Kim Jong-un 'climbs North Korea's highest mountain,' claims state media

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un climbed his country's highest mountain — a whopping 2,744 metres — to reach Mount Paektu's peak in time to watch the sun rise over North Korea, the country's state-run media claims.

"When one climbs snow-stormy Mt. Paektu and undergoes the blizzards over it, one can experience its real spirit and harden the resolution to accomplish the Korean revolution," Kim said, according to Korean Central News Agency DPRK.

"Climbing Mt. Paektu provides precious mental pabulum more powerful than any kind of nuclear weapon and it is the way for carrying forward the revolutionary traditions of Paektu and giving steady continuity to the glorious Korean revolution." 

Pictures released by state media showed the smiling dictator against the backdrop of snowy mountains and a blazing sun.

Kim was photographed both ankle-deep in snow and being greeted by enraptured pilots, who are characterized as "red goshawks."

Like his father Kim Jong-il, the supreme leader has made many media-documented visits to army bases, factories and other important sites.

This is one in a series of photo shoots showing Kim as an energetic man of the people.