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| Some Scouts arrive at Myongji University's dormitory in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday, after leaving the campsite of the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province, due to an approaching typhoon. Yonhap |
By Kim Se-jeong
Many Scouts who left the 25th World Scout Jamboree campsite in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province, due to a typhoon forecast, found themselves in university dormitories mostly in Seoul and the surrounding capital region as educational institutions accepted the government's request to offer accommodations.
But their arrival came as a surprise to some students at the universities who were asked to be hospitable without any prior notice.
"We see three to four people arriving in a dorm that is designed for two people. Shower rooms and bathrooms are a disaster," a University of Seoul student was quoted as saying by a local newspaper. "The university accepted the Scouts without consideration of the school's capacity."
While more than 3,000 Scouts are scattered among 12 university dormitories in the capital, the University of Seoul is hosting around 500 of them.
Myongji University offered male Scouts rooms at a female dormitory building by mistake, enraging female students.
"I have no problem with offering help, but the school also must respect existing students," one student was quoted as saying by another newspaper.
The biggest complaint was about food as the universities prioritized school cafeterias to serve the Scouts first.
"University cafeterias are very important infrastructure and many students rely on them for food. If it closes down so suddenly, how can students survive?" another University of Seoul student wrote on the university's online platform.
University of Seoul President Won Yong-kul sent a text message to all students asking for their understanding.
"With all eyes on the World Scout Jamboree, the help was needed to finish the event safely. The University of Seoul responded to the call for help and this can mean inconveniences for some students. We would like to ask for your understanding."
Yet, his message was criticized for being superficial.
"The school only wants us to endure and stay quiet," one student was quoted as saying.
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