North Korea's Baekdu Mountain has been designated a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark.
On the 10th (local time), the UNESCO Executive Board approved Baekdu Mountain in North Korea as a Global Geopark.
Following the designation of the Chinese portion of Baekdu Mountain as a UNESCO Global Geopark last year, the recognition of the North Korean side of Baekdu Mountain means the entire mountain is now designated as a Global Geopark.
This marks the first Global Geopark for North Korea. Global Geoparks are designated to preserve areas with geological value and manage them sustainably.
North Korea applied for the Global Geopark certification for Baekdu Mountain in 2019, a year ahead of China, but the approval was delayed compared to China due to postponed on-site inspections by experts because of COVID-19.
Earlier, the UNESCO Global Geopark Council explained that Baekdu Mountain is characterized by “majestic landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions,” adding that it is also a region developed with glacial landforms, such as cirques formed by glacial erosion.
It also mentioned the 'Millennium Eruption' that occurred around the year 1000 at Baekdu Mountain, noting that it is considered a volcano likely to erupt again in the future.
Previously, Baekdu Mountain was registered as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in April 1989.
On this day, the UNESCO Executive Board also designated the Danyang Geopark and the East Coast Geopark in Gyeongbuk as Global Geoparks.
Accordingly, the number of Global Geoparks in the country increased to seven. Until now, the existing Global Geoparks included Cheongsong in Gyeongbuk, the Han River, Jeju, the West Coast of North Jeolla, and Mudeungsan in Gwangju.
Once recognized as a Global Geopark, a review and re-evaluation must be conducted every four years. If it does not meet the criteria, the certification may be revoked.