Movie 'Baekdusan' Effect? Treasure Island Tour and Baekdusan Travel Reservations Surge

Baekdusan Cheonji

Winter Scenery of Jangbaek Waterfall

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Baekdusan Winter Season Popular Hotel Dynasty Oncheon Hotel

[Asia Economy, Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist] Perhaps thanks to the success of the disaster film "Baekdusan," which depicts the last eruption of Baekdusan, reservations for Baekdusan travel packages offered by Treasure Island Tour, a comprehensive travel company operated by KMH Group (Chairman Choi Sang-joo), are skyrocketing. We explored the appeal of traveling to Baekdusan, the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula.

◇What are the Northern Course, Western Course, and Baekdusan Travel Routes?

A road has been developed that allows travel by car up to Cheonji (Heaven Lake) on Baekdusan. This route is called the "Northern Course," and compared to the physically demanding trekking route called the "Western Course," it is the main course mainly used by tourists due to its convenience. The term "pa (坡)" means hill, and there are four courses depending on the direction of ascent.

The Northern, Southern, and Western courses are managed by China, while the Eastern course is managed by North Korea. Among these, the Southern course is closed by the Baekdusan Management Bureau, so realistically, the courses we can visit are only the Northern and Western courses. The main tourist attractions on the Northern Course include Cheonji (Heaven Lake), Changbai Waterfall, and the hot spring area near the summit. It is recommended to choose a course according to your age and physical condition.

◇From Baekdusan’s Highlight 'Cheonji' to the 'Hot Spring Area'

At 2,750 meters, Baekdusan is surrounded like a folding screen by 16 mountain peaks. Even just seeing photos is overwhelming due to its grandeur, but those who have actually seen Cheonji unanimously say they felt a deep emotional impact and shivers. This is because there is a feeling that photos cannot convey. The Changbai Waterfall, formed by the water flowing from Cheonji, never freezes throughout the year. The waterfall, cascading down a 68-meter vertical cliff, boasts grandeur matching its size. The hot spring area near the summit produces natural hot spring water due to the geothermal heat of the dormant volcano Baekdusan. You can also taste eggs, corn, and potatoes cooked in Baekdusan hot spring water.

◇Hotels Where You Can Enjoy Baekdusan’s Natural Hot Springs

Baekdusan’s natural hot spring water is also called "the water of the gods" because it is effective not only for health but also for skin beauty. The Dynasty Hot Spring Hotel is a quasi five-star hotel and a popular hotel during Baekdusan’s winter season. It features 26 indoor and 13 outdoor hot spring baths with various themes and temperatures, as well as a swimming pool and sauna.

Treasure Island Tour’s Baekdusan travel package minimizes vehicle transfers by using a direct flight from Incheon to Yanji on Korean Air, the national carrier. It includes the popular Northern Course of Baekdusan and hot spring bathing at the Dynasty Hotel, and offers six special meals during the trip, including Korean dishes like stone pot rice and bulgogi, as well as Yanbian and Northeast Chinese cuisine to nourish both body and mind.

A representative from Treasure Island Tour said, "This travel package allows you to experience the sacred mountain of the nation, Baekdusan, and enjoy the hot springs together. Since daytime temperatures rise above freezing starting in March, it is a suitable time for Baekdusan travel, making it popular as a filial piety trip for parents, so it is advisable to make reservations early."