Here is what a Hong Kong think tank is reporting about a secret North Korean military facility on Mt. Baekdu:

The North Korean leadership is believed to have established a temporary command center near the Chinese border, apparently to prepare for a military emergency, a think tank in Hong Kong has reported.The Kanwa Information Center said its analysis was based on satellite photos and informed sources.

It also said more than 10 helicopters, likely for use in evacuation, are stored in an underground facility of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces in Pyongyang.

According to the center, the wartime command headquarters is located at North Korean leader Kim Jong Il’s “guest house” on Mount Baekdusan on the border of North Korea and China.

Situated on a mountain standing more than 2,700 meters above sea level, the facility is apparently larger than any of Kim’s other villas, and would be difficult to approach for all but the most highly trained special forces, it said.

Much of it is situated underground, with subterranean passages linking it to an airport. A helicopter hangar was recently added.

The center said the location ensures easy evacuation from the country as it is also connected with China’s Jilin province by rail and road. [Asahi]

I did some snooping of the Mt. Baekdu area on Google Earth and with the help of the fantastic Google Earth mapping of North Korea that NK Econ Watch has been doing, I was able to spot what I believe is the palace referred to in the article:

The palace on the foothills of Paektusan near where North Korean mythology says Kim Jong-il was born:

The palace overlooks into China and has its own electrical substations, military base, and villas to support the Dear Leader when ever he is using this palace.  Most importantly it appears he has his own golf course in front of the palace:

Anyway when snooping around the area with Google Earth a number odd patterns can be seen cut into the hill sides:

On closer inspection these shapes appeared to cut as stand off areas around military facilities scattered through out the area.  Very interesting place to snoop around on if you are the type that likes to play around on Google Earth.