The 73rd International Sagarmatha (Everest) Day was celebrated in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, with a special program jointly organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Seoul in collaboration with the Um Hong Gil Human Foundation. According to the Embassy, the event brought together climbers, tourism professionals, policymakers, and members of the Nepali and Korean communities to mark the historic significance of Mount Everest and promote Nepal as a premier mountaineering and tourism destination. The program highlighted Nepal’s global identity as the home of Mount Everest and its broader role in adventure tourism, cultural heritage, and international cooperation.
Foreign Minister Sends Video Message of Greetings
On the occasion, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shishir Khanal, delivered a special video message extending warm greetings to the participants and congratulating Korean mountaineers who have successfully climbed Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
He emphasized that Nepal offers a unique blend of tourism experiences, inviting climbers, trekkers, and tourists from around the world to explore its unparalleled natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, spiritual pilgrimage sites, and opportunities for wellness and adventure tourism. The minister underscored that Nepal remains committed to strengthening international cooperation in tourism and mountaineering while promoting sustainable practices in the Himalayan region.
Nepal Highlights Himalayas, Culture and Hospitality
Speaking at the event, Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to South Korea, Mr. Nirmal Prasad Bhattarai, highlighted Nepal’s Himalayan beauty, rich cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality. He encouraged Korean citizens to visit Nepal and experience its diverse tourism offerings, ranging from high-altitude adventure to spiritual and cultural exploration. He also drew attention to the growing impact of climate change on the Himalayan ecosystem, stressing the urgency of global cooperation to protect fragile mountain environments.
Call for Global Cooperation on Climate Change
Ambassador Bhattarai emphasized that climate change is not limited to any single country or region but has emerged as a global challenge requiring collective international action. He stated that Nepal has taken a proactive role in promoting global dialogue on climate issues by establishing the “Sagarmatha Dialogue,” a multilateral and cross-sectoral platform aimed at fostering discussions on climate change, Himalayan ecosystems, and sustainable development. He noted that the first edition of the dialogue has already been successfully completed, marking an important step in Nepal’s climate diplomacy. According to him, the initiative reflects Nepal’s commitment to bringing mountain-related issues to the global agenda and strengthening cooperation for environmental protection and sustainability.
Experts Discuss Mountain Tourism and Sustainability
The program featured discussions from Everest climbers, tourism entrepreneurs, and experts who shared insights on the potential of mountain tourism in Nepal. Speakers highlighted the growing demand for adventure tourism, trekking, and mountaineering experiences in the Himalayas.
At the same time, participants raised concerns over the increasing impact of climate change, including glacial melting, unpredictable weather patterns, and ecological risks in high-altitude regions. They stressed the need to balance tourism development with environmental conservation. Experts also emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term benefits for local communities while preserving Nepal’s natural heritage.
Strong Participation from Nepalese and Korean Communities
The event witnessed the participation of approximately 115 attendees, including members of the Nepali and Korean communities, tourism entrepreneurs, journalists, climbers, and representatives from various organizations. The strong turnout reflected growing interest in Nepal’s Himalayan tourism potential and the shared commitment between Nepal and South Korea to deepen cooperation in tourism, culture, and environmental protection.
The 73rd Everest Day celebration in Seoul served as an important platform to promote Nepal’s mountain tourism, strengthen bilateral ties, and highlight urgent global climate concerns. The event not only honored the legacy of Mount Everest but also reinforced Nepal’s message of sustainable tourism, international collaboration, and climate resilience in the Himalayas.
