KATHMANDU: Training aimed at enhancing the culinary, hygiene and service skills of cooks and field staff working in Nepal's trekking sector has begun as the number of South Korean tourists visiting Nepal grows.

The Korean Culinary & Hygiene Training for Trekking Field Staff, organised by the Korea Tours & Trekking Operators Association of Nepal (KTTOAN), is being held from August 10 to 21 with the participation of more than 30 students and trekking-sector employees.

Trainer Rajeshwori Magar Sherpa is providing training on Korean food preparation, food hygiene, kitchen management and practical skills required in the trekking environment.

The training was inaugurated with a welcome address by KTTOAN President Amar Bahadur Shahi. Representatives from Nepal's tourism and trekking sectors, along with Lee Woojin, cultural counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal, attended the opening session.

Speaking at the programme, Lee expressed confidence that the training would be completed effectively and said she was pleased to collaborate on the initiative. She also thanked KTTOAN for continuing to work with the Korean Embassy on various training programmes and activities since the association's establishment.

KTTOAN Treasurer Ngawa Ngima Sherpa presented details of the training schedule and the subjects included in the programme.

According to the organisers, the training aims to develop a workforce capable of providing quality services to Korean tourists in line with their food culture, improve food hygiene and safety standards, and further raise the quality of services available in Nepal's Himalayan and trekking destinations.

KTTOAN Vice-President and Korean food specialist Ang Dorji Sherpa said the training is expected to strengthen the capabilities of cooks and field staff and help improve the delivery of quality Korean cuisine in the trekking sector.

The programme includes both theoretical and practical sessions covering Korean cuisine, food hygiene, kitchen management, clean service, Korean guest care and trekking cook skills.

KTTOAN said the initiative is also expected to contribute to strengthening tourism and cultural ties between Nepal and South Korea while supporting the development of skilled human resources in Nepal's tourism industry.

The program is financially supported by the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Nepal.