NKnews 4월 14일자 기사 중

한기호 아주통일연구소 교수/연구실장

“By associating the Kim family with Mount Paektu, North Korea constructs a sacred national origin that reinforces ideological loyalty and justifies hereditary leadership,” Han Ki-ho, director of Research at the Ajou Institute for Unification told NK News. “The mountain is not just a geographical landmark — it’s a symbolic foundation for the regime’s identity.”

Han said UNESCO likely considered the area’s glacially carved valleys and volcanic formations particularly significant, adding that “the presence of active geological processes — especially with Mount Paektu being an active volcano — increases its scientific value.” 

Han also cited Heaven Lake (Paektu Chonji), formed in a crater atop the mountain, Jong Il Peak, Rimyongsu Waterfall and pumice strata believed to be remnants of a millennium-old eruption as among the area’s geological highlights. 

Mount Paektu boasts a long history of environmental protection, first designated as a plant reserve in 1946 under North Korea’s early conservation efforts. Over the decades, it gained additional layers of protected status, culminating in its recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989. This designation — held by more than 740 sites globally as of 2022 — aims to preserve biodiversity, support ecological research, and promote sustainable development.

China, which controls the southern half of the mountain — known there as Changbai Mountain (长白山) — registered its portion as a UNESCO Global Geopark in March 2024. Han Some analysts speculatedspeculate that the Chinese listing may have spurred North Korea to push for similar recognition on its side of the border.

“This kind of designation has growing significance for North Korea, particularly as it seeks to develop tourism despite sanctions,” Han noted. “The regime has invested heavily in promoting both tangible and intangible heritage, especially under Kim Jong Un. This recognition could enhance tourism appeal, particularly in the Samjiyon area, which has been a focus of development.”

[기사 링크]

https://www.nknews.org/2025/04/north-korea-boasts-of-mount-paektus-unesco-designation-as-global-geopark/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJp6I5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrgFr4m3h2bygBFkLl8G6Dnxff0jbcsOjck51Zh1_pNk956c9-rggXXw2_9f_aem_3qz3VhabH1u2-_uSPRgbyA