Paektu Mountain

#11 among destinations in China

Nature, Natural attraction, Top attraction, Volcano

Gallery (16)

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Laika ac / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Russavia / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rotatebot / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / TKostolany / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Russavia / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Antigng / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / NASA / URL

Facts and practical information

Paektu Mountain, straddling the border between China and North Korea, is a prominent natural landmark revered for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its breathtaking natural beauty. This stratovolcano, which stands at an impressive 2,744 meters, is also known as Baekdu Mountain or Changbai Mountain and is the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula.

The mountain is home to the spectacular Heaven Lake, a crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption in 946 AD, which is one of the deepest lakes in the world. The area surrounding Paektu Mountain is characterized by lush forests, hot springs, and a rich biodiversity that includes many rare species, making it a valuable ecological reserve.

Historically, Paektu Mountain is considered a sacred place, especially in Korean mythology, where it is often associated with the birthplace of Dangun, the legendary founder of the first Korean kingdom. It holds a special place in Korean culture and is featured prominently in both North and South Korean iconography.

In recent times, Paektu Mountain has attracted scientists and tourists alike. The volcano is classified as dormant, with the last recorded eruption dating back to the early 20th century. Nonetheless, its volcanic status is closely monitored due to its potential impact on the region.

Local name: 长白山 Last eruption: 1903Elevation: 9003 ftProminence: 8507 ftCoordinates: 42°0'26"N, 128°3'22"E

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JilinChina

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Day trips

Paektu Mountain – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Heaven Lake, 946 eruption of Paektu Mountain, Baekdudaegan.

~400 ftS
Nature, Natural attraction, View point
Heaven Lake
2 min walk • Nestled in the Changbai Mountain Range, Heaven Lake is a stunning alpine lake that graces the border between China and North Korea. This crater lake, formed in the caldera of the dormant Baekdu Mountain, sits at an elevation of 2,189 meters, making it one of the...
1.5 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
946 eruption of Paektu Mountain
38 min walk • The 946 eruption of Paektu Mountain in Korea and China, also known as the Millennium Eruption or Tianchi eruption, was one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history and is classified as a VEI-7 event. The eruption resulted in a brief period of significant climate change in Manchuria.
~680 ftSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Natural feature
Baekdudaegan
4 min walk • The Baekdu-daegan is a mountain-system and watershed-crest-line which runs through almost all of the length of the Korean Peninsula, from Paektu Mountain in the north to the Cheonhwang-bong or "Heavenly Monarch Peak" of Jirisan in the south.