Tucked away in North Korea’s remote Ryanggang Province, Samjiyon is one of the country’s most isolated yet symbolically significant towns. Situated near the foot of the sacred Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, Samjiyon holds a special place in North Korean mythology — often referred to as the “birthplace of the Korean revolution” and associated with the family origins of Kim Jong Il.
The Town and Its Transformation
Samjiyon was once a quiet settlement of a few thousand residents surrounded by forests, lakes, and volcanic landscapes. Over the last decade, however, it has undergone a dramatic transformation. North Korean state media describes it as a “model city of socialist civilization,” following an extensive redevelopment project that included new apartment blocks, cultural centers, ski facilities, and modern infrastructure — a showcase of Pyongyang’s vision for rural modernization.
Despite its remote location, Samjiyon is one of the most visually striking towns in the country, with wide boulevards, pastel-colored housing blocks, and snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. Winters are long and harsh, while summers are brief but lush — giving the area an alpine feel unusual for the Korean Peninsula.
Mount Paektu
Just 40 kilometers away lies Mount Paektu (2,744 m), an active volcano and one of North Korea’s most revered natural landmarks. The crater lake, known as Heaven Lake (Chonji), straddles the border with China and attracts a small number of domestic and international tourists — usually as part of tightly controlled tours from Pyongyang. The mountain’s spiritual and political symbolism makes it a central element of North Korean identity, and visiting it is considered a patriotic pilgrimage.
Samjiyon Airport (YJS / ZKSE)
Samjiyon Airport serves as the main gateway for visitors to Mount Paektu. The small airfield lies a few kilometers northwest of the town and features a single paved runway capable of handling aircraft such as the Antonov An-24 and Tupolev Tu-134.
The airport is occasionally used by Air Koryo, the national carrier of North Korea, operating domestic flights from Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport (FNJ). The route is typically designated as JS3501/3502, with aircraft carrying tourists, local officials, or pilgrims traveling to Paektu. Flights are rare and dependent on tour schedules and weather conditions — the region is prone to heavy snow, and flights can be cancelled at short notice.
The terminal facilities are modest but functional, usually only open for the arrival and departure of scheduled tour flights. Photos from visitors show a small building with national slogans and portraits of the Kim family, framed by a dramatic mountainous backdrop.
Visiting Samjiyon
For foreign travelers, reaching Samjiyon is possible only as part of an organized Air Koryo tour. Most itineraries combine the flight from Pyongyang with excursions to Mount Paektu, the Rimyongsu Waterfalls, and the Paektusan Secret Camp, where Kim Il Sung is said to have led guerrilla operations against Japanese occupation.
The experience is unlike anywhere else — equal parts natural wonder and political theater — offering rare insight into how North Korea weaves geography, mythology, and ideology together.
In Summary
- Location: Ryanggang Province, near Mount Paektu, North Korea
- IATA/ICAO: YJS / ZKSE
- Runway: Single paved strip, suitable for medium turboprops and small jets
- Airline Service: Air Koryo (occasional chartered flights from Pyongyang)
- Main Attractions: Mount Paektu, Heaven Lake, Rimyongsu Falls, Paektusan Secret Camp, newly rebuilt socialist model town
Samjiyon stands as both a geographical frontier and a political showcase — a frozen highland town where propaganda meets breathtaking scenery.