Mount Paektu, located on the border between North Korea and China, has officially joined the UNESCO Global Geopark network.
UNESCO’s executive board approved the North Korean side of Mount Paektu during a meeting held in Paris earlier this week. This decision marks North Korea’s first successful entry into the prestigious UNESCO Global Geopark program.
The UNESCO Global Geopark initiative recognizes sites of outstanding geological significance and promotes sustainable development and conservation. Mount Paektu, a prominent stratovolcano, offers rich geological formations, attracting attention for its scientific and cultural importance.
Interestingly, the Chinese side of the mountain, known as Mount Changbaishan, already received UNESCO Global Geopark status last year. Despite North Korea initiating its application in 2019, China gained the listing first due to pandemic-related inspection delays in the North.
UNESCO’s council for geoparks highlighted Mount Paektu’s unique features, including cirques shaped by glacial erosion, along with moraine hills and outwash plains. These topographical elements reflect a diverse and well-preserved glacial landscape, aligning with UNESCO Global Geopark standards.
Experts noted that such geological structures offer valuable insight into Earth’s glacial history and environmental evolution. Thus, UNESCO emphasized the importance of conserving the area for both scientific research and sustainable tourism.
In addition to Mount Paektu’s new designation, South Korea also received recognition for two additional sites. The Danyang and Gyeongbuk Donghaean regions were both added to the UNESCO Global Geopark network, increasing South Korea’s total geopark count to seven.
Overall, the inclusion of Mount Paektu not only elevates North Korea’s international environmental status but also reflects broader regional interest in protecting geological heritage. As the UNESCO Global Geopark network continues expanding, more nations are recognizing the long-term benefits of global cooperation in natural preservation.
