On the border between North Korea and China rests Paektu Mountain, though it is known by a different name in China. Not only is it the highest peak in the Korean Peninsula, but it's also an active stratovolcano. Presumably, that makes it a little nerve-wracking to live near. The caldera is home to Lake Chon, which is also the source of several major rivers. Basically, it's an incredibly picturesque spot that is highly important from a cultural and environmental perspective.
Because of this, Paektu Mountain has been awarded status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Locations given this moniker receive it because they have international geographical significance. Additionally, they must be managed in such a way that they are maintained from the perspectives of sustainability, protection, and education. There are currently 229 Global Geoparks spread across 50 countries. 47 of those geoparks can be found in China, which isn't surprising.
Paektu Mountain is the first location in North Korea to receive the UNESCO Global Geopark designation. Given it's significance and it's location in North Korea, visiting the mountain is no simple task for anyone. For foreigners, it's nearly impossible. There are a number of reasons that very few tourists plan their vacations in North Korea. Fortunately, there are other ways to visit the site if you approach it from the Chinese side.
In China, the mountain is known as Changbaishan and received this same designation on that side in 2024. Apparently, North Korea started the process of requesting the designation first, but the country's efforts were stymied and delayed by the pandemic in 2020. While it's unlikely that having a UNESCO Global Geopark in its backyard will do much for tourism in North Korea, that doesn't change the fact that the designation is deserved. Paektu fits the criteria perfectly.