Mt Chilbo, one of the celebrated mountains of Korea, is situated on the east coast of the country. The area of the mountain was registered as a world biosphere reserve in the country in 2014 as the fourth of its kind.

The mountain (1 103 m) was formed by volcanic action about a million years ago. When the lava that had spouted out of deep underground was cooled down, numerous fissures were formed. The fissures underwent weathering, erosion and collapse over a long period of time, creating rocks of fantastic shapes, including different stone gates, caves and pillars, tiers of rocks, fault and ravines, and cliffs, which offer magnificent and unique scenery.

Covering over 50 000 hectares in total, the area consists of diverse ecosystems based on forest ecosystem. It is a home to more than 270 species of vertebrates and over 820 species of higher plants.

A northern limit of southern plants and at the same time a southern limit of northern plants, the area has a dozen species of indigenous plants including Sasa coreana and scores of species of endangered animals and plants.

In particular, there are songi mushroom of high economic value, a large number of trees bearing edible fruits such as wild grape, tara, pine nut, chestnut and wild walnut, over 60 species of edible herbs including aralia shoot, broad bellflower and Codonopsis lanceolata , as well as over 130 species of medicinal plants, which are used as traditional medicinal materials, including wild insam, Schizandra chinensis fruit and Cortex acanthopanacis .

Many historical remains and relics from the primitive, ancient and medieval ages showing the long history of the Korean nation have been unearthed and are preserved in the area. A typical example is the Kaesim Temple. In addition, there are over 10 natural monuments like Tal (moon) Gate in Sea Chilbo and more than 160 scenic spots. The vast and splendid forests and wonderfully-shaped peaks blend well with the seascape of Sea Chilbo, creating beautiful natural scenery. Tourist activities have been conducted in the area since a long time ago.

The area, located in a country’s northeastern province of North Hamgyong, has a ring road over 200km long which is connected with the main road of over 100 kilometres and other branch and sightseeing roads, which offers easy access to all scenic spots in Inner Chilbo, Outer Chilbo and Sea Chilbo.

The world-famous mountain has been laid out as a people’s cultural recreation resort and a tourist destination.

Kim Kil Nam