KOICA volunteers support Namobuddha with new Tourist Information Center
Along with the center, a locally produced organic vegetables outlet has also been set up.
KATHMANDU: Youngman Lim, a volunteer with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), successfully completed a project to build a new tourist information center at Namobuddha, with financial backing from KOICA.
The project involved constructing a 32㎡ lightweight steel-framed building near the iconic Namobuddha Stupa.
The facility is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, furniture, an inverter system, a computer, a printer, and a restroom, all designed with customized interior finishes.
The center will serve as a key resource for tourists, offering promotional materials, playing cards, and providing essential tourism information.
A dedicated operator will oversee the management of the center. In addition to serving tourists, the facility will also support local farmers by providing space for selling organic produce. This initiative benefits both local residents and international visitors alike.
KOICA contributed approximately $19,916 to the project, while the municipality supported by providing the land and technical assistance.
The partnership between KOICA and Namobuddha Municipality dates back to 2018, and in 2024, KOICA dispatched Youngman Lim for a 15-month tenure as a tourism volunteer to enhance the area’s tourism infrastructure.
A handover ceremony was held on March 11 at the Namobuddha Stupa, marking the official completion of the project.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Mooheon Kong, Country Director of KOICA, Kunsang Lama, Mayor of Namobuddha Municipality, as well as representatives from several ministries such as the Ministry of Finance, Department of Immigration, and Department of Labour and Occupational Safety.
Local residents, municipal staff, and ward representatives were also present.
During the ceremony, Mooheon Kong expressed deep appreciation for Youngman Lim’s dedication and impactful contributions, which will benefit the community for years to come.
He also thanked the municipality and its staff for their invaluable collaboration. Kong emphasized that this project marks just the beginning, with plans to expand the initiative in the future by incorporating additional resources and equipment.
KOICA’s volunteer program plays a vital role in supporting the socio-economic development of partner countries like Nepal.
Through this initiative, KOICA dispatches Korean national volunteers to various government sectors based on local needs for expertise in areas such as education, health, agriculture, tourism, and ICT.
Currently, seven KOICA volunteers are actively engaged in various governmental sectors across Nepal.
To date, 410 KOICA volunteers have served in Nepal, making significant contributions to the country’s development.
