UNESCO honors a hidden gem in North Korea: The breathtaking volcanic lake you’ll never see in person
A mythical birthplace, a political symbol, and the site of one of history’s most powerful eruptions—all hidden behind one of the world’s tightest borders.
Mount Paektu, an active volcano on the border of North Korea and China, has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, making it North Korea’s first natural site to receive such recognition.
The decision was made by the UNESCO executive board earlier this year, and acknowledges the site’s significant geological and cultural value. Paektu is known for its massive volcanic eruption in 946 CE, one of the largest in recorded history, which spread volcanic ash as far as Japan. It also created the spectacular Lake Chon, a crater lake located about 7,200 feet above sea level.
UNESCO praised the mountain for its volcanic features, glacial valleys, and rocky plains, placing it among over 200 Global Geoparks in 49 countries. The designation recognizes areas with geological importance that are managed with a focus on conservation, education, and sustainable development.
Despite its new status, it is yet to be seen if North Korea will open up access to outsiders. Visits to North Korea are strictly limited, and a trip to the sacred Mount Paektu would be vanishingly rare for a westerner to organise.
North Korea asked UNESCO for Geopark Status in 2019
North Korea applied for geopark status in 2019, but a UNESCO inspection was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Interestingly, the Chinese side of the same mountain, known there as Changbaishan, was designated a UNESCO geopark in 2023.
Mount Paektu also carries deep mythological and political significance in North Korea. According to North Korean legend, it is the birthplace of Dangun, the mythical founder of the first Korean kingdom. State propaganda also claims that Kim Jong Il, father of current leader Kim Jong Un, was born near the summit, though this is widely disputed by historians.
The mountain is heavily used in North Korean state symbolism, appearing in national emblems and lending its name to missiles, infrastructure projects, and even the ruling family’s so-called “Mount Paektu bloodline.” North Korean leaders, including Kim Jong Un, often visit the site before major political decisions.
In 2018, Kim Jong Un brought South Korean President Moon Jae-in to the summit in a rare moment of inter-Korean unity. The site is often described as sacred and emotional for Koreans on both sides of the border, though access for South Koreans remains limited.
What remains to be seen is whether Mount Paektu’s new UNESCO status means North Korea will look to show off its stunning natural wonder to the world, or if it will remain part of North Korea’s internal narrative.
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