A source of pride for the Korean people, Mt Kumgang is widely known around the world. The mountain is endowed with all scenic beauties of nature–valleys, lakes, coast, landscape, etc.

Since olden times, it has been called differently, some of its names being Phungak, Kaegol and Pongnae.

Its wonderful scenery is closely related with the local geological and topographical conditions, climate and distribution of the fauna and flora.

The mountain is blessed with countless peaks, among which there are more than 100 famous peaks, including the main peak Piro. 

Other scenic beauties are numerous odd-shaped rocks including Samson and Kwimyon, valleys, over 20 lookouts including Chonson, Manggun and Paegun, natural stone gates such as Kumgang, Sujong and Hanul, and natural caves including Kumgang and Podok.

The mountain is home to 2 000 or so species of plants; among them, over 100 are indigenous and more than 1 000 are garden plants.

There are some rare plants including Kumgang-kuksunamu and Kumgang-chorong, which are put on the list of natural monuments.

The mountain is also inhabited by many animals, fishes and birds, adding beauty to the scenery.

It is divided into four sections–Outer Kumgang, Inner Kumgang, Sea Kumgang and Pyol Kumgang, each one boasting its unique natural scenery.

As the Koreans have long believed that Mt Kumgang is the best of scenic beauties in the world, some other mountains in the country were nicknamed after it. To cite a few examples, Mt Jangsu has been called Hwanghae Kumgang (Mt Kumgang in Hwanghae Province), and Mt Chilbo, Hambuk Kumgang (Mt Kumgang in North Hamgyong Province).