Mount Kumgang, renowned for its striking seasonal landscapes and cultural significance, is poised to become North Korea’s third UNESCO World Heritage site following a key recommendation by international advisory bodies.
On May 27, UNESCO confirmed that the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have jointly recommended Mount Kumgang for inscription on the World Heritage List. These organizations serve as advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee, which is responsible for granting official designation. The mountain was submitted under the name “Mount Kumgang – Diamond Mountain from the Sea.”
The scenic mountain, located in the northern Taebaek range, stretches across the counties of Hwacheon, Tongcheon, and Goseong in Gangwon Province. Centered around the 1,638-meter-high peak of Birobong, the area is distinguished by dramatic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil ponds. It is divided into three zones—Naegeumgang (Inner Kumgang), Oegeumgang (Outer Kumgang), and Haegeumgang (Sea Kumgang)—and supports a wide variety of plant life.
Mount Kumgang’s nomination, submitted by North Korea in 2021, was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation resumed this year, with the site being proposed as a mixed heritage site, acknowledging both its cultural and natural attributes.
ICOMOS and IUCN advised that North Korea proceed with the World Heritage designation but recommended the exclusion of marine components in the Haegeumgang and Chongsokjeong regions from the proposed area. Instead, they suggested listing the remainder as a “cultural landscape.”
The final decision on the listing will be made at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled to be held in Paris from July 6 to 16. If approved, Mount Kumgang will join North Korea’s existing World Heritage sites: the Complex of Koguryo Tombs, designated in 2004, and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong, inscribed in 2013. North Korea also has five elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
A drone-captured image of Mount Kumgang’s red-toned autumn scenery, originally broadcast by Korean Central Television on October 24, 2023, showcases the area’s visual splendor and underscores its global cultural value.
