North Korea, the ever-elusive country, is about to crack open its doors a little wider for foreign tourists. And guess what? One of the first places you can visit is a mountain that’s basically considered the holy grail by Koreans.
The Sacred Mountain: Paektu
We’re talking about Mount Paektu, a fiery, active volcano that’s not just any old mountain. This one holds deep historical significance for both North and South Koreans. Legend has it, this is where the Korean people were born. Yeah, it’s that kind of mountain.
So, here’s the scoop: according to CNN on Friday (August 16, 2024), even though South Koreans are typically banned from visiting North Korea, former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook made it to the top of Mount Paektu. They weren’t alone, though—they had Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, as their tour guides back in 2018. This wasn’t just any hike; it was a big deal, highlighting the massive symbolism tied to this mountain.
Why Is Mount Paektu a Big Deal?
For North Koreans, making the trek to Mount Paektu is like going on a religious pilgrimage. The mountain’s legendary significance is what gives the ruling Kim family their “divine right” to rule—or so they say. Some Western historians argue that the second-generation leader was actually born in Russia, but let’s not get into that messy historical debate.
Before COVID-19 threw a wrench in global travel, Samjiyon—where Mount Paektu is located—was a hotspot for Chinese tourists. They’d roll in by the busload, contributing to North Korea’s tourism revenue, a crucial income stream despite international sanctions over Pyongyang’s not-so-legal nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
What’s the Plan Now?
Kim Jong Un recently took a personal tour of construction sites in Samjiyon, according to North Korean state media. So, they’re gearing up for something big. But, so far, the state media hasn’t spilled the beans on exactly when and how they’ll reopen to foreign tourists.
However, Kim Jong Un has hinted that when they do reopen, they’re likely to roll out the red carpet first for visitors from “friendly” nations—think Russia and China.
So, if you’ve got a thing for sacred mountains, or just want to see a slice of North Korea beyond the usual propaganda, start brushing up on your Russian or Mandarin. Your chance to scale the sacred slopes of Mount Paektu might be just around the corner.