Mount Kumgang Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mount Kumgang, renowned for its breathtaking seasonal landscapes and often referred to as 'the best mountain under heaven,' has officially been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by North Korea. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee made this announcement during its 47th session held in Paris on July 13, 2025. This marks North Korea's third UNESCO World Heritage designation, following the 'Goguryeo Tombs' in 2004 and the 'Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong' in 2013.
Rising to 1,638 meters, Mount Kumgang features a stunning array of peaks, unique rock formations, and waterfalls. The committee praised the site for its significant cultural landscape, highlighting its unique topography, scenic beauty, and the intertwined history and traditions of Buddhism and pilgrimage.
North Korea submitted its application for Mount Kumgang as a mixed heritage site, encompassing both cultural and natural heritage, in 2021. However, the evaluation process was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, and it was only included for consideration this year after a four-year hiatus. In May, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommended the site for inscription.
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