
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Hamhŭng, Korea, North
1. Kumgang Mountain National Park
World-renowned scenic beauty with diverse wildlife, including the endangered red-crowned crane and the Asiatic black bear.
- Unique Wildlife: Offers a chance to see rare and endangered species not found elsewhere.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and historic temples.
- Cultural Significance: Combines natural beauty with rich cultural and historical sites.
2. Myohyangsan National Park
Home to the famous 'Buddha's Hands' rock formations and a haven for wildlife such as the mandarin duck.
- Unique Landscapes: Features unique rock formations unlike any other park in Hamhŭng.
- Wildlife Diversity: Provides opportunities to spot a variety of rare and beautiful bird species.
- Historical Significance: Includes historic temples and cultural sites dating back thousands of years.
3. Paekdu Mountain National Park
Home to the active volcano Paektu-san and various endemic species such as the Korean brown bear.
- Active Volcano: Allows visitors to explore an active volcano, a rare experience.
- Endemic Species: Offers a chance to observe local species found nowhere else in the world.
- Historical and Cultural Importance: Holds significant historical and cultural value as a sacred mountain for Koreans.
4. Sinyu-gang National Park
A tranquil park known for its beautiful waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and vibrant flora.
- Scenic Waterfalls: Features stunning waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.
- Clear Streams: Offers opportunities for peaceful streamside walks and picnics.
- Flora Diversity: Showcases a variety of unique and beautiful plant species.
5. Kapchagryong Wildlife Refuge
A protected area home to various rare and endangered species such as the Amur tiger.
- Endangered Species: Offers the opportunity to observe critically endangered animals.
- Protected Area: Provides a safe habitat for wildlife, helping to preserve and protect rare species.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful forests, rivers, and mountains.
6. Songdowon Spa Resort and Beach
A coastal resort with a wildlife sanctuary focusing on the red-lobed turtle.
- Red-Lobed Turtle Sanctuary: Provides protection and care for this endangered species.
- Coastal Resort: Offers beach activities, spa treatments, and comfortable accommodations.
- Natural Scenery: Surrounded by lush forests, mountains, and pristine beaches.
7. Chilbo Island National Park
A remote island known for its beautiful beaches, unique rock formations, and migratory bird populations.
- Unique Geology: Features distinctive granite rock formations.
- Migratory Birds: Attracts a variety of migratory bird species during specific seasons.
- Remote and Tranquil: Provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with peaceful and serene surroundings.
8. Kumgang-ryong National Park
A mountainous park with beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife including the leopard cat.
- Beautiful Valleys: Features picturesque valleys nestled amidst the mountains.
- Unique Wildlife: Offers a chance to spot various unique and elusive wildlife species.
- Waterfalls and Rivers: Features cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers perfect for hiking and relaxation.
9. Myohyangbong Peak National Park
A scenic park with stunning mountain views, historic temples, and diverse wildlife such as the musk deer.
- Scenic Mountains: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Historic Temples: Includes famous historic temples such as the Pohyon Temple.
- Wildlife Diversity: Provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including the elusive musk deer.
10. Ryonggang-ryong National Park
A park known for its beautiful forests, waterfalls, and opportunities to spot the Asiatic black bear.
- Beautiful Forests: Features lush, dense forests teeming with wildlife.
- Waterfalls: Includes several cascading waterfalls perfect for hiking and exploration.
- Asiatic Black Bear Sightings: Offers a chance to spot the elusive Asiatic black bear in its natural habitat.
11. Paektusan-ryong National Park
A park centered around Paektu-san volcano with diverse landscapes and various wildlife species.
- Active Volcano: Allows visitors to explore the active volcano, Paektu-san.
- Diverse Landscapes: Includes diverse landscapes such as forests, mountains, and valleys.
- Wildlife Diversity: Provides opportunities to observe various wildlife species adapting to different ecosystems within the park.
12. Hamhung City Zoo
A family-friendly zoo showcasing a variety of wildlife species from around the world.
- Family-Friendly: Designed to be enjoyable and educational for both children and adults.
- Wildlife Variety: Showcases a diverse range of wildlife species, including exotic and endangered animals.
- Conservation Efforts: Works to support the conservation of various threatened species through educational programs and partnerships.
13. Chongchun-gang National Park
A park with beautiful waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and opportunities to spot the rare Siberian tiger.
- Beautiful Waterfalls: Features stunning waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.
- Crystal-Clear Streams: Offers opportunities for peaceful streamside walks and picnics.
- Siberian Tiger Sightings: Provides a chance to spot the critically endangered Siberian tiger in its natural habitat.
14. Hamhung Botanical Garden
A tranquil garden showcasing a diverse range of flora from around the world.
- Diverse Flora: Showcases a wide variety of plant species, including rare and exotic plants.
- Relaxing Environment: Provides a peaceful and relaxing environment perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about plants, their cultivation, and conservation.
15. Wonsan Wetland Reserve
A protected area dedicated to the preservation of migratory birds and other wetland wildlife.
- Migratory Birds: Attracts a variety of migratory bird species during specific seasons.
- Wetland Wildlife: Provides a habitat for various wetland wildlife, including rare and endangered species.
- Conservation Efforts: Works to support the conservation of migratory birds and other wetland wildlife through habitat protection and educational programs.