Nature

With rich landscapes and majestic mountain ranges, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has proven to be a haven for nature lovers and adventure-seeking travelers. This unique destination provides visitors with different hiking experience all sorts of opportunities whilst also catering to a wide range of endurance-types due to the diverse range of landscapes the nation has to offer. These landscapes vary from rolling hills to ridged mountain cliffs that lures visitors to explore the predominantly untouched and undiscovered scenery. Visitors are provided the opportunity to engage in adventurous and physically demanding group hikes or are able to explore the vivid scenery of the alpine flowery fields in the comfort of a tour bus. These ideal trekking areas engage individuals wanting to explore the physical landscapes whilst discovering the exquisite flora and fauna the natural parks provide home to.

When considering the most rewarding destination, the hike to the peak of the volcanic Paekdusan Mountain range is by far the most captivating. This peak is with its 2,744 meters the highest point in the Koreas, providing a unique and breathtaking panorama view of pristine mountain ranges. Whilst on your hike you are able to catch glimpses of the diverse fauna inhabiting the mountain ranges; including the Siberian tiger, bears, Ussuri dholes and roe deer, all unique to the habitat. Alongside this, you will be able to discover ancient Korean spirits by visiting a large Crater Lake known as “Heaven Lake”. This lake is situated on a height of 2,189 meters and divides the Jilin Province of China and the Ryanggang Province of the DPRK. At this altitude, the Lake experiences a multitude of climates where clouds, sunshine and rain appear and go, creating an ever more enchanting experience. Legend has it that the Heaven Lake is inhabited by a buffalo-like creature known as the Lake “Tianchi” Monster. However, visitors shouldn’t worry, as scientists are skeptical whether such a large creature would be able to survive in a crater that endures volcanic activity. Nevertheless, if the temptation for going for a dive is too strong, several hot springs surrounding the sleeping volcano will satisfy your needs. They allow you to enjoy a warm swim while surrounded by the scenic beauty of the area. Moreover, this mountain carries significance for the local Koreans, as Kim Jong-Il has been said to be born near the lake. Therefore, with his death in 2011, rumor has it that the earth moved and a huge crack was formed in the ice of the lake. By allowing you to experience the local culture while perceiving the beauties of a heaven-like area on earth, the Paekdusan Mountain range is a definite must-see to your trip to the DPRK.

If the Paekdusan Mountain range is out of your reach, several other mountainous ranges offer similar experiences. These include the Mount Kumgang, Mount Myohyan, Mount Kuwolsan and the Hamgyong range. All of which are accessible to tourists and allow you to explore peaceful serene landscapes. In addition to the unique mountain ranges, the DPRK’s rivers also allow you to engage in enlightening experiences. The long rivers provide home to a unique variation of water birds, where some zones are listed on the world’s Important Bird Areas (IBA). Water taxi tours allow you to go bird watching, with the most significant trip paddles along the longest river of the DPRK- the Yulu. The DPRK also engages nature-lovers to discover the wonders of natural coastlines and various fantasy-like mountainous islands which offer black grouse and scaly-sided mergansers a breeding ground.

The natural parks in the DPRK offer explorers a life-changing experience with breathtaking scenes throughout that soar those searching for eye-opening endeavors to increasingly adventurous heights.