Mt Kuwol

Pyongyang, September 21 (KCNA) -- Mt Kuwol is a famous mountain on the west coast of the DPRK.

The mountain, located in the northwestern part of South Hwanghae Province, has peculiar seasonal looks. In particular, it is spectacular in autumn. Visitors can feast their eyes on the mountain covered with red and yellow maple leaves from the middle to the end of September. It is said that its name originated from the ninth month of the year (kuwol in Korean) when its beauty is at its height. The mountain has 99 high or low peaks, including the highest Sahwang Peak. Long weathering and erosion shaped all the peaks into wonderful ones.

In its deep valleys there are waterfalls, such as the Ryongyon Falls and the Samhyongje Falls, and small ponds.

The mountain has many historic spots, including Tangundae, said to be the place where Tangun who founded Ancient Korea cultivated his courage, and the Woljong Temple dating back more than 1 000 years.

In the autumn of 1996, Chairman Kim Jong Il visited the Kuwolsan Pleasure Ground under construction, where he said that the picturesque mountain is one of the country's famous mountains and that it would be very good to turn it into a holiday resort for the people as it has many historic spots, legends and the height suitable for mountaineering.

He called for developing the mountain into another eternal asset for the people.

The mountain has transformed into a popular holiday destination under the people-oriented policy of the Party and the state.

The area was registered as a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2004 for its eye-catching mountainous terrain, wonderful valleys and biodiversity. -0-