Kumgangsan
From Free net encyclopedia
| Kŭmgangsan ("Diamond Mountain") | |
|---|---|
| Korean Name | |
| McCune-Reischauer | Kŭmgangsan |
| Revised Romanization | Geumgangsan |
| Hangul | 금강산 |
| Hanja | 金剛山 |
| Statistics | |
| Height | 1638 metres |
| Location | Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region, North Korea |
| Image:Korea kumgang-san seorak san locmap.png | |
Kŭmgangsan ("Diamond Mountain") is the second-tallest mountain in North Korea, with a height of 1638 metres. It is located on the east coast of the country, in Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region, formerly part of Kangwŏn Province (38.58N, 128.17E). Kŭmgangsan is part of the Taebaek mountain range which runs along the east of the Korean peninsula.
Kŭmgangsan has been known for its beauty since antiquity. It is by many considered one of the most beautiful places in East Asia. The mountain not only features a landscape formed by erosion, but also a great number of deep ponds and waterfalls. The mountain is covered in forests, thought to be most attractive in autumn.
The mountain's beauty is largely attributed to the geological structure of the area. The mountain consists almost entirely of Granite and diorite, which have been weathered over centuries to create a wide variety of shapes. There are a great number of picturesque stone formations, ravines, cliffs, stone pillars and peaks. Over 12,000 such stone formations have been counted.
The area around Kŭmgangsan has some of the highest levels of precipitation in Korea. Kŭmgangsan is commonly divided into three areas: Inner Kŭmgang, Outer Kŭmgang, and Sea Kŭmgang. Each area is home to different geological and topographical features. Inner Kŭmgang is often appreciated for its enchanting views. The Manpok ravine is one of the ravines appreciated most by tourists. Outer Kŭmgang is noted for the larger number of peaks. Chipson Peak (rock of ten thousand forms) is known for its many waterfalls. Whereas Inner Kŭmgang is often likened to female beauty, Outer Kŭmgang is likened to male beauty. Kŭmgang Sea is known for the lagoons and stone pillars.
There are many old temples around Kŭmgangsan, although not all are preserved in good condition. Probably the best known temples are Changan-sa and Maha-yon. Other famous sights include: Sea Manmulsang, Kŭmgang Gate, Samil Lagoon, Piro Peak, the Manpok ravine, Myongyong rock, the Paektap ravine, Manmulsang, Kuryong pond, the pools of Upper Pal, Sujong Peak, Ongnyu ravine, the Hanha Stream, and the Sibi waterfalls.
Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region
Since 1998, South Korean tourists have been allowed to visit Kŭmgangsan, initially travelling by cruise ship, but recently more commonly by coach. In 2002, the area around the mountain was separated from Kangwŏn Province and organized as a separately administered Tourist Region. The land route was opened in 2003. A rail link exists on the North Korean side up to the border, but no tracks are laid between Gangneung and the border in South Korea.
By 2002 almost 500,000 have visited the Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region. 1998 there were 15,500 tourists in November and December, in 1999 there were 148,000, and in 2000 213,000. In 2001 tourist numbers dropped to 58,000 amidst disagreements over the access over land. Tourist numbers have since established themselves at about 240,000 a year. In June 2005 Hyundai Asan announced the 1 millionth South Korean visits to the area [1].
The Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region is thought to be one way for the North Korean government to receive hard currency from abroad. Since 2003 food and services to South Korean tourists are provided by North Koreans. The area is developed by Hyundai Asan, who have plans to expand the site with a proper ski resort to complement the current sleigh course, and complete golf courses. Many plans for expansion, however, are in their earliest stages.