Top Things To Do In Paektu Secret Camp (Samjiyon) In 2026 - 2027

Historical Landmark

Top 10 things to do in Paektu Secret Camp

1. Paektu Mountain Hike
Experience the splendor of North Korea's most sacred mountain on this guided hike to the summit of Mount Paektu, an active volcano that holds deep cultural significance to the Korean people, especially in the North. The climb offers breathtaking views of the heavenly Lake Chon located within the crater. The trek is not only a nature adventure but also a journey into the myths and history surrounding this mystical peak, often described as the birthplace of the Korean nation. Additionally, participants will learn about the mountain's importance in the DPRK's revolutionary history, as it is closely associated with the anti-Japanese activities of Kim Il-sung. The hike duration is roughly four hours, allowing ample time at the peak for photographs and reflection.
Duration: 4 hours · Price: Included in tour package
2. Revolutionary History Tour
Dive deep into the heart of North Korean revolutionary history with a guided tour of the Paektu Secret Camp. This immersive experience transports visitors back to the time of the anti-Japanese resistance, showcasing the guerrilla encampments and providing insight into the lives of the fighters, including the Kim family. The tour lasts approximately two hours and covers several preserved structures and monuments, each with its own unique story. Visitors will learn how the harsh environment shaped the resistance movement, hear tales of valor, and gain an understanding of how these narratives continue to influence the country's identity and politics today.
Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package
3. Wildlife Observation
Paektu Secret Camp and its surrounding areas offer a rare opportunity to observe some of the unique wildlife of this secluded region. The dense forests and pristine environments are home to various species such as wild boar, roe deer, and even the elusive Siberian tiger. This activity includes a guided wildlife tour, aiming to provide guests with a glimpse of these animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras for a better experience. The duration of the wildlife observation tour is typically around three hours, depending on the conditions and sightings on the day.
Duration: 3 hours · Price: Included in tour package
4. Cultural Performance
Experience the rich culture of the region with a special performance by local artists and musicians. The show typically features traditional Korean music, dance, and folkloric tales, providing insight into the customs and cultural heritage of the area. The performance takes place in an auditorium or outdoor setting within the camp, creating an authentic and atmospheric venue. Audience members can expect to be captivated for approximately one hour, enjoying a range of acts from stirring revolutionary songs to delicate dances that tell the stories of Korea's past and present.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included in tour package
5. Historic Sites and Monuments Visit
Tour the historic sites and monuments of the Paektu Secret Camp to gain an understanding of the strategic operations during the resistance period against Japanese occupation. Visitors will be guided through places of significance such as the Headquarters Building, the Statue of President Kim Il Sung, and various commemorative sites. These visits serve not only as a learning journey through the intense struggles faced by the guerrilla fighters but also show how these moments are memorialized and continue to hold prominence in the DPRK's national narrative. Each site visit involves a detailed explanation by an experienced guide and lasts around 30 minutes to an hour.
Duration: 3 hours · Price: Included in tour package
6. Local Cuisine Tasting
Indulge in the flavors of the region with a curated tasting of local North Korean cuisine. This activity takes place at a dining facility within the Paektu Secret Camp, where visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes prepared using traditional cooking methods. The meal includes staples such as rice dishes, kimchi, and locally foraged ingredients, offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the area's culture and history. Diners will also have the chance to learn about the significance of each dish and the role that food plays in local customs and festivities. The tasting is a multi-course meal designed to last around two hours, with plenty of time to savor each dish.
Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package
7. Mountaineering Training
Under the guidance of skilled local mountaineers, participants can engage in a mountaineering training session. This activity is set up to equip tourists with basic mountaineering skills and techniques, which are particularly useful considering the rugged terrain of the area. The training includes lessons on safety, the use of specialized equipment like ropes and harnesses, and ascension techniques. With the dramatic backdrop of the Mount Paektu area, this activity merges educational content with the thrill of adventure. Typically, the training session lasts for around two hours and is designed for individuals of all fitness levels.
Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package
8. Campfire Storytelling
Join this unique campfire event to share stories and songs beneath the stars. The activity is designed to foster a sense of camaraderie among the visitors and provide an intimate setting for cultural exchange. As the fire crackles and the night sky glows, participants will listen to and share tales – both personal and historical. Local guides may recount legendary stories of the Korean resistance or personal anecdotes from the area. This storytelling session typically takes place after dinner, lasting for about an hour, and is often accompanied by light traditional snacks and tea.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included in tour package
9. Photography Excursion
Capture the beauty of Paektu Secret Camp and its environs in this guided photography excursion. Suitable for amateur and experienced photographers alike, this activity provides opportunities to photograph the stunning landscapes, historic buildings, and possibly the local wildlife. The guiding photographer will offer tips on composition, lighting, and technique to help participants take the best possible shots. The excursion duration typically runs for about three hours, giving photographers enough time to explore various locations and angles, ensuring they leave with a collection of memorable images.
Duration: 3 hours · Price: Included in tour package
10. Nature Walk and Meditation
Embark on a serene nature walk through the beautiful terrain surrounding Paektu Secret Camp. The walk is designed to encourage mindfulness and connection with nature, allowing participants to unwind and reflect amid the peaceful environment. Along the path, there will be stops for guided meditation and relaxation exercises. The activity facilitator will also provide insights into the local flora and fauna, emphasizing the importance of nature conservation. This peaceful journey through nature lasts about two hours, offering a valuable counterpoint to the more historically charged activities of the camp.
Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package

