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April 16, 2025 | 04:31 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mount Paektu on the side of North Korea has been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. UNESCO's executive board announced after reviewing candidates, including the Korean Peninsula's highest mountain, since April 2, 2025. This marks the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been referred to as a global geopark.
Mount Paektu, which stands 2,750 meters above sea level, is an active stratovolcano on the border of North Korea and China. The executive board stated that Mount Paektu is characterized by magnificent natural landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms, including valleys formed by glacial erosion.
UNESCO notes that the millennium eruption at Mount Paektu in 946 AD is one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history. The volcanic heritage, eroded glacial valleys, and rocky plains are the main features contributing to its global significance.
The same part of the mountain in China was registered as a global geopark under Mount Changbaishan in March last year. North Korea applied for the designation a year earlier than China did in 2019, but the review was reportedly delayed because experts could not visit the area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Legend of the Founder of North Korea
As reported by NK News, this mountain is considered sacred and holds special meaning in North Korea. Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong Un, the country's first leader, used the mountain as a base for an anti-Japanese guerrilla campaign. He hid in the mountains during the war. Then, Kim Jong Il, his son and the country's second leader, was claimed to have been born on the mountain, although many believe Kim Jong Il was born in Russia.
Mount Paektu is also considered the birthplace of Dangun, the founder of the first kingdom of Korea, according to mythology. As quoted by keia.org, the legend tells the story of how a bear and a tiger were ordered by a prince of the gods to survive for 100 days only on garlic and mugwort to fulfill their wish of becoming human. Only the bear succeeded and turned into Ungnyeo, a woman who eventually married the prince of the gods and gave birth to Dangun. This story has been interpreted repeatedly throughout history to serve various political and ideological needs, but this version is widely believed.
Amid the improvement of inter-Korean relations in 2018, North and South Korean leaders Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in were reported to have held hands and taken pictures at the summit of the mountain.
Geotourism Destination
This UNESCO recognition can help North Korea transform the image of Mount Paektu into a geotourism destination, promoting its natural beauty and the richness of its cultural mythology. The UNESCO Global Geopark status emphasizes the importance of managing these sites with a focus on protection, education, and sustainable development. There are 213 Global Geoparks in 48 countries, known not only for their geological features but also for their archaeological, historical, and cultural significance.
Mount Paektu, with cloud-covered slopes and generations of legends, holds a strong place in the hearts of the Korean people. Now it holds a place in the hearts of people around the world as well.
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