KATHMANDU, MARCH 28

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang said that the government was always ready to work together with the Korean tour and trekking operators for tourism promotion as Korea is a major market for Nepal.

Speaking on the occasion of 7 annual general meeting of the Korea Tours and Trekking Operator Association of Nepal (KTTOAN) in Kathmandu, Minister Tamang said that there was a need to start a direct flight to Korea by Nepal Airlines to further expand Nepal's tourism market.

'I request the Korean ambassador to work together to commence NAC's direct flight from Kathmandu to Korea,' he said. Tamang also reminded that the Cabinet had approved a proposal of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation asking for royalty waiver for the Nepal-Korea joint expedition on Jugal I and Jugal II peaks in Sindhupalchowk district. The royalty will be waived for seven Koran and three Nepali climbers who will jointly embark on Jugal I (6,590m) and Jugal II (6,518m) expeditions on April 7.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, Park Tae-Young said that KOTTAN would help further develop the relations between South Korea and Nepal. 'As Nepal is a popular destination for Koreans, the new effort of KOTTAN will help attract more visitors here,' the envoy said, adding that the embassy will work closely with KOTTAN to invite more tourists to Nepal and vice-versa.

Ambassador Tae-Young recounted that Korea and Nepal have established cordial relations with steady growth in exchanges of mutual cooperation in multiple areas including economy, infrastructure, development and employment since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

KOTTAN President Amar Bahadur Shahi said that KOTTAN is committed to promoting tourism as well as enhancing people to people relations between the two countries. 'There is a need to reactivate Trekkers Information Management System at the earliest,' he said.

KOTTAN Treasurer Ngawa Ngima Sherpa said that the association was always working for the promotion of Nepal's tourism in the Korean market. 'Government should work in exploring new air travel opportunities that would facilitate seamless connectivity and promote tourism and trade between the two countries,' Sherpa said, adding that KOTTAN members are specialized in serving Korean tourists visiting Nepal as well Nepalese tourists visiting Republic of Korea.

South Korea and Nepal have developed close friendship and cooperation across many areas since the Korean mission was established in Kathmandu in 1974. This year – 2024, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On the occasion, the dignitaries jointly launched Nepal-Korea Diplomatic Relationship Golden Jubilee edition and a trekking route map in Korean language.