North Korea covets some of the most scenic locations in Korea. When you look at these places, it’s hard to believe that the country is troubled in any way. A lot of these places are currently closed to international visitors, but once the ban is lifted, these places might be good travel spots.

Amnok River (압록강) is not only beautiful, but useful as well. The river creates hydroelectric power and provides fish for consumption. The River is also a site of tension. Amnok River borders China and some North Korean refugees have been caught fleeing the border. It’s also a historical site where the Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War were fought.

Moran Hill (모란봉) is a hill located in the capital of North Korea. Some of the tallest trees reside in Moran Hill, and some of the shrubbery is the rarest and oldest in Korea. Moran Hill is also an important historical spot. Kim Il Sung (김일성) is purported to have given a speech at this location. There are multiple monuments commemorating that event.

Baekdu Mountain (백두산) is a sight to behold in every season. Temperatures are unpredictable, which means that the highest peaks will have snow in the summer. In Korean, Baekdu means “white faced”, and was named because of its snowy peaks. Baekdu Mountain has everything. It has a waterfall, hot springs and an inactive volcano.

Heaven Lake (천지) is actually a lake formed by a crater after a large eruption. The water from the Lake is formed from precipitation. The Lake is actually located on Baekdu Mountain, but it has a status of its own in Korean legend. Heaven Lake is where Kim Jong Il (김정일) claims to have been born. In colder months, the lake is often seen frozen with ice.

Kumgangsan (금강산) is a mountain covered by forests. Near the mountain is a resort where visitors can relax. Around the area are lagoons, waterfalls and hilltops for Buddhist monasteries. In 2008, North Korean soldiers shot a woman who was a tourist. Due to the dangerous circumstances, South Korea has suspended all tourism on the site. What a pity!