Mt Kumgang is known as one of the scenic spots in Korea. It is also numbered among renowned mountains of the world. The Mt Kumgang biosphere reserve covers an area of over 262 580 hectares encompassing Kosong, Kumgang and Thongchon counties of Kangwon Province.

An ensemble of natural beauties of all descriptions—peaks, ravines, panoramic views, lakes, waterfalls, seas and coasts—the mountain is divided broadly into Outer Kumgang, Inner Kumgang and Sea Kumgang.

The mountain looks like a picture scroll disclosing a wonderful harmony of myriad scenes and shapes—mysterious rocks, precipitous cliffs, pools and ponds, crystal-clear streams rushing down and round the cliffs and rocks, numerous waterfalls creating sunbows, and a wide variety of rare and beautiful plants and animals.

It stands out as it has many enchanting peaks and ravines. A large number of oddly-shaped rocks, with Samson, Kwimyon, Saja and Thokki among them, stand on Piro and Chail and other peaks.

Chonsondae and other sites command a bird’s eye view of the mountain. The mountain also boasts natural stone gates and caves such as Kumgang Gate and Kumgang Cave.

Manphok is the most famous among many valleys in the mountain. The mountain has also many renowned falls including Kuryong and Pibong, as well as beautiful ponds like Sangphal, Kumgang and Jinju.

The mountain area is relatively warm and has much rain and snow when compared with other regions. Sometimes in spring and autumn a strong wind blows at a velocity of over 20 metres per second from the mountain towards the sea.

The mountain has a rich species of plants including indigenous ones because of its diverse topographical, climatic and other natural and geological conditions.

It is a habitat for many plants including Pentactina rupicola , Keumkangsania asiatica , Saussurea diamantica, Androsace cortusaefolia, Peucedanum coreanum which are indigenous to the mountain, as well as for 1 220 species of higher plants. It also abounds with medicinal plants like wild insam, edible herbs and wild fruits, oil-bearing plants and mushrooms.

It is inhabited by more than 250 species of vertebrates.

Phoxinus kumgangensis and 20-odd other kinds of fishes are found in the crystal-clear water running down from the deep valleys. Reptiles and amphibians also live in the mountain. Swallowtails and other species of butterflies add beauty to the magnificent scenery of the mountain.

Preserved in the mountain are Phyohun, Yujom, Singye and many other temples, Buddhist images, pagodas, stupas, monuments and other cultural relics of the Korean nation. For its unique natural and geological conditions, fantastic scenery, rich biodiversity and many historical sites, the mountain was designated as a world biosphere reserve in July 2018 for the fifth of its kind in the DPRK.

Ryu Kum Hyok