Korean National Day celebrated in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Nepal and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.

To commemorate the golden jubilee of bilateral relations, the Korean Embassy in Nepal has been organizing various events throughout the year, including cultural programs, diplomatic exchanges, mountaineering expeditions, economic and business collaborations, educational and labor relations initiatives, and sporting events. The embassy organized an event to commemorate the National Day of the Republic of Korea on Tuesday.

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav attended the event as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-young highlighted the multifaceted and deepening relationship between Nepal and Korea. Ambassador Park emphasized the strong ties that have developed between the two nations—from government to businesses and people-to-people connections. He added that Korea has become a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nepal.

He also highlighted significant milestones in Korean investment in Nepal, such as the establishment of assembly plants by renowned Korean companies Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motors. Additionally, he noted that the Upper Trishuli 1 (216 MW), which is being built with Korean investment, is supporting Nepal’s ambition to become a clean energy production hub.

South Korea has been supporting Nepal through KOICA for technical and vocational human resource development, as well as providing loan assistance through the EXIM Bank. Moreover, Korea has become a popular labor destination for Nepalis, with over 100,000 Nepalis having received work opportunities under the Employment Permit System (EPS). Last year alone, 20,000 Nepalis left for employment in South Korea under the EPS.