DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Kumgang Mountains

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
—°6
Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)

Weather…

The Kumgang Mountains, often called the Diamond Mountains, are located in the Kangwon Province of North Korea and represent one of the most significant natural landmarks on the Korean Peninsula. Stretching over 160,000 square kilometers, the range is divided into Inner, Outer, and Sea Kumgang, each offering distinct geological features. The highest peak is Birobong, reaching an elevation of 1,638 meters above sea level. For centuries, these mountains have been a center of Korean Buddhism, hosting numerous temples like Pyohunsa, which dates back to the 7th century. The geological composition primarily consists of granite and diorite, which have been eroded into thousands of jagged peaks and deep ravines over millions of years. Between 1998 and 2008, the area was part of a special tourist region that allowed South Korean visitors to explore the scenic trails under strict supervision. Today, the mountains remain a symbol of national pride and a primary destination for domestic tourism and international mountaineering expeditions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-7-4171419222217113-5
Rain mm243337697996324259150746528

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Access is historically restricted and typically requires joining official, state-approved guided tours to enter the region.
📅
Best season
Autumn is widely celebrated for spectacular foliage, though spring also features blooming landscapes and pleasant hiking weather.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
Features dramatic granite peaks, steep rocky staircases, and well-maintained pathways near the most popular waterfalls.
🎒
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera for the remarkable rock formations, and lightweight layers for changing elevations.
🅿️
Parking
Logistics are handled entirely by official tour operators; private vehicles are generally not permitted in the tourist zones.
⚠️
Safety
Visitors must stick strictly to designated trails and follow all regulations set by the local guides or authorities.
⏱️
Time needed
The area is typically explored over one to three days as part of an organized scenic itinerary.

Geography

Coordinates
38.65000, 128.05000

Facts

  • The highest peak is Birobong, standing at 1,638 meters.
  • The mountain range is said to consist of 12,000 peaks.
  • The Geumgangsan Tourist Region operated from 1998 to 2008.
  • The historic Pyohunsa Temple was founded in the year 670 AD.
  • The geology is primarily composed of granite and diorite rocks.
  • The total area of the range exceeds 160,000 square kilometers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mount KumgangMount Kumgang6 km · NExplore →
Okryu ValleyOkryu Valley12 km · NExplore →
Northern Taebaek MountainsNorthern Taebaek Mountains12 km · SEExplore →
Lake SijungLake Sijung13 km · WExplore →
DMZ Eco-Peace ParkDMZ Eco-Peace Park24 km · EExplore →
Tongchon CoastTongchon Coast33 km · SWExplore →
Gangdong-riGangdong-ri37 km · SWExplore →
InjeInje42 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kumgang Mountains (6)

Chongyang Temple

A Buddhist temple in the Diamond Mountains, North Korea. Its exact history is not recorded.

Ryongsan Hall

A Buddhist hall in the Kumgang Mountains. Used for prayer and meditation.

Panya Hall

Temple building in the Diamond Mountains. Hosts Buddhist ceremonies.

Pyohun Temple

North Korean temple in the Kumgang Mountains. A destination for pilgrims and tourists.

Myongbu Hall

A hall in the Diamond Mountains, used for religious rituals.

Stupas of Paekhwa Hermitage

Stone stupas in the Kumgang Mountains. They mark the site of a former hermitage.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kumgang mean?
It means 'Diamond Mountain', named after the beauty of the rocks sparkling in the sunlight.
Is the mountain range accessible to tourists?
Yes, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations, formerly open to South Koreans as well.
Which regions of the mountains are the most beautiful?
They are divided into Inner Kumgang, Outer Kumgang, and Sea Kumgang (coastal area).
Are there waterfalls there?
Yes, the Kuryong Waterfall is one of the most famous and a popular hiking destination.
What is the difficulty level of the hiking trails?
There is everything from easy walking paths to steep trails with iron ladders.
Kumgang Mountains: where is it located?
Kumgang Mountains is located in North Korea.
Kumgang Mountains: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chongyang Temple, Ryongsan Hall, Panya Hall.
Kumgang Mountains: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Kumgang Mountains: why is it worth visiting?
The Kumgang Mountains, often called the Diamond Mountains, are located in the Kangwon Province of North Korea and represent one of the most significant natural landmarks on the Korean Peninsula.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in North Korea →

Nearby cities

Wonsan — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Wonsan
Wonsan is a port city and a major naval base on the coast of the East Korea Bay.
Mount Kumgang — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Mount Kumgang
A spectacular mountain range on the east coast, famous for its bizarre rock formations and thousands of peaks.
Lake Sijung — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Lake Sijung
An idyllic coastal lake famous for its medicinal mud and tranquil, pine-fringed surroundings.
Gangdong-ri — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Gangdong-ri
A coastal locality in Kangwon Province, famous for the Sijungho Beach Resort and therapeutic mud.
Munchon — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Munchon
Munchon is a city on the east coast north of Wonsan that combines maritime economy and agriculture.
Masikryong Ski Resort — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Masikryong Ski Resort
The country's most modern winter sports center offers first-class slopes and luxury accommodation on Taehwa Peak.

Nature

Tongchon Coast — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Tongchon Coast
A stretch of coast in Kangwon province, featuring sandy beaches and scenic cliffs.
Sijung Lake — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Sijung Lake
A coastal lagoon in Kangwon Province, renowned for its therapeutic mud.
Ullim Falls — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Ullim Falls
A relatively newly discovered waterfall, its name meaning 'Echo', which has been developed into a tourist attraction.

More places

Pyohun Temple — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Pyohun Temple
Pyohun Temple is one of the most famous surviving Buddhist temples in the Diamond Mountains (Kumgang-san).
🗺️
Okryu Valley
A famous valley in the Kumgang Mountains, known for its jade-colored ponds and waterfalls.
Northern Taebaek Mountains — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Northern Taebaek Mountains
The northern extension of the Taebaek mountain range, which extends into North Korea and includes the Kumgang Mountains.
Battle of Kumsong Battlefield — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Battle of Kumsong Battlefield
The Kumsong Valley in Kangwon Province was the scene of the last and most massive offensive during the Korean War in July 1953, just week…
Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area
A large-scale tourism development project in Wonsan.
Songdowon International Children's Camp — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Songdowon International Children's Camp
A large summer camp in Wonsan for North Korean and international children, promoting cultural exchange.
Wonsan Youth Park — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Wonsan Youth Park
A public park in Wonsan providing recreational areas, sports facilities, and green space for the city's residents.
Kumgang Park (Wonsan) — Kumgang Mountains (North Korea)
Kumgang Park (Wonsan)
A public park in the coastal city of Wonsan, named after the famous Kumgang Mountains, serving as a recreational spot.