and South Korea at the end of World War II.

Scout Anya Stafford, 16, from Saffron Walden, said: "The DMZ looks interesting, we have heard so many stories at school so be good to see it in person what it’s really like!

"I hope to meet scouts from Sweden and for our cultural day to show other scouts what the UK has to offer, and we have 'jam and tea' for them to try!"

Scouts from Saffron Walden visited South Korea for the World Scout Jamboree (Image: Scouts UK)

Fellow Saffron Walden scout, 16-year-old Pippa Butterworth, added: "The DMZ will be amazing so we can fully understand how strict the border is…it is important for us to see it to improve our perspective of what is happening in Korea between the North and South.

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"I hope to meet scouts from Italy as they have such a rich and valuable culture!"

Around 4,500 scouts are attending from the UK, joining more than 45,000 from around the world. 

Only scouts age 14 to 17 are eligible to apply, and participants are selected two years ahead of the event so the scouts can focus on their fundraising skills to finance the trip.

Charlie Williams from Saffron Walden heading to the World Scout Jamboree (Image: Scouts UK)

Charlie Williams - a 17-year-old scout from Saffron Walden - said: "The World Scout Jamboree is the pinnacle of scouts, it doesn’t get bigger.

"I want to experience all I can, learn Korean, make new friends from around the world. I’m buzzing!"

The theme of the Jamboree this year is 'draw your dream', encouraging young people to pursue their own ideas and ambitions.