Mt Paektu 2 750 metres above sea level rose in the course of crystal movements that had happened several times since the crystalline fundament of the platform was formed in the Archaeozoic era, an early period in the history of the Earth. More specifically, it is a creation of Nature which was formed by a huge volcanic eruption between the late tertiary period and the quaternary period of the Neogene, a modern geological time.

An enormous volcano erupted nearly one million years ago in this area as molten rock over 1 000℃ deep underground welled up as the crust split due to crystal movements.

The unique landscape of Mt Paektu is mostly associated with such volcanic activities and the consequent climatic conditions and other natural and geological elements.

On top of the mountain there are many peaks over 2 000 metres above sea level, which surround Lake Chon, a caldera lake, with cliffs as sharp as 60 degrees and beyond standing like a folding screen. Different as their shapes and heights are, the peaks are connected to each other and look mild, flat and passable in all directions when they are seen from afar. From the lakeshore, however, it looks most mountainous and steep. Among the rolling peaks of Paektu are high and large ones like Janggun Peak, a low peak, a steep peak and a peak with its top as flat and round as a lid. All peaks originated from the major peak of Janggun. There are more than 20 peaks over 2 500 metres above sea level among a number of peaks around the caldera.

The area of Piru Peak east of the caldera consists of the roughest and steepest cliffs. The peak is a unique mountain body representative of the mountainous beauty of the caldera, and has a comparatively distinctive range. Here are Kom Rock resembling a bear sitting with its paws drawn as if it stands guard for Lake Chon, Chokdae Rock, Saja Rock, Mujigae Rock and other rocks of different shapes that had long been exposed to erosion. These peaks are called the myriad-shaped peaks of Mt Paektu.

As a famous peak, Jong Il Peak constitutes a special position on Mt Paektu. It is recognized as the foremost peak of the DPRK as it defends Chairman Kim Jong Il ’s birthplace in the Paektusan Secret Camp.

The sunrise on Mt Paektu is so wonderful and beautiful that it is regarded as the most thrilling scene in the mountain. At the crack of dawn rolling mountains stretching over a vast stretch of forests and the peaks and cliffs shrouded in thin mist begin to be bathed in an orange and reddish glow, the colour of which turns thicker and thicker to make all ablaze. The rising sun casts a dazzling shine to the towering peaks of Janggun and Hyangdo.

When the peaks centred on Janggun and Hyangdo soak up the sunshine, the crystal-clear water of Lake Chon starts to ripple breaking the silence. After sunrise freak of nature is noticeable.

Pak Song Chol