Moon and Kim ascend Mount Baekdu together

Posted on : 2018-09-20 17:23 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
In a gesture of peace, two leaders dip their hands into Heaven Lake
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un clasp hands and raise them high over their heads at the top of Mount Baekdu
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un clasp hands and raise them high over their heads at the top of Mount Baekdu

The leaders of South and North Korea climbed Mount Baekdu together all the way to Cheonji (Heaven Lake) at the top on Sept. 20.

After dipping the image of a new history into Heaven Lake, so deep that its water never dries, I’m going to write a new history of the two Koreas from this moment forth.” (North Korean leader Kim Jong-un)

“Now that the first step has been taken, more will follow in our footsteps, and I believe we are embarking upon an era where average South Korean citizens will be able to climb Mount Baekdu as tourists.” (South Korean President Moon Jae-in)

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un climbed the North Korean side of Mount Baekdu (which straddles the border between North Korea and China) to the mountain’s highest point, Janggun Peak, at 2,750m above sea level. Under a clear blue sky, the two leaders clasped hands and raised them high above their heads. As hiking buddies, the leaders of South and North Korea even went down into the crater of Heaven Lake and dipped their hands in the water.

Heaven Lake ㅐㄹ Mount Baekdu
Heaven Lake ㅐㄹ Mount Baekdu

The two leaders arrived at Janggun Peak, from which the entirety of Heaven Lake is visible, at 9:33 am. Standing underneath a deep blue sky without a cloud in sight, both Moon and Kim revealed their true, unadorned selves.

“The Chinese are jealous,” Kim explained, “because they can’t go down to Heaven Lake. But we can.”

Moon then asked, “Where’s the border [with China]?” Kim pointed to the border and offered his personal insight.

“It’s best to see in July and August,” North Korean first lady Ri Sol-ju said. “When the rhododendrons are in full bloom.”

“We also have rhododendrons in our back yard back home,” Moon said.

“The sunrise is the real spectacle, not the flower,” Kim said.

“Mount Halla also has Baekrokdam (White Deer Lake), but the water doesn’t come from a spring below. Rather, the lake’s formed entirely of rainwater, so it’s quite dry during droughts,” Moon said.

When Kim asked how deep Heaven Lake was, Ri replied that it was 325m deep.

“There are lots of legends surrounding Mount Baekdu,” Ri continued. “Some say a dragon lived here before flying off into the sky, while other stories say 99 fairies descended to bathe in the water because it’s so clear before going back to the heavens. Today, the arrival of the leaders of the two Koreas has created a new legend.”

“When interest in Mount Baekdu was at its height [back in the day], many South Koreans climbed the Chinese side of the mountain,” Moon reflected.

“But I resolved even then to climb the mountain not on the Chinese side but on Korean soil,” he continued. “I thought the day would come soon, but it only got further and further away. I thought the day would never come, but at last my wish has been fulfilled.”

Kim may visit Mount Halla in return during his visit to Seoul

Kim suggested to Moon that they descend the crater to Heaven Lake. Smiling, Moon said, “As long as Heaven Lake is okay with it, I’d like to dip my hand into the water.”

On the way down, Moon repeatedly thanked Kim for his hospitality. “When I think of the welcome I’ve received yesterday and today, I feel determined to repay the hospitality when you come to Seoul.”

“We should build a helicopter pad on top of Mount Halla,” said South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo, who had tagged along for the hike.

“When you come to Seoul, we’ll take you to Mount Halla,“ said South Korean Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Young-choon, who was also present.

“We’ve actually brought some water from Mount Halla,” said South Korean first lady Kim Jung-sook. “I’ll go down to Heaven Lake, pour out half into the lake, and fill the empty half with its water,” she added.

Upon arriving at the lake’s shore, Moon and his wife sat down and dipped their hands into the water.

By Seong Yeon-cheol, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]

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