Mount Paektu Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1989, in Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Mount Paektu Biosphere Reserve lies on the border with China, adjoining the Changbaishan Biosphere Reserve. Its northern boundary follows the international frontier: the Amnok (Yalu) River in the west, the Paektu massif across the central section, and the Tumen River in the east. The reserve is a high volcanic plateau and montane-forest landscape shaped by past eruptions, encompassing Lake Chon, the Samjiyon basin and the Rimyŏngsu waterfalls, a young yet ecologically stable mountain system of clear scientific value. The overarching aim of the reserve is to conserve intact forest ecosystems and associated historical sites, while delivering biodiversity protection and restoration, long-term research and education, and carefully managed nature-based tourism with local partners.