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South Korea has been intensifying its endeavors to offer a wide range of catering services during the World Scout Jamboree, with a distinct emphasis on providing suitable halal food choices for Muslim Scouts.
Lee Kwan-youn, President of the Certified New Halal Industry Association and CEO of Pacific Korea, a Korean textile retailer, stated, “Our current focus revolves around establishing a comprehensive halal ecosystem for the remaining 2,160 scouts in North Jeolla Province.” In collaboration with Wonkwang University, an institution in North Jeolla Province with ties to Won Buddhism, these entities are jointly amplifying their efforts to deliver halal catering services to the 2,160 Scouts who have opted to stay in North Jeolla Province.
Initially, the plan was to prepare halal meals for Muslim Scouts and offer separate halal catering services within the official Jamboree camping zone. However, with Scout members dispersed across the nation, ensuring proper halal services has become challenging, as Lee pointed out.
To address this challenge, Wonkwang University has transformed into a secure haven for Muslim Jamboree Scouts. Lee remarked, “We have equipped the university kitchen with all-new cooking utensils, as all halal food necessitates the use of untainted utensils that have never come into contact with pork.” Additionally, various amenities have been arranged, such as bidet-equipped toilets and privacy-enhancing measures like shower curtains in the ladies’ shower areas. In the absence of nearby halal restaurants, halal food is being sourced from a certified restaurant in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province.
Furthermore, the association led by Lee distributed Qibla finder stickers to Jamboree Scouts during their time at the campsite. This initiative, designed to help locate the direction of the sacred shrine of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, was met with enthusiasm.
Lee highlighted, “Korea may not be inherently halal-friendly, but we are putting in all possible efforts to ensure that Jamboree Scouts with diverse religious backgrounds can enjoy their stay in Korea without any discomfort.”
Korean industries are also actively contributing to catering for Muslim Scouts. LG Electronics, for instance, provided accommodations for Jamboree Scouts, including those from the Muslim community, at its lodging facility in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. The tech company furnished separate prayer rooms and meals prepared using halal-certified processes for the Muslim Scouts.
Ourhome, the official sponsor of the food service, facilitated pre-orders for specialized dietary menu choices catering to the global Jamboree Scouts. An Ourhome representative stated, “As the official food service sponsor, one of our foremost concerns was meeting the needs of participants from diverse backgrounds. During their stay in Korea, we hope that these needs were met satisfactorily.”
