Mt Ryongak, a Celebrated Mountain in Pyongyang

Pyongyang in autumn tinted with red maples gives unusual feelings to citizens.

In particular, Mt Ryongak in autumn presents a more spectacular scenery.

The mountain 292 metres above sea level was named after the appearance of its peak that seems to be a dragon soaring up to the sky.

It was formed mainly by neotectonic movements after the upheaval caused by crustal movements in the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic age. It has deep valleys in all directions and its ridges are steep with lots of protruding rocks with slopes of 30 degrees. Crystal-clear spring water gushes out of a gap of rocks on the mountainside all the year round.

Among over 600 species of plants distributed here are a 500-odd-year-old Ryongaksan ginkgo tree and other natural monuments.

The mountain boasts of such historical relics as Pobun Hermitage and Ryonggok School.

Mt Ryongak is called a noted mountain in Pyongyang as it presents superb scenery--mysterious shapes of rocks and peaks, beautiful flowers in full bloom in spring, green forests in summer, red and yellow tree leaves in autumn, and twittering sounds of birds like a symphony of nature.

Tae Peak, its summit, commands a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful city of Pyongyang and the fields in the countryside.

At the foot of the mountain are the Mangyongdae Children’s Camp, Pyongyang Municipal Sanatorium for War Veterans, Ryongaksan Spring Water Factory and Ryongaksan Soap Factory.

Scores-of-kilometre-long roads, several pavilions, pools, playgrounds and outdoor dining places haven been built in the mountain. Holiday-makers enjoy themselves with mountaineering there.