Mount Paektu is a volcanic giant that serves as a vital ecological sanctuary

Nature · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Straddling the border between North Korea and China, Mount Paektu is more than a majestic stratovolcano. It is a high-altitude laboratory of biodiversity, a source of major rivers, and a cultural touchstone. Beneath its snow-capped summit lies a massive caldera, holding secrets of ancient eruptions and ongoing geological activity.

Mount Paektu is a high volcanic plateau and montane-forest landscape, defined by its dramatic geological history. The mountain was formed through an initial eruption that created a thick pumice layer, followed by a second event that built the main volcanic structures above it. Today, this system supports distinct forest ecosystems, including larch forests on the lower pumice layers and volcanic conifer forests at higher elevations. The reserve is a critical habitat for rare species, such as the tiger, dhole, and grey wolf, alongside various medicinal plants.

The mountain’s central feature is Lake Chon, a deep crater lake nestled within the caldera. This high-altitude environment creates strong habitat gradients, which are essential for maintaining the region's high biodiversity. Beyond its ecological role, the mountain functions as a vital watershed. It serves as the source for the Amnok, Tumen, and Songhua rivers, providing essential water resources and flood regulation for the surrounding areas. The landscape is also a site of significant human activity, with local communities relying on the forest for timber, medicinal herbs, and agriculture, particularly in the Samjiyŏn basin.

Scientific interest in the mountain remains high, with institutions like the Hyesan Institute of Forest Science conducting long-term research on forest biodiversity and climate-related changes at the treeline. While the mountain is a symbol of stability and natural heritage, it remains geologically active. The central section of the mountain is rising by about 3 mm per year, a phenomenon attributed to magma accumulating beneath the surface. This ongoing activity, combined with the mountain's history of massive eruptions, ensures that Mount Paektu remains a subject of both intense scientific study and careful monitoring for future volcanic potential.

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