| Average elevation | 600 m (1,969 ft) |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Mount Paektu: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) |
| Lowest point | Sea of Japan (East Sea): 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range | 2,750 m (9,022 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city | Samjiyŏn: 1,381 m (4,531 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city | Haeju: 11 m (36 ft) |
North Korea is a mountainous country with rugged terrain that covers 80% of its landmass. The mountains and plateaus in North Korea have complex geological formations, including igneous rock, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock structures.
The terrain in North Korea varies greatly, with numerous peaks, valleys, and plains. The eastern and western coastal lowlands are narrow with a smooth slope. In contrast, the southern plains are wide with gentle undulations.
North Korea has a well-balanced river system that consists of several major rivers such as the Amnok (or Yalu), the Tumen, and the Taedong. The large rivers have significant impacts on the nation's geography and economy.
The landscape of North Korea has affected the development of society and culture in the country. The mountainous terrain has provided a natural barrier against invasions and helped to preserve the unique social and cultural identity of the Korean people.
The highest point in North Korea is Mount Paektu, which stands at an elevation of 2,750 meters. This mountain is significant for its cultural and historical value as it is believed to be the birthplace of the Korean people and has played a vital role in shaping the Koreans' identity.
The lowest point in North Korea is the Sea of Japan (East Sea), which has an elevation of 0 meters. The sea serves as North Korea's eastern border and has a significant role in the nation's economy as it provides access to the Pacific Ocean.
North Korea's topography is similar to that of its neighboring countries, such as South Korea, China, and Japan. All these countries share the same mountain ranges, river systems, and coastlines that face the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea.
Samjiyŏn is the highest-elevation city in North Korea, at 1,381 m (4,531 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City | Elevation | Elevation in feet |
|---|---|---|
| Samjiyŏn | 1,381 m | 4,531 ft |
| Kanggye | 308 m | 1,010 ft |
| Sariwon | 75 m | 246 ft |
| Chongjin | 73 m | 240 ft |
| Wonsan | 39 m | 128 ft |
| Kaesong | 30 m | 98 ft |
| Hamhung | 24 m | 79 ft |
| Pyongyang | 16 m | 52 ft |
| Nampo | 12 m | 39 ft |
| Sinuiju | 12 m | 39 ft |
| Haeju | 11 m | 36 ft |
The highest point in North Korea is Mount Paektu, at 2,750 m (9,022 ft) above sea level.
The lowest point in North Korea is Sea of Japan (East Sea), at 0 m (0 ft).
The average elevation of North Korea is 600 m (1,969 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
Samjiyŏn is the highest-elevation city in North Korea, at 1,381 m (4,531 ft) above sea level.
Of the cities listed for North Korea, Haeju is the lowest, at 11 m (36 ft) above sea level.
Elevation in North Korea ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Sea of Japan (East Sea) to 2,750 m (9,022 ft) at Mount Paektu, a difference of 2,750 m (9,022 ft).