Mount Kumgang, Mountain range in Kangwon-do, North Korea
Mount Kumgang is a mountain range featuring roughly 12,000 granite peaks with dense forests and numerous waterfalls spread across its landscape. The terrain divides into eastern and western sections, with the highest summit reaching about 1,638 meters.
The region became a major tourist destination between 1998 and 2008, when over one million visitors from South Korea traveled there. This era concluded an important chapter in the mountain's modern history.
The mountain inspired Korean artists for centuries, who captured its granite peaks in paintings that became part of the nation's artistic heritage. These artworks show how deeply rooted this landscape is in local creative traditions.
Access requires special permits and must be arranged through authorized tour operators with advance planning. Visits are currently limited to North Korean territory, making independent travel not an option.
The Kuryong Falls plunges roughly 74 meters down granite cliffs, creating a dramatic water feature within the landscape. The entire area forms a protected natural reserve preserving the mountain's environment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
