Things to do in Baekdu Mountain region
Discover the best attractions and experiences Baekdu Mountain region has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore symbolic and monumental landmarks tied to the Paektu region's history and DPRK leadership.
Samjiyon Grand Monument
A vast complex of statues near Samjiyon commemorating DPRK leaders, a centerpiece of the region's monumental landscape.
Mt. Paektu Historic Site Trail
A curated route linking locations of historical significance in the Paektu area.
Museums
Museums in the Paektu region showcase regional history, culture, and the mountains’ natural heritage.
Samjiyon Museum
Local museum highlighting regional history and daily life near the Paektu mountains.
Paektu Cultural Heritage Museum
Exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Paektu region.
Religious Monuments
Religious and spiritual sites within the Paektu landscape offer a window into regional beliefs and history.
Buddhist temples on Paektu’s slopes
Historic temples nestled among the forested trails around Mount Paektu.
Chonji shrine sites
Sacred sites connected to the spiritual landscape of the Heaven Lake region.
National & Theme Parks
Protected natural spaces and scenic areas in the Paektu region for outdoor exploration.
Baekdu Mountain National Park
Protected area around Mount Paektu with forests, trails, and viewpoints.
Heaven Lake Nature Reserve (Chonji)
Crater lake setting within a protected landscape known for panoramic views.
Mt. Paektu Scenic Area
Panoramic viewpoints and alpine trails offering sweeping mountain vistas.
Neighborhoods
Small towns and communities that serve as gateways to Paektu’s natural beauty.
Samjiyon Town
Gateway town to the Paektu region with markets, eateries, and mountain views.
Hyesan
City on the Yalu River and a regional hub near Paektu's north side.
Free Things to Do
Low-cost ways to experience the Paektu region’s natural beauty and culture.
Watch sunrise over Heaven Lake
Start the day with a serene vantage as the sun lights the crater lake.
Hike Paektu trails at dawn
Easy to moderate trails around the mountain for scenic views.
Stroll along scenic viewpoints near Samjiyon
Relaxed walks with commanding mountain panoramas.
Gastronomy
Local flavors and simple mountain-region dishes to sample during your visit.
Paektu region mushroom stew experience
Hearty mushroom-based dishes featuring local forest mushrooms.
Buckwheat noodles with local greens
Rustic, comforting noodles typical of northern Korean cuisine.
Nightlife
Seasonal cultural performances and relaxed evening strolls in gateway towns.
Evening cultural performances in Samjiyon
Informal performances and music in local venues.
Nighttime strolls by lantern-lit streets
Quiet ways to experience the regional atmosphere after dark.
Entertainment
Local forms of entertainment and cultural showcases in the Paektu region.
Community theater performances
Local stage productions featuring regional artists.
Traditional music gatherings
Casual gatherings showcasing DPRK folk tunes.
Sports
Outdoor activity options in the mountain landscape.
Hiking Mount Paektu
Popular trail with panoramic mountain scenery and lake views.
Winter hiking and ice walking near Heaven Lake
Seasonal adventures along frozen lake rims.
Off the Track
Less-visited trails and hidden viewpoints for a more intimate experience.
Guided forest walks around Paektu
Slow-paced explorations through pine forests with a local guide.
Snowshoeing in winter on Paektu's lower slopes
Seasonal exploration of snowy landscapes away from crowds.