Heaven Lake on Mount Paektu

Heaven Lake on Mount Paektu

Attraction Introduction

Heaven Lake on Mount Paektu is a volcanic crater lake located at the summit of Mount Paektu. It was formed by volcanic activity approximately one million years ago. The lake’s surface sits at an elevation of 2,257 meters. Heaven Lake occupies 40.6% of the total area of the Mount Paektu crater. The lake has a circumference of 14.4 kilometers, covers an area of 9.16 square kilometers, stretches up to 4.64 kilometers in length, averages 1.97 kilometers in width, reaches a maximum width of 3.55 kilometers, has an average depth of 213.3 meters, a maximum depth of 384 meters, and contains 19.55 billion cubic meters of water. The lakeshore features numerous large and small peaks, rocks, hills, and valleys that rise and fall continuously, with steep slopes, clearly defined cliff zones, small basins, and gentle slopes. The lake freezes from mid-October until mid-June of the following year. There are hot springs along the northern shore of Heaven Lake. The lakeside is home to 168 plant species across 35 families, as well as several types of small animals and insects. This includes rare alpine plants such as the Mount Paektu rhododendron that blooms even in snowy conditions. Legend has it that 99 fairies once descended through the clouds and mist upon seeing the beautiful scenery here to bathe in the lake. There is also an aerial cableway leading down to the shores of Heaven Lake.

Pyongyang, North Korea