The Kaema Plateau slopes downward towards the northern border of the People's Republic of China and is the largest tableland in Korea; it is often called "The roof of Korea".

It is one of the coldest areas of Korean Peninsula with elevation reaching as high as 1500m above sea level.

The climate and terrain are ill-suited for human habitation, consequently the ecosystem and wildlife are relatively untouched in the Kaema Plateau.

The area is a known habitat for many rare and endangered animals like Siberian tigers, Amur leopards, Siberian lynx, wolves, bears, Ussuri dholes, Yellow-throated marten.

Many wild birds such as black grouse, owls, and woodpeckers are known to inhabit the area.