Mount Kumgang Tourist Region

Mount Kumgang Tourist Region is a coastal mountain region in Kangwon Province, North Korea, centered on the Kŭmgangsan (Diamond Mountain) range. The mountain group includes steep granite peaks and a long history as a major scenic area in the Korean Peninsula.

The area is known for dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls and numerous walking routes that run between coastal viewpoints and inland valleys. There are hundreds of named rock formations and scenic spots spread over the region, with main trails linking seaside viewpoints to higher ridge paths and temples. Boat excursions to offshore sea stacks are a noted way to see the coastal rock formations.

The modern tourist programme was developed in the late 1990s by South Korean companies in cooperation with North Korean authorities, with resort infrastructure and guided visitor routes established from about 1998. Operations were suspended after a shooting incident involving a South Korean visitor in 2008 and access since then has been irregular.

The region sits on North Korea’s east coast in Kangwon Province, occupying a stretch of coastal and inland terrain on the Korean Peninsula’s eastern seaboard. It occupies rugged terrain that rises quickly from the shoreline into steep, forested peaks and cliffs.

• Alternative name: Often called "Diamond Mountain" in English and Korean - the name is commonly used in tourism and historical sources.
• Tourism access history: South Korean companies developed visitor resorts and guided tours from 1998 until operations were suspended after 2008; access has been subject to North-South relations and restrictions.

What to See #

• Inner Kumgang (Naegumgang): A traditional division of the tourism area covering the valleys and peaks inland from the coast, noted for steep granite cliffs, waterfalls and temple sites; includes the main mountain summits used for scenic walks.
• Outer Kumgang (Oegumgang): The coastal and lower-elevation zone with sea-facing cliffs, coves and rock stacks; historically developed with resort facilities and ferry access on the eastern flank of the region.
• Sea Kumgang (Haegumgang): Groups of sea stacks and coastal rock formations off the mountain range that are reached by short boat trips from the shore and noted for dramatic coastal scenery.
• Pirobong (highest peak): The highest named summit in the group, rising to approximately 1,638 metres and forming a prominent rocky peak within the range.