Mt. Paektu

Korea's Sacred Mountain

Rising from the far north at 2,750 meters, Mt. Paektu, or Paektusan (백두산/白頭山) in Korean, is the roof of Korea. It is a sacred volcano crowned with the sapphire waters of Heaven Lake, called Chonji (천지/天池) in Korea and Tianchi (天池) in China, formed by one of the most powerful eruptions in human history. Koreans in both north and south revere it as the birthplace of their nation, where legend says King Tangun founded Gojoseon (고조선/古朝鮮), the first Korean kingdom, and where the Korean people are said to have originated.

Half of Paektusan now lies in China, where it is called Changbaishan (長白山). Most South Koreans can only visit that side, which is bustling with tourists and has a completely different vibe from the calm Korean side. This landscape once sheltered guerrilla fighters in the struggle against Japanese rule, deepening its historic and symbolic significance for the Korean people.

Getting to Mt. Paektu

To visit Mt. Paektu, book a tour specifically including it in its itinerary. These operate exclusively in August or September, covering the charter flight between Pyongyang and Samjiyon. Alternatively, private tours can be arranged to align with the flight schedule. From Samjiyon, journey by road through dense forests and alpine scrubland to the base of Korea's sacred mountain. Ascend to Korea's highest peak on foot or by funicular railway, and get a breathtaking panoramic view Heaven Lake, the world's highest volcanic crater lake, resting in the volcano's caldera. Once you've taken in the view and snapped photos, descend to the crystal-clear shores on foot or by cable car (weather permitting).

Mt. Paektu Secret Camp

Tucked away in a secluded alpine valley surrounded by high, rugged peaks, this is where President Kim Il Sung directed the anti-Japanese struggle, and is said to be the birthplace of General Kim Jong Il. The reconstructed camp offers a look into how the guerrillas lived through the harsh winters and short summers, and the resolve it took to operate from such remote terrain.

Can't Visit the DPRK or Travel in August/September?

In front of Heaven Lake on Mt. Paektu's Chinese side: a stone marker inscribed with the lake's name in Deng Xiaoping's calligraphy.

Experience Mt. Paektu from China instead! For travelers unable to enter the DPRK or visit during the narrow flight window, the Chinese side of the mountain offers a distinct atmosphere with equally breathtaking views of the same majestic peak. Your journey begins at Changbaishan Railway Station (長白山站) in Erdao Baihe Town (二道白河鎮), a quaint town just 37 km north of the Changbai Mountains North Scenic Area. After a day on the mountain, return to Erdao Baihe and relax at one of the many hot springs.

Erdao Baihe - the small town at the base of China's side of Changbaishan, or Mt. Paektu.

Consider extending your trip to the Chinese side of Mt. Paektu by exploring of Northeast China’s rich heritage: wander through Shenyang (瀋陽) where the Qing Dynasty took root, uncover stories of shared Chinese-Korean resistance against Japanese imperialism, and immerse yourself in Yanbian (延邊), home to the Chaoxianzu (朝鮮族), China's ethnic Korean community, where local life seamlessly fuses Chinese and Korean traditions. Centuries of Korean influence make this region culturally vibrant, and you'll find authentic DPRK encounters through restaurants and cultural venues staffed by north Korean citizens just across the Yalu River. In Dandong (丹東), witness powerful symbols of Sino-Korean history: stand at the broken remains of the original Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge bombed during the Korean War, then take a boat trip along the river to observe daily village life in the DPRK.

Let us craft your tailored Northeast China itinerary where history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes converge.