Kumgangsan
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| Kŭmgangsan | |
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 Location of Kumgangsan. |
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| Elevation | 1638 m |
| Location | Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region, North Korea |
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Kŭmgangsan is one of the most well-known mountains in North Korea, with a height of 1638 metres. It is located on the east coast of the country, in Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region, formerly part of Kangwŏn Province (38.58N, 128.17E). Kŭmgangsan is part of the Taebaek mountain range which runs along the east of the Korean peninsula. The name literally means "Vajra Mountain".
Kŭmgangsan has been known for its beauty since antiquity. It is covered in forests, and the area around Kŭmgangsan has some of the highest levels of precipitation in Korea. The mountain not only features a landscape formed by erosion, but also a great number of deep ponds and waterfalls.
The mountain consists almost entirely of Granite and diorite, which have been weathered over centuries to create a wide variety of shapes. There are a great number of picturesque stone formations, ravines, cliffs, stone pillars and peaks. Over 12,000 such stone formations have been counted. According to the North Korean Government's promotional video, nobody knows who counted them, or when.
Kŭmgangsan is commonly divided into three areas: Inner Kŭmgang, Outer Kŭmgang, and Sea Kŭmgang, each with different geological and topographical features. Inner Kŭmgang is noted for its views. The Manpok ravine is popular with tourists. Outer Kŭmgang is noted for the large number of peaks. Chipson Peak (rock of ten thousand forms) is known for its many waterfalls. The Sea Kŭmgang area is known for the lagoons and stone pillars.
There are many old temples around Kŭmgangsan, although not all are preserved in good condition. Probably the best known temples are Changan-sa and Maha-yon. Other features include: Sea Manmulsang, Kŭmgang Gate, Samil Lagoon, Piro Peak, the Manpok ravine, Myongyong rock, the Paektap ravine, Manmulsang, Kuryong pond, the pools of Upper Pal, Sujong Peak, Ongnyu ravine, the Hanha Stream, and the Sibi waterfalls.
[edit] Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region
Since 1998, South Korean tourists have been allowed to visit Kŭmgangsan, initially travelling by cruise ship, but recently more commonly by coach. In 2002, the area around the mountain was separated from Kangwŏn Province and organized as a separately administered Tourist Region. The land route was opened in 2003. A rail link exists on the North Korean side up to the border, but no tracks are laid between Gangneung and the border in South Korea.
In 1998 there were 15,500 tourists in November and December, in 1999 there were 148,000, and in 2000 213,000. In 2001 tourist numbers dropped to 58,000 amidst disagreements over the access over land. By 2002 almost 500,000 have visited the Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region. Tourist numbers have since established themselves at about 240,000 a year. In June 2005 Hyundai Asan announced the 1 millionth South Korean visit to the area [1].
The Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region is thought to be one way for the North Korean government to receive hard currency from abroad. Therefore the official currency of the tour is neither the South Korean won nor the North Korean won, but the US Dollar. Since 2003 food and services to South Korean tourists are provided by North Koreans. The area is developed by Hyundai Asan, who have plans to expand the site with a proper ski resort to complement the current sleigh course, and complete golf courses. Many plans for expansion, however, are in their earliest stages.
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