Other Places to Visit in Samjiyon

View all places to visit in Samjiyon

Mount Paektu

Chonji Lake

Rimyongsu Waterfall

Samjiyon Grand Monument

Historical Museum

Samjiyon Revolutionary Museum

Pegaebong Hotel

Janggun Peak

Samjiyon City Square

Pegae Hill

Explore Places to Visit Near Paektu Secret Camp by Type

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Other Suggested Reads for Paektu Secret Camp

Top 10 things to do in Paektu Secret Camp

1. Paektu Mountain Hike

Experience the splendor of North Korea's most sacred mountain on this guided hike to the summit of Mount Paektu, an active volcano that holds deep cultural significance to the Korean people, especially in the North. The climb offers breathtaking views of the heavenly Lake Chon located within the crater. The trek is not only a nature adventure but also a journey into the myths and history surrounding this mystical peak, often described as the birthplace of the Korean nation. Additionally, participants will learn about the mountain's importance in the DPRK's revolutionary history, as it is closely associated with the anti-Japanese activities of Kim Il-sung. The hike duration is roughly four hours, allowing ample time at the peak for photographs and reflection.

Duration: 4 hours · Price: Included in tour package

2. Revolutionary History Tour

Dive deep into the heart of North Korean revolutionary history with a guided tour of the Paektu Secret Camp. This immersive experience transports visitors back to the time of the anti-Japanese resistance, showcasing the guerrilla encampments and providing insight into the lives of the fighters, including the Kim family. The tour lasts approximately two hours and covers several preserved structures and monuments, each with its own unique story. Visitors will learn how the harsh environment shaped the resistance movement, hear tales of valor, and gain an understanding of how these narratives continue to influence the country's identity and politics today.

Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package

3. Wildlife Observation

Paektu Secret Camp and its surrounding areas offer a rare opportunity to observe some of the unique wildlife of this secluded region. The dense forests and pristine environments are home to various species such as wild boar, roe deer, and even the elusive Siberian tiger. This activity includes a guided wildlife tour, aiming to provide guests with a glimpse of these animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras for a better experience. The duration of the wildlife observation tour is typically around three hours, depending on the conditions and sightings on the day.

Duration: 3 hours · Price: Included in tour package

4. Cultural Performance

Experience the rich culture of the region with a special performance by local artists and musicians. The show typically features traditional Korean music, dance, and folkloric tales, providing insight into the customs and cultural heritage of the area. The performance takes place in an auditorium or outdoor setting within the camp, creating an authentic and atmospheric venue. Audience members can expect to be captivated for approximately one hour, enjoying a range of acts from stirring revolutionary songs to delicate dances that tell the stories of Korea's past and present.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included in tour package

5. Historic Sites and Monuments Visit

Tour the historic sites and monuments of the Paektu Secret Camp to gain an understanding of the strategic operations during the resistance period against Japanese occupation. Visitors will be guided through places of significance such as the Headquarters Building, the Statue of President Kim Il Sung, and various commemorative sites. These visits serve not only as a learning journey through the intense struggles faced by the guerrilla fighters but also show how these moments are memorialized and continue to hold prominence in the DPRK's national narrative. Each site visit involves a detailed explanation by an experienced guide and lasts around 30 minutes to an hour.

Duration: 3 hours · Price: Included in tour package

6. Local Cuisine Tasting

Indulge in the flavors of the region with a curated tasting of local North Korean cuisine. This activity takes place at a dining facility within the Paektu Secret Camp, where visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes prepared using traditional cooking methods. The meal includes staples such as rice dishes, kimchi, and locally foraged ingredients, offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the area's culture and history. Diners will also have the chance to learn about the significance of each dish and the role that food plays in local customs and festivities. The tasting is a multi-course meal designed to last around two hours, with plenty of time to savor each dish.

Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package

7. Mountaineering Training

Under the guidance of skilled local mountaineers, participants can engage in a mountaineering training session. This activity is set up to equip tourists with basic mountaineering skills and techniques, which are particularly useful considering the rugged terrain of the area. The training includes lessons on safety, the use of specialized equipment like ropes and harnesses, and ascension techniques. With the dramatic backdrop of the Mount Paektu area, this activity merges educational content with the thrill of adventure. Typically, the training session lasts for around two hours and is designed for individuals of all fitness levels.

Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package

8. Campfire Storytelling

Join this unique campfire event to share stories and songs beneath the stars. The activity is designed to foster a sense of camaraderie among the visitors and provide an intimate setting for cultural exchange. As the fire crackles and the night sky glows, participants will listen to and share tales – both personal and historical. Local guides may recount legendary stories of the Korean resistance or personal anecdotes from the area. This storytelling session typically takes place after dinner, lasting for about an hour, and is often accompanied by light traditional snacks and tea.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included in tour package

9. Photography Excursion

Capture the beauty of Paektu Secret Camp and its environs in this guided photography excursion. Suitable for amateur and experienced photographers alike, this activity provides opportunities to photograph the stunning landscapes, historic buildings, and possibly the local wildlife. The guiding photographer will offer tips on composition, lighting, and technique to help participants take the best possible shots. The excursion duration typically runs for about three hours, giving photographers enough time to explore various locations and angles, ensuring they leave with a collection of memorable images.

Duration: 3 hours · Price: Included in tour package

10. Nature Walk and Meditation

Embark on a serene nature walk through the beautiful terrain surrounding Paektu Secret Camp. The walk is designed to encourage mindfulness and connection with nature, allowing participants to unwind and reflect amid the peaceful environment. Along the path, there will be stops for guided meditation and relaxation exercises. The activity facilitator will also provide insights into the local flora and fauna, emphasizing the importance of nature conservation. This peaceful journey through nature lasts about two hours, offering a valuable counterpoint to the more historically charged activities of the camp.

Duration: 2 hours · Price: Included in tour package