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Mt Paektu UNESCO Global Geopark
Celebrating Earth Heritage
Mt Paektu UNESCO Global Geopark is marked by a fascinating geological legacy, with spectacular landscapes shaped by volcanic eruptions and glacial erosion. It is the first UNESCO Global Geopark to be nominated in the country. Mt Paektu sits at the heart of the geopark and is a key site for understanding volcanic activity. It was the location of one of the largest eruptions in recorded history – the Millennium Eruption in around 1000 CE – which spread volcanic ash as far as Japan and created extraordinary geological features, including Lake Chon, a striking caldera lake that sits at 2,190 meters above sea level. The aftermath of the eruption is vividly preserved in the landscape. Hot springs, carbonised trees and rising magma channels in the Janggun Peak laccolith offer a rare glimpse into different stages of volcanic eruptions. Today, geophysical research continues to monitor Mt Paektu’s volcanic zone where magma chambers and gaseous emissions hint at ongoing activity.
Characteristics
Designation date
2025
Country(ies)
Area (ha)
132,600