Hyesan, North Korea: travel guide
Mountain border town and the gateway to Mount Paektu and Lake Chon
Hyesan is the capital of Ryanggang Province in the mountains of northern North Korea, bordering China across the Yalu River.
About Hyesan
Hyesan is the capital of Ryanggang Province, high in the mountains of the far north on the Yalu River, facing China. Its chief interest for visitors is as the gateway to Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean peninsula at 2,744 m.
The mountain is topped by the volcanic crater lake known as Lake Chon, a landscape of deep blue water and rocky rim that is sacred in Korean tradition. The region is cold, forested and remote, a very different world from the coast.
Hyesan suits those drawn to mountain scenery and the symbolism of Paektu. Summer is the main window, since the high country is under snow for much of the year.
- Country
- North Korea
- Currency
- KPW
- Time zone
- Asia/Pyongyang
Last updated
Top places to visit in Hyesan
Mount Paektu (Paektusan)
volcanic mountain · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The highest peak on the Korean peninsula at 2,744 m and North Korea's most sacred site. The summit crater holds Lake Chon (Heaven Lake) — a spectacular volcanic caldera lake at 2,189 m altitude with strikingly blue water. Access is by jeep…
Things to do
- Mount Paektu Crater Lake Excursion Adventure · 6 h · from INR 92,000 per person
Getting to Hyesan
Nearest airport: Wonsan (WOS), about 255 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Car With Driver
- Walking