Registered as a world biosphere reserve in July 2018, the Kumgangsan Biosphere Reserve covers a vast area of over 262 580 hectares.

Mt Kumgang is characterized by a rich species of plants including indigenous ones because of diverse topographical, climatic and other natural and geographical conditions. It is a habitat for over 1 220 species of higher plants and many other plants, including Pentactina rupicola, which are indigenous to the mountain. It also abounds with medicinal plants like wild insam, edible herbs and wild fruits, oil-bearing plants and mushrooms. It is inhabited by more than 250 species of vertebrates, 30 species of wild animals and 100 species of beautiful and useful birds.

Phoxinus kumgangensis and 20-odd species of fishes are found in the crystal-clear water running down from the deep valleys. Reptiles and several species of amphibians also live in the mountain